Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 171

Leonard had been holed up in his study all evening, buried in work. The only thing that put his mind at ease was knowing that the driver was waiting dutifully outside the restaurant for Marguerite. At least with the driver there, he felt somewhat reassured.

But the driver’s report had unsettled him: apparently, Marguerite had been drinking with a young woman. Leonard worried she might have overindulged—she was a notoriously lightweight drinker, and it was already so late.

He didn’t truly relax until Marguerite returned home safe and sound. The moment he heard her at the door, he hurried over to open it himself, practically scooping her into his arms as soon as she stepped inside.

“Leonard, I’m fine. You don’t need to make such a fuss over me,” Marguerite protested, trying to wriggle free from his arms. “I only had a little wine. Why are you acting like it’s the end of the world?”

“Just let me down. I can walk on my own, and I’m perfectly sober!”

She squirmed, clearly uncomfortable being carried around like a child, as if she’d gotten herself completely wasted.

“You knew you were going out drinking tonight,” Leonard chided, his tone stern but laced with concern. “I’ll let it slide this time. But don’t make a habit of it.”

He really didn’t like the idea of her drinking, especially since it wasn’t good for her health.

“Oh, come on. What’s the harm in a couple of drinks? Laura was in a bad mood tonight, so I wanted to keep her company,” Marguerite muttered, pouting. “We didn’t have that much, anyway. We’re not even engaged yet, and you’re already acting like my keeper.”

She kept grumbling under her breath, clearly annoyed. The wine had left her cheeks flushed, her fair skin tinged with a rosy glow that made her look as sweet and tempting as a ripe cherry. Leonard couldn’t help but feel his heart race as he looked at her.

He carried her into the bedroom and set her down gently on the bed, then leaned over her, their faces just inches apart.

For a long moment, they simply gazed into each other’s eyes. It struck them both—this was the first time, since moving in together, that they’d been so close, so vulnerable and unguarded.

Her head was still foggy—she’d hardly touched alcohol in ages, and even a small amount left her reeling the next day.

She glanced around. Leonard was gone.

As the memories of the night before came flooding back, a flush crept up her cheeks. The wine had made her reckless, but she remembered everything clearly. No amount of alcohol could erase the details.

She got out of bed, every muscle aching, her body protesting with every movement. Even walking felt like a challenge.

Marguerite frowned and forced herself upright. She’d planned to head to her studio early; after all, Laura was starting her vacation today, and Marguerite had decided to give her a few extra days off.

Laura needed the break—to clear her mind, to unwind, and simply to breathe. Marguerite hoped it would help her friend find some peace.