CHAPTER SEVEN

A NEW DAWN

Leon stormed out of the café, his mind filled with anger and frustration. He scanned the street, hoping to catch sight of Lena, but she was already getting into her car. "Lena, wait!" he shouted, but she didn’t stop. She slammed the door shut and sped off, leaving Leon standing helplessly on the sidewalk.

Clenching his fists in frustration, Leon turned back towards the café. Clara was still there, looking happy despite the scene she had caused. The sight of her triggered his anger even more. He marched back inside, ignoring the curious stares from the other customers.

"Clara, what the hell was that?" he snapped, his voice low but filled with fury.

Clara looked up, her eyes widening in feigned innocence. "Leon, I just…"

"Save it," he interrupted harshly. "I don't know what you were trying to achieve with that stunt, but let me make one thing clear we will never be together again. Ever."

Clara's eyes filled with tears, and she began to sob dramatically. The café fell silent as everyone turned to watch. "Please, Leon," she cried, "I was just trying to…"

"Cut the act, Clara," Leon said, his voice was cold. "I know your games too well. You’re not fooling anyone."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked out, leaving Clara to her theatrics. He could hear her cries growing louder as he exited, but he didn’t look back. He got into his car and drove off, his thoughts a chaotic mix of anger and worry for Lena.

After a tense drive, Leon arrived at Lena's house. He knocked on the door, his heart pounding. There was no answer. He knocked again, louder this time. "Lena, please, open the door! I need to talk to you."

Finally, the door opened a crack, and Lena's face appeared, her eyes red from crying. "What do you want, Leon?" she asked, her voice strained.

Leon took a deep breath. "Lena, please, let me explain. What you saw back there…"

"I saw enough," Lena interrupted, trying to keep her composure. "If you want to go back to your ex-wife, that’s fine by me."

"That’s not what I want," Leon said firmly. "Clara kissed me, but it meant nothing. You are more important to me than anyone else."

Lena stared at him, her expression was not readable. "You say that now, but how do I know you won't change your mind? I've been hurt before, Leon. I can't go through that again."

Leon stepped closer, with a soft voice. "Lena, I know you’re scared. But I promise you, I’m not going back to Clara. She’s part of my past, and you’re my future. I want to be with you."

Lena looked away, her emotions in turmoil. "I need time to think, Leon. Please, just go. I’ll talk to you later."

Leon nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but please, just remember what I said. You mean everything to me, Lena."

She closed the door, and Leon stood there for a moment, hoping she would change her mind and let him back in. When it became clear that wasn’t going to happen, he sighed and walked back to his car.

Meanwhile, Clara returned to her apartment, her mind racing. She couldn’t believe how badly the day had gone. Her attempts to win Leon back had failed spectacularly, and now she was more determined than ever to ruin him.

She picked up her phone and dialed David's number. He answered on the second ring. "Clara, what’s going on?"

"David, we need to move forward with our plan," Clara said, her voice filled with anger. "I’m ready to ruin Leon. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it."

David chuckled. "I knew you’d come around. We’ll make sure Leon regrets ever crossing us."

Clara nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. "Just tell me what to do."

"I’ll be in touch soon," David promised. "For now, just keep your eyes and ears open. We’ll strike when the time is right."

Clara hung up the phone, a grim smile spreading across her face. She would make Leon pay for rejecting her, no matter the cost.