Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 57

**Chapter 57: Easy-going**

**Natalie’s POV:**

I carefully scooped a generous spoonful of the rich, dark chocolate mousse cake and extended it towards Leonardo, my heart racing a little. “You have to try this flavor; it’s absolutely divine,” I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over.

Aaron, who was standing a short distance away, had a look on his face that suggested he was on the verge of saying something—perhaps a gentle caution, a subtle warning of sorts. But before he could articulate his thoughts, Leonardo raised his hand slightly, effectively silencing Aaron’s impending words with a mere gesture.

In an instant, realization hit me like a wave. I had just offered him the spoon I had used. My instinct was to retract my hand, but it was too late; Leonardo had already taken the spoon from me and, without hesitation, popped the mousse into his mouth.

The dining room fell into an almost palpable silence, the kind that wraps around you like a thick fog. Aaron’s eyes widened in surprise, disbelief etched across his features as he stared at Leonardo, as if witnessing an unthinkable act.

“Oops! I must’ve lost my mind offering you a used spoon. I’m really sorry about that,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“Mr. Sanchez, you… don’t have a thing for sweets, do you?” I ventured, my curiosity getting the better of me, only to realize that I might have just stepped on a delicate landmine.

Leonardo picked up a napkin with an air of refinement, dabbing at the corner of his mouth with practiced elegance. “I wasn’t into sweets before,” he replied, his tone casual yet contemplative. He paused, allowing the flavors to settle, and continued, “But this? Not as bad as I thought.”

Not into sweets before, but now he found it acceptable? Was it truly the cake that had changed his mind, or was there something more to it?

Could the cake genuinely be that good? I felt my tongue tie itself into knots as I sat across from him, the tension in the air becoming almost unbearable.

I lowered my gaze and nervously finished my own slice of the cake, my mind racing. “Um…”

“You…” Our voices collided as we both attempted to speak at the same time. He hesitated for a moment, then gestured for me to go ahead. “You go first.”

“I just want to say I was a complete mess last night after all that booze. If I did anything stupid, please forgive me,” I apologized again, hoping to clear the air of any potential awkwardness.

Leonardo shot me a frosty look that sent a shiver down my spine. “You don’t have anything else to tell me?” he asked, his tone sharp.

I felt utterly bewildered. What on earth did he expect me to say?

“I figured you’d talk about what happened last time when we met again,” he said, his gaze piercing through me.

“Last time?” The memory struck me like a bolt of lightning. The dance at the dinner party. I should have mentioned that I hadn’t even made it inside.

“I showed up that night, but my dress ripped. It was such a bummer that I had to head home,” I explained, hoping to convey my disappointment.

Leonardo nodded slowly, his eyes drifting down to his platinum wristwatch, a hint of disinterest creeping into his demeanor.

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