Claimed in Public

"Yeah, I am."

Leon never hesitated to take the initiative.

During the following days, he and I shared every meal. On the occasions when his schedule permitted, he would accompany me while I shopped after we ate. Having him by my side drew a significant amount of attention from passersby.

Following our outings, he would never fail to escort me back home. As if by some sleight of hand, he would always reveal a present from within his vehicle.

The gifts varied. At times, he presented me with rare, limited-edition handbags. On other occasions, it was exquisite jewelry of immense value, sourced from high-end auctions.

Initially, I was hesitant to receive such lavish items.

However, his demeanor became remarkably solemn. "Miss Bennett, if we’re in the stage of getting to know each other, then that means I’m pursuing you.

"Giving gifts or anything else is simply part of the cost I should bear. Plus, it’s all well within what I can afford. If you don’t accept them, I’ll take it as you refusing to continue seeing me."

As he said that, he lowered his gaze slightly. "Or… is that what you mean?"

The look of disappointment on his face left me completely speechless.

Ultimately, I was left with no other option but to take the shopping bags home with me.

As the days passed, I began to feel as though I was being buried under his wealth. The constant stream of his generosity started to make me feel quite uncomfortable.

To return the favor, I arrived at a department store well before our dinner one afternoon, intent on finding a gift for him in return.

However, after a lengthy search through the aisles, I realized there wasn’t a single practical item that Leon seemed to actually require. I finally settled on a versatile tie from a brand he frequently wore.

Just as I was paying and having it wrapped, a familiar scoff came from behind me.

"Ava, finally done throwing your tantrum?"

My body stiffened instantly because I knew that voice.

Brogan Sheppard.

I turned around. Brogan and a few of his friends were standing at the store entrance, looking at me with lazy amusement. I didn’t spare him a second glance. I turned back and continued waiting for the staff to finish wrapping.

However, his friends had no intention of letting it go.

"Shopping, Ava? That’s a man’s tie. Picking something out for Brogan?"

"That style totally matches the suit he’s wearing today. You really put thought into it!"

"But after all that fuss, Brogan’s actually pretty annoyed. One tie might not be enough to smooth things over…"

Amid the chatter, Brogan let out a low scoff. "Who said I need a tie? But if you apologize properly, I can give you a way out."

His voice made my stomach turn.

I didn’t even look at him. "I’ve already resigned. I'm Ava Bennett, not your assistant. And this isn’t for Brogan. Can you stop making everything about yourselves?"

As soon as I said that, the smug smiles on their faces slowly faded.

Brogan’s expression darkened, too. He stared at me for a long moment. "You’re still not done with this act? That’s enough, Ava. I don’t have that much patience."

Then he glanced at the neatly wrapped tie in the clerk’s hands, a mocking edge in his tone as he remarked, "A man’s tie… Who else could you possibly be giving it to?"

I paid, took the gift, and turned to leave. "For my blind date. Got a problem with that?"

Brogan’s eyes narrowed. "Didn’t you say you weren’t going?"

I kept walking, the gift bag in hand. "I changed my mind."

His voice dropped instantly. "Who is it?"

I paused for a second, then chose to tell the truth.

"Leon Williamson."

The moment that name, which was so well-known in our circle, left my mouth, the group fell into a noticeable silence.