Chapter 79
With a sigh, Nora turned down the hallway, passing glass–walled offices where conversations hummed in the background.
The walls were lined with framed posters, each one a reminder of past productions and successes.
A group of Interns huddled near the editing room, whispering excitedly over a storyboard.
Just as she neared her office, a familiar voice called out.
“Nora 1 Just the woman I was looking for!”
She turned to see Leo approaching with his usual energy. He was dressed in his signature half–polished, half–casual style–his white shirt slightly unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, tie hanging loosely around his neck. His grin was as infuriatingly smug as ever.
“What did I do this time?” Nora asked, crossing her arms.
Leo placed a hand over his chest. “Why do you always assume the worst of me?”
“Experience.”
He laughed but then gestured toward his office. “Come on. I have something for
Nora narrowed her eyes. “If this is another prank-”
“No pranks. Just a surprise.”
you.”
With cautious curiosity, she followed him inside. As soon as she stepped in, her eyes landed on a neatly wrapped gift box sitting on his desk.
She stopped.
“What is this?” she asked, wary.
Leo smirked, leaning against the desk. “Guess.”
Nora glanced at him, then back at the box. She stepped forward slowly, fingers hovering over the ribbon. Then, taking a breath, she reached for it.
The late afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden hue across the wooden table where the ornate gift box sat.
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The box itself was crafted with exquisite detail–its dark mahogany surface gleamed under the light, intricate carvings of swirling clouds and mythical beasts adorning its edges.
Nora hesitated for a moment before reaching out, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface.
The moment she touched the lid, a faint yet invigorating scent drifted into the air–a fusion of aged oak, delicate herbs, and a subtle trace of floral sweetness.
It was an aroma that spoke of time, of patience, of craftsmanship honed over generations.
Intrigued, she carefully lifted the lid, and her breath hitched.
Leo, standing beside her, watched her reaction with a small, satisfied smile.
His sharp yet gentle gaze held a quiet warmth, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly as if pleased with himself for finding the perfect gift.
“This,” he said, gesturing toward the pot, “is a full–moon herbal wine.
It’s only brewed on the night of the full moon, using the rarest ingredients gathered from the mountains, and prepared by the most skilled winemaker in the tribe.” His voice carried a note of pride, but there was something else beneath it–a desire to see her truly appreciate what he had brought.
Nora’s eyes widened. She had read about such a wine before, but she never expected to see one in
person.
“Leo…” she murmured, still processing the significance of the gift. “This is far too precious. I can’t accept it.”
Leo tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable for a moment before he chuckled softly, “You’re already holding it,” he pointed out, teasingly.
“I can’t just take this for free,” she said, shaking her head. “It wouldn’t feel right.”
Leo crossed his arms, his posture casual but firm. “Why not? I know you’ve been looking for a gift for your grandmother. My grandfather loved collecting, and he had this stored away for years. He would be happy knowing it’s being given to someone who truly values it.” His voice softened slightly. “Besides, it’s a gift. No need to make it complicated.”
Nora bit her lip, torn between gratitude and unease.
She wasn’t used to receiving something so valuable without offering something in return.
She met Leo’s any hint of insincerity, but there was none, Just quiet sincerity and a
gaze, searching for hint of amusement at her internal struggle.
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“Then…. let me at least pay you for it,” she said, her tone resolute.
Leo frowned slightly. “That’s unnecessary.”
“But I insist,” she countered, just as stubborn.
They stood like that for a moment–locked in an unspoken battle of wills. Finally, after a long pause, Leo exhaled through his nose and gave in with a half–smile. “Fine. But not with money.”
Nora blinked, surprised. Then what?”
“Dinner,” he said simply. “You buy dinner, and we’ll call it even.”
For the first time since she opened the box, Nora let out a soft laugh. The tension in her chest loosened, replaced by a gentle warmth.
“Deal,” she said, nodding.
Leo’s smile deepened. “Good. Just don’t take me to one of those fancy places with tiny portions. I actually
like to eat.”
Nora rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the amusement flickering in them. “Fine. But don’t expect me to let you pick the most expensive place just because you gave me an impossible–to–buy wine.”
Leo chuckled. “Fair enough.““
As they exchanged these lighthearted words, something subtle yet profound settled between them.
It wasn’t just about the wine, or the dinner, or even the exchange itself.
It was about understanding–about Leo’s quiet generosity and Nora’s need to maintain her own sense of fairness.
She glanced down at the box again, running her fingers over in
smooth surface.
For all its material worth, what truly mattered was the thought behind it. And for that, she was deeply. quietly moved.
The sun had begun its slow descent, casting long golden rays through Nora’s window as she leaned back in her chair, phone pressed to her ear.
The soft hum of the city outside barely registered in her mind–she was too focused on the conversation
at hand.
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“Alex, Grandma’s birthday is on Saturday,” she reminded, her tone light but firm. “I hope you’re not planning to run around that day. We should all be there to celebrate together.”
There was a slight pause on the other end before Alex responded.
“Saturday? Oh… I was actually planning to go to Aunt Linda’s,” he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance, as if he already knew how this conversation would go.
Chapter 80
