Put Me in Jail and He Came Begging

Chapter 15: The Encounter

The night air was crisp and filled with the faint hum of the city as Alina made her way to the charity gala hosted at the luxurious Romano Hotel. Dressed in a stunning emerald gown that hugged her curves and set off her striking features, she was determined to face the world with a new sense of confidence. Her business, a boutique investment firm, had taken off, earning her respect and recognition in the financial sector. Tonight, she was not just Alina, the woman with a troubled past, but Alina, the successful entrepreneur.

The grand ballroom was a spectacle of opulence, with chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The sound of soft jazz music filled the air, mingling with the chatter and laughter of the city's elite. Alina held her head high, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces. She was here for business, to network and establish connections, but she couldn't ignore the slight flutter in her chest at the thought of possibly seeing Leonardo.

As she moved through the crowd, she exchanged polite greetings and engaged in light conversations with various business magnates and socialites. Her confidence was a stark contrast to the timid, heartbroken woman she had been. She had learned to mask her emotions, to present a facade of strength and indifference. It was a skill she had perfected, especially when it came to Leonardo.

Halfway through the evening, she found herself standing by the bar, sipping on a glass of champagne. She had managed to avoid Sophia and her clique, who were also present at the event. It was a small victory, but one she relished. She was about to turn away when she felt a familiar presence beside her.

"Alina."

The deep, resonant voice sent a shiver down her spine. She turned to see Leonardo standing there, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever in a tailored black suit. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world around them faded away.

"Leonardo," she replied, her voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil she felt inside.

He gave her a once-over, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "You look stunning," he said, his tone sincere.

"Thank you," she replied coolly. "You don't look too bad yourself."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I was hoping to see you tonight. How have you been?"

"Busy," she answered. "The business is doing well. I've been focusing on that."

"I'm glad to hear that," he said, taking a step closer. "I've missed seeing you around."

Alina raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Is that so? I thought you were too busy with your latest conquest to notice."

Leonardo's expression darkened slightly. "I deserve that," he admitted. "But I was hoping we could talk. Somewhere private."

She hesitated, the old wounds still fresh in her mind. But curiosity and a need for closure won out. "Alright," she agreed. "Lead the way."

He guided her to a private lounge off to the side of the ballroom. The room was quiet and intimate, with plush sofas and a low table. He closed the door behind them, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed.

They sat down, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Leonardo leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and looked at her intently. "Alina, I owe you an apology. For everything."

She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I was blind to your feelings, and I took you for granted," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I hurt you in ways I can't even begin to apologize for. And I'm sorry."