As Taylor's threat hung in the air, Leonora felt her lungs about to burst from frustration, her face turning pale with waves of anger. He always did this, pinpointing her weak spots - her deep care for her parents and her fear of alarming them. Feeling choked up, the rims of Leonora's eyes turned red with suppressed rage.
Downstairs, Taylor spoke nonchalantly, "Leonora, I'm starting the countdown now." With that, he hung up the call.
Leonora fumed, wishing Taylor would just spontaneously combust right then and there. After stewing in front of her desk for a half-minute, the thought of Taylor actually coming to knock on her door and spilling the beans to her parents made her grit her teeth and head towards the living room. She also pondered on how she couldn't keep being manipulated like this; she needed a way out. As for her parents, she figured she'd better start prepping some sort of preemptive explanation to soften the blow, in case Taylor decided to stir up trouble. They were both teachers, honorable and upright, and had instilled in Leonora the importance of integrity from a young age.
But with Taylor, it felt like she was being dragged through the mud.
Opening her bedroom door to step into the living room, Leonora managed to compose herself somewhat, saying, "Mom, Joselyn's feeling down. I'm going to take a walk with her to cheer her up. We'll be back soon."
Joselyn was Leonora's ride-or-die since childhood, privy to every secret and shared experience. Hearing that Joselyn was upset, Leonora's mom didn't object, only advising them to return home early. Leonora agreed and then headed downstairs.
But as soon as she stepped out, her expression soured, all her displeasure written plainly on her face. Spotting Taylor's familiar Maybach parked below, Leonora shot it a disdainful glance and shoved her hands into her pajama pockets, continuing forward. Taylor, noticing her demeanor, started the car and slowly followed her.
After trailing beside her for a while, seeing that Leonora still refused to get in, Taylor couldn't help but chuckle. He was well aware of the pressure he was exerting on Leonora, but sometimes, her little bouts of defiance amused him, spicing up his otherwise dull life.
It wasn't until Leonora nearly reached the complex gate that Taylor honked twice, signaling it was time to hop in. At the sound of the horn, Leonora turned around, scanning the area to ensure no one was watching before sliding into the passenger seat.
Leonora was dressed in a watermelon-patterned pajama set, a common choice among girls, nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, Taylor found it amusing and endearing. Noticing her lips stained red, a smirk played on his lips.
Without inquiring about her lips first, he asked, "So, I need to honk to get you to come?"
Leonora turned away, her face clearly showing her annoyance, "You think I'd just boldly get in with you parked right in front of my house?"
Her mood didn't bother Taylor; instead, he pulled over, engaging in a light debate, "Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?"
Leonora couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. It wasn't about pride; how would she explain their relationship to acquaintances? Introduce him as what, her sugar daddy?


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