Riding with Desire

Chapter 6

Leo

Maybe I shouldn't tell her; it is unexpected to see her in my showroom. Chase handed me a file this morning related to what I asked him for a week ago. I am so proud of my guess that it's true, and I get carried away. I am not shocked; it is normal for me. But for someone who sees their parents as their role models, it's a big deal. My heart aches when her beautiful eyes fill with tears and wet her cheeks. Fuck, I don't know what to do it's my fault, but it's true. She has to learn this sooner or later. 

I would never have thought that I could hold her, but something inside me wanted to protect her, protect her from the dirty world and the evil people. But I am no better than anyone. After a few moments, she finally stops crying. I wonder what she is thinking.

"Thank you, Leo," she says. My name on her lips always sounds sweeter. I never imagined that someone could make a name sound so pretty. I brush my fingers through her long hair. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have dropped the bomb on you like this," I say. But it's the truth, I don't even hesitate to spare my own parents from the truth when Liam dies, but that's another story. Somehow, I feel I should apologize to her.

"No, I prefer to stay in harsh reality rather than a fake paradise." She wipes her tears as she breaks contact with me. My hand turns into a fist against my thigh. I wish she could just stay in my arms; I would fight the world for her—stop! But I am impressed that she would rather live in a harsh reality. That's my girl, a wave of pride touches my heart.

 "What are you going to do now?" I ask. I don't expect her to question her parents and all—it wouldn't change anything. "I don't know... yet!" The shock is big for her, I assume. I take a deep breath, knowing that no matter how much I want to help, there's nothing I can do regarding this matter. She gets up from the couch and looks at me.

"I don't know why you're interested in my life and finding out all that, but – I guess thanks for letting me know. I can't believe I've spent my whole life in the dark, thinking my father is a good person. What if my mom finds out? I can't imagine that." She walks back and forth in front of me, talking to herself, as I sit back and watch her.

"I can't study anymore, knowing that it's... it's just not fair. I'm quitting med school." My eyes widen as she says that. I am not expecting this from her—four years wasted just like that? I get that she's emotional right now, but she has worked so hard. Knowing her grades, she deserves to be a doctor, and I'm sure she will be a good one.

I get up from my place and stand in front of her, my heart pounding. "You can't just quit your hard work for the last four years and give up on med school. You are so close to finishing." "But, that's corrupt money – how can I continue to do that? How can I save lives when I know –" She is on the verge of tears, her voice breaking. I hold her gently by her arms, looking directly into her eyes. "Look, your dad starts this just now. That means all your previous years, you work hard for yourself and earn that." She shakes her head, tears streaming down her face. "It doesn't matter. It's all tainted now. I can't live with this guilt." She is right, someone like her- would never accept that, but still - "Listen to me," I say softly but firmly. "You've come this far because of your own dedication and hard work. Don't let his mistakes destroy your future. You can still be the amazing doctor you've always dreamed of becoming." She starts thinking and I am pretty sure she's going through all the days she has been working hard.

"You are out here for too long, your parents might be looking for you – " I said stroking her hair softly. She nods, I can tell she doesn't want to go, after learning the truth, and I also don't want her to go - but her absence can create scenc. She looks at the file which is on the couch and walks out of the office and I follow her. Her parents are talking and looking at the car that her mother selects for them. She comes behind them and silently says, as I do so, I shouldn't be here but Fuck – I can't leave her alone like this when she's so vulnerable. Her mom turns, "Where were you, Sophie, your father and I are going to buy this car! Do you like it, honey? It's so comfy from inside." She smiles with excitement. "Yea- didn't you look for something for yourself, honey?" his father says.