The Silent Muse

Chapter 18

Here's a chapter that focuses on Leonard and Hanna. Brotherly and sisterly love.Tgis chapter  will be in regular type style so enjoy 😉 😊

________________

Leonard arrived in Korea with a sense of excitement, his mind buzzing with plans. It had been too long since he’d seen his little sister, and he hoped his visit would be a pleasant surprise. As the wheels of his private jet touched down, he found himself eager to catch up with Hanna, to check in and see how she’d been adjusting to life here. Despite his role in the mafia world, his sister's well-being always took priority, and he couldn’t wait to see her face light up when she saw him.

Stepping off the jet, Leonard was met by his usual entourage, but he waved off any ceremony or formalities. This trip was personal, a rare break from his responsibilities, and he wanted to experience it without the weight of his usual obligations. His sole focus was Hanna—no work, no business meetings, just time with his sister.

He instructed his driver to take him straight to her apartment. The drive was quiet, giving him time to observe the bustling city around him, absorbing the scenery of Seoul with a blend of curiosity and interest. It was vastly different from his world in America, yet the contrast only fueled his desire to understand more about his sister’s life here.

When he reached Hanna’s apartment, he noticed the faint lights glowing through the curtains. Smiling to himself, he instructed his men to wait in the car and walked up to the door, a small bouquet in hand. He wanted this to feel like a real reunion, not a business encounter.

Hanna opened the door, clearly surprised. Her eyes widened slightly before she gave a soft, exhausted smile. She took a step back, allowing Leonard inside. He scanned her face, instantly noticing the faint shadow under her eyes and a slight heaviness to her expression. She looked beautiful as ever, but something seemed off.

“Surprise!” he said, trying to keep the moment light. “I couldn’t stay away any longer. Thought I’d drop by and see my favorite person in the world.”

Hanna managed a laugh, though it lacked her usual energy. “Leonard, you could have called.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?” he quipped, setting the bouquet on her kitchen counter. But his tone softened as he continued. “You okay? You seem…different.”

Hanna shrugged, busying herself by putting the flowers in a vase. “Just…adjusting to a lot here, I guess. It’s been a whirlwind.”

Leonard moved closer, his protective instincts kicking in. “If there’s anything bothering you, you can tell me. You know that, right?”

She nodded, but he could see she was holding something back. Leonard sighed, deciding not to press too much. He hadn’t flown halfway across the world to pry into her life; he wanted her to open up on her own terms.

“Alright,” he said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “How about a night out, just the two of us? Let’s explore this city together, have some good food, and maybe…forget about the rest of the world for a bit.”

Hanna smiled, this time more genuinely, and nodded. “That sounds good.”

---

They decided on a quiet restaurant with a cozy ambiance, tucked away from the busier streets of Seoul. Leonard ordered a variety of dishes, eager to try new flavors and share the experience with Hanna. As they dined, he kept the conversation light, asking her about her favorite spots in the city, her recent hobbies, and any friends she might have made.

However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was weighing heavily on her mind. There were moments when her smile would waver, her eyes would drift, and she seemed distant. Leonard’s concern grew, though he continued to keep the conversation cheerful, hoping she’d eventually open up.