My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 134: For How Long?

Leonard sat at the edge of the bed, tying his cufflinks with precision. His face was as flat as ever, his movements sharp, efficient, detached. His jaw tightened as the faint sound of slippers shuffling approached from the hallway.

Katherine.

"Good morning, Leonard," her gentle voice chimed from behind him. Sweet. Cheerful. Like sunlight that didn’t belong in his world.

Leonard didn’t turn to look. "Morning," he responded, monotone, clipped. Politeness. Nothing more.

She padded softly into the room, her figure reflected in the mirror before him. Her hair was still a little damp from her shower, tucked behind her ears. She wore a soft knit cardigan over a simple floral dress, her face fresh without makeup.

There was no reason for her to look that... warm. Comfortable.

Katherine held a tray—two slices of toast, scrambled eggs, and a cup of black coffee—his coffee, just how he liked it. She set it carefully on the table beside the window, glancing his way. "I... I wasn’t sure if you already had breakfast, so I made you something."

Leonard adjusted his watch, not bothering to meet her gaze. "I don’t usually eat breakfast at home."

"I know... but it’s... it’s good to start the day with something," she said, her tone soft, maybe a little nervous. "At least the coffee then."

He finally looked up, their eyes meeting through the mirror. For a brief second, something flickered in her expression—hope, maybe—but he quickly broke the eye contact, standing and buttoning his suit jacket.

"This wasn’t a real marriage, Katherine," he said, voice low but sharp. "You don’t need to do... wife things."

Katherine flinched. Just a little. Her fingers curled on the edge of the tray. But she still smiled. Brave. Gentle. Unwilling to let his words crush her. "I know..." Her smile faltered but didn’t fade. "But... we’re married. At least on paper. We share the same house now. I just think..." She bit her lip. "Being kind doesn’t hurt anyone, does it?"

Leonard sighed under his breath, running a hand through his hair. Why is she like this?

He should’ve been grateful that she wasn’t like the other woman—wasn’t loud, manipulative, or demanding. But instead, she was... this. Soft. Quiet. Trying. Trying too hard.

"Do what you want," he muttered, grabbing his briefcase.

Katherine blinked rapidly but nodded. "Okay."

He walked past her, heading for the front door. But halfway there, her voice called out softly again. "Leonard..."

He paused. Shoulders stiffened. "What."

"I... I packed your lunch too. It’s on the dining table." Her hands wrung together nervously. "It’s nothing fancy. Just... something simple. If you don’t want it, that’s okay..."

Leonard stood frozen for a second. His gaze slid to the brown paper bag neatly sitting by the cabinet.

"...I’m just going to eat in cafetaria." His voice was colder this time.

"Oh." Her smile wobbled, but she nodded quickly, stepping back like she didn’t want to be in his way. "That’s okay. I’ll just... leave it there. Just in case."

Without another word, Leonard opened the door and left.

The walk to his car was silent. Too silent. He could still hear her voice in his head, soft, uncertain. Could still see the way her hands trembled slightly as she placed the food on the table.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

They weren’t supposed to act like husband and wife. This wasn’t love. This was a contract. A compromise born from whatever stupid agreement they father made.

He was supposed to keep his distance. She was supposed to stay out of his way.

So why... why was she trying?

Why did she greet him with a smile every morning? Why did she prepare his meals when she knew he wouldn’t eat them? Why did she ask him how his day was when they barely exchanged ten words?

That night, Leonard arrived home later than usual. On purpose.

He sighed, loosening his tie as he stepped inside. It had been a week. Seven days since that ridiculous wedding. Seven days since they signed papers that turned strangers into... whatever this was supposed to be. Husband and wife in name only. No promises. No affection. Just a damn contract their fathers forced onto them for the sake of old promises.

This was his routine now. Come home late. Pretend to be busy. Avoid unnecessary conversations. It was better this way. Cleaner. Less complicated.

The less they saw each other, the easier this arrangement would be.

Leonard shrugged off his blazer and tossed it onto the couch, dragging a tired hand through his hair. Maybe... maybe he should start going to the office earlier too. Get out before she woke up. That way, he wouldn’t have to see her standing in the kitchen, wearing that damn apron, greeting him with that forced, gentle smile like this was some normal marriage.

She wasn’t supposed to try. Neither of them were.

So why did it feel... wrong?

Why did it bother him when he caught glimpses of her checking the time, waiting for him? Or when he overheard her quietly asking the housekeeper if he’d already eaten?

No. No. This wasn’t his problem.

When he stepped inside, the living room lights were still on. Katherine was curled up on the sofa, a book resting in her lap, but her head drooped, eyes shut. She had fallen asleep waiting.

A soft blanket was draped over her shoulders. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful in sleep. Innocent.

Leonard stood there, frozen by the doorway. Something squeezed in his chest. Something unfamiliar. Something uncomfortable.

Slowly, carefully, he stepped closer. He didn’t wake her. Didn’t say anything. Just... watched.

Her lips twitched slightly like she was dreaming. A strand of hair fell across her face, and for a stupid second, his fingers twitched with the urge to brush it away.

What are you doing...

Leonard clenched his fists. Turned away. Walked toward his bedroom without a word.

As he shut the door behind him, leaning against it with a heavy sigh, only one bitter thought circled in his mind.

"For how long... For how long do I have to endure this?"