The Love I Hid from You

He stared at her, clearly dissatisfied with her lack of contact.

Joy pursed her lips and gathered her courage to meet Leon's gaze. "It turns out that Mr. Scott was worried about an insignificant sexual partner."

Joy, who was always well-behaved and obedient, suddenly lost her temper, which shocked Leon a little. He suddenly pulled Joy closer, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist. "Sexual partner? It only happened once in two years. How can you call this a casual sex relationship?"

Joy had no idea what had come over Leon. He gripped her chin and was about to kiss her.

Just then, a voice rang out beside them. "Leon, you're here. Charmaine was looking for you."

Leon frowned slightly, let go of Joy, and replied, "Got it. I'll be there right away."

Joy pretended to be surprised and asked Leon, "Do you know my sister?"

"They're not just acquaintances. Their relationship is even more exciting than you can imagine. Joy, just wait to be amazed." Leon's friend had a taunting look on his face.

When the two walked away, a trace of mockery flickered in Joy's eyes. These people thought she was still being kept in the dark and wanted to humiliate her today. Little did they know that she had long adjusted her mental state and was ready to cut all ties with Leon.

The dinner party was in full swing when the lights suddenly went out.

A spotlight instantly shone on the stage. Leon, dressed in a crisp suit, appeared in front of everyone with Charmaine, who wore a white gown.

Hector smiled, raised his hand to signal silence, and announced loudly, "We invited everyone here today to first welcome Charmaine, who has returned from studying abroad and, second, to announce some good news. The Quinn family and the Scott family are old friends. Charmaine and Leon were arranged to be wed many years ago. Now that they're in love, the engagement party will be held at the end of the month. Please become witnesses to their happiness then!"​

After Hector finished speaking, Leon's friends looked at Joy at the same time, waiting to see her break down, but Joy just stood quietly in the crowd, her expression calm, as if everything happening on stage had nothing to do with her.

Leon frowned slightly. He had imagined Joy losing control of her emotions when she learned about his relationship with Charmaine, but she was a little too calm right now.

Leon inexplicably felt annoyed. Charmaine keenly sensed that something was off with him and asked quickly, "Leon, what's wrong?"

Leon subtly withdrew his gaze. "Nothing. I was just a little distracted." He knew very well that Joy was deeply in love with him. There was no way Joy was unperturbed; she was just pretending.

...

Joy went to the washroom and washed her face with cold water. Recalling her love for Leon, she felt so stupid.

It was no wonder he had only touched her once in two years. It was not because he cherished her, but because he was unbothered. The first night she had always cherished was only the perfect material for him to ruin her reputation.

As soon as Joy returned to the banquet hall, Hector called her over. "Joy, come and say hello to your brother-in-law."

Joy walked up to Leon and displayed a perfect smile. "Hello, Leon."

Leon's expression froze when he heard her.

Charmaine was unaware of this and answered with a smile, "Joy, I heard that Leon is a board member at your school. What a coincidence. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to ask Leon for help. After all, we're all family."

Joy gritted her teeth and uttered, "I won't cause trouble for Leon." She did not look at Leon's expression, but she could feel his cold gaze. As if wrapped in the cold wind of winter, she trembled all over.

After some small talk, Joy prepared to leave.

Charmaine stepped forward and took her arm, feigning intimacy as she said, "Joy, we haven't seen each other for a long time. I have a lot to say to you." She dragged Joy to the lounge without saying anything.

As soon as the door closed, Charmaine put away her smile and replaced it with an icy expression. "Joy, I heard that you slept with Leon, and the video was spread everywhere. Do you think you can steal his heart using such despicable means? To tell you the truth, he doesn't like you at all. Not only does he dislike you, but he also hates you! I asked him to spread the fact that your mother is a homewrecker. I also instructed him to pursue you. I just wanted to see you fall in love with him, only to be destroyed by him!"