A few hours later, I stepped out onto the small balcony attached to the guestroom. The air was fresh, still tinged with the scent of the night's rain. Inside, Leo was asleep again, his breathing soft, his fingers still lightly curled around the edge of the blanket I tucked under his arm.
I leaned against the railing, holding my phone, which had just vibrated with a call from Bryle.
I answered quickly, keeping my voice low.
"Hello?"
"Melody?" Bryle's voice was sharp, laced with worry. "I've been trying to reach Leo since yesterday. What happened? Where is he? The investors—"
"He's okay now," I cut in gently, but firmly. "But yesterday... something happened. He had an episode. A panic attack, I think."
There was a pause on the other end. "I… I had a feeling. He looked off before the meeting. Damn it, I should've—" Bryle sighed. "Is he awake now?"
"He's resting," I replied. "He needs to rest, Bryle. He's been pushing himself too hard, for too long. He can't go to the meeting today."
Another beat of silence.
"So... what do we do?" he asked.
I straightened up, resolve settling in my chest. "I'll handle it."
"You?" Bryle sounded surprised—but not skeptical.
"Yes," as I said with quiet confidence. "I've been helping with his presentation drafts. I know what's at stake. I'll go to the meeting in his place."
"You sure, Mel? It's a big deal. They're expecting Leo."
"I know," I muttered. "But what Leo needs right now isn't another meeting. He needs space to breathe. And someone to protect him from being pulled back into that pressure."
Bryle was silent for a few seconds, then let out a soft chuckle. "You're something else, Melody Violet."
I smiled faintly. "You'll brief me on the rest before the meeting, right?"
"Of course. I'll send everything to your phone and meet you at the office in an hour."
"Thanks, Bryle."
"Hey," he said before hanging up, his voice softer now, "take care of him. He's... not good at asking for help. But I think he's lucky to have you."
I looked back into the room, where Leo slept soundly, his features no longer burdened with pain.
"I won't let him go through this alone," I muttered. "Not ever again."
Just after hanging up the call with Bryle, the front door creaked open downstairs. My head turned,as my heart jumping at the unexpected sound. I stepped out of Leo's room, cautious yet hopeful, and saw a familiar tall figure entering—Mr. Cyprus, Leo's father.
He looked exhausted, his coat still on, eyes scanning until they landed on her. "Where's Leo?"
I led him quietly to the room where Leo lay resting, his chest rising and falling peacefully under the soft duvet.
"He had a breakdown," as I said softly, "but he's stable now. He just needs rest—away from everything."
Mr. Cyprus stared at his son for a long, heavy moment, the lines on his face deepening with worry. "I should've been there…"
"You're here now," I said, watching him carefully place a hand on Leo's shoulder. "He's been through a lot. But he's fighting."
A silence hung between us before I finally spoke up again—my voice firmer this time.
"I want to meet with the investors today."
Mr. Cyprus blinked, surprised. "You?"
"I know what's at stake, and I know how hard Leo's worked for this company. He needs time to recover. Let me take the pressure off him—just this once."
He turned to face me fully, searching my face. And I admit it, there was fear in my eyes, but beneath it, I face the fierce of determination.
"I've worked with him closely. I know the material. I've watched him lead. I'll represent him with everything I have."
There was a pause. Then slowly, Mr. Cyprus gave a small, proud nod. "You're not just a secretary anymore, are you?"
My eyes widened slightly.
"You've become his pillar. His home. If you truly want to do this, then I'll give you what you need." He stepped closer, voice lowering. "From this moment on, no one can question your place—not in the boardroom, and not in this family."
He met my gaze with warmth.
"As far as I'm concerned, you are Leo Cyprus's fiancée. And I'll stand by that."
My breath caught, trembling with emotion—but I didn't look away.
"Thank you," I whispered. "I won't let him down."
The office was already in motion when I stepped inside. Staff moved quickly, papers stacked high, screens glowing with presentations and charts. Bryle was by the entrance when he noticed my arrival.
"Melody? You're here?" He rushed over me. "What happened? Is Leo—?"
"He's resting now," I answered him calmly. "He needs time away from the pressure."
Bryle hesitated. "And... the meeting?"
"I'll be the one to meet the investors," I said with full of determinations.
He blinked. "You sure?"
I nodded, straightening the blazer I wore. "I can do this. For Leo. And for all of you."
People around us were already listening. Some stopped typing. Others turned from their desks.
"We were worried," someone said from the side. "Leo always handles these kinds of meetings."
"I know," I replied. "But I also know that he believes in all of you. And I do, too. That hasn't changed just because he's not here today."
Bryle smiled faintly, touched by my confidence. "Alright. Then let's make it count."
I inhaled deeply and my hand briefly brushing my chest where my heart beat strong and fast.
"After this,"
"I'll return to him."