Chapter 31

Irene'S POV I knew Leon had been looking forward to our date for days. His excitement was contagious, and I could feel it bubbling inside me as well. After having given him the answer he wanted, a simple, quiet evening together felt like the perfect way to celebrate the next chapter of our lives. But when the last-minute call came in for the ad campaign shoot, I could see the disappointment flicker across his face, even though he tried to hide it. “Work?” he asked lightly, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings. I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. “Just a quick shoot. I promise it won’t take long. I’ll be at your office by afternoon.” Leon sighed, but his lips curved into a small smile. “I’ll hold you to that.” He pulled me closer, his hands warm and reassuring on my back as he kissed me. It was more or less like a promise that our time together was just on hold, not canceled. The shoot started off smoothly. I was in my element, directing the models, adjusting the lighting, and capturi