The moment they stepped outside the boutique, the heavy glass doors closed behind them with a soft thud, like announcing that everyone inside the store would be better off without them in it Tom finally let out a shaky breath. Leon turned to look at his face, expecting traces of fear or uncertainty regarding his source of livelihood being snatched in just one go. But instead, he found relief, like a pressure valve releasing after months of being held underwater. Tom’s shoulders were dropped with ease, but his jaw stayed tight, his hands clenched and unclenched as if trying to find their place in the world where everything had changed within the blink of an eye. The sunlight hit his face, and slowly, the anger from the confrontation began melting into a sense of relief. He dragged a hand across his face, muttering to himself, loud enough for Leon to catch the words. “I… actually did it. I have wanted to quit for months… but I needed the money. Tuition, rent… life doesn’t stop

The manager’s cheek burned with the imprint of the slap, the sound still echoing through the bridal shop like a thunderclap. For a moment, the entire boutique seemed frozen, as if even the crystal chandeliers were holding their breath. He stared at the owner with wild disbelief, clutching his face as humiliation and confusion twisted together. “Sir—why? What did I do?” he demanded, voice cracking. “I was protecting the shop’s image! I handled everything according to the rules!” His eyes darted to Leon and Tom with hatred, as if they were somehow responsible for the madness swallowing him whole. He could not accept the possibility that correcting these two “nobodies” might be considered a mistake.The owner turned toward him with an expression dripping with disappointment, the kind that cut deeper than any scolding. His voice came out sharp, clipped, and icy. “Protecting the shop’s image?” he repeated. “Is that what you call this insulting display?” The manager blinked rapidly, openin

Leon stepped out of the bridal shop with Tom still trailing behind him, but his mind had already shifted to the next task. He couldn’t afford to pause… not today, not when every step he took was for Mia. The Pure White Palace was his next destination, and the thought alone brought a subtle heaviness to his chest. Years ago, Mia’s wedding to him had been rushed, quiet, nothing more than signatures on paper and a small, plain dinner afterward. She hadn’t complained, not even once… not because she was completely satisfied with all the arrangements, but because she didn't consider him trustworthy enough to express her disappointment or dissatisfaction to him. Actually, she didn't consider him anything at all. But for Leon… for him, it was the most beautiful moment of his life. Even without any flowers, gowns, or celebrations, it was the day that had brought Mia into his life, the one he had been blessed with… the delicate flower whose fragrance was still lingering through his entire

Leon did not flinch.The gang leader’s desperate threat, declaring him as someone to be scared of, still hung in the air, but Leon stood amidst the fallen men like a silent mountain, unmoved, unbothered, and impossibly calm. The Pure White Palace lobby felt frozen in time; even the chandelier lights seemed to dim under the weight of the tension.Employees hid behind the counter, breaths shallow and eyes wide. No one dared speak.The receptionist, whose cheek still throbbed from the earlier slap, clasped the edge of the desk with trembling hands. She didn’t know whether she wanted Leon to run or to finish this confrontation with the same decisive strength he’d shown moments ago.But Leon simply looked at the small gang leader—expression cold, eyes unreadable.The man staggered to his feet, face pale, disbelief twisting his features. He had never expected his men to fall so quickly. He had never imagined that someone dressed so plainly could fight back, let alone dominate the fight.“Y–

Crushing, dominating pressed down on the Pure White Palace so heavily it felt like the chandeliers themselves stopped swaying.Rafa stood frozen in front of Leon, trembling so visibly that even the flowers on the front desk seemed to quiver in response. His men stared at him like they were watching their own world crack open.Leon hadn’t moved. Hadn’t spoken. Hadn’t even changed expression.He merely stood there—calm, still, unreadable.And somehow, that terrified Rafa more than a gun to his head ever could.For a moment, nobody in the hall breathed, watching Rafa drop down. Not slowly or hesitantly, there was no sense of pride stiffening his spine.He fell to his knees.The sound of his body hitting the marble cracked through the lobby like a whip.Gasps erupted from every corner.Two hostesses screamed.The bartender stumbled backward and hit the counter.The florist covered her mouth, eyes huge with disbelief.Even the janitor’s mop clattered to the ground, water spreading across