Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 45

Marguerite pressed her lips together, unable to hide the genuine delight in her eyes. “I really love it, thank you. But—how did you know this necklace was just my style?”

“I didn’t,” Leonard replied. “I just thought it would suit you.”

“But you’ve never even met me.”

“I have,” he said simply.

Marguerite froze, caught off guard. She was about to ask when that had happened, but then a burst of noise crackled from his end of the line.

“I’m sorry,” Leonard said, his voice apologetic. “I’m in the middle of a meeting. Can we talk later?”

“Oh, I’m sorry—I didn’t realize you were busy. Let’s just forget it for now. When things settle down, maybe I can thank you in person.”

She felt a twinge of guilt. Leonard had already done so much for her; the least she could do was find a proper time to express her gratitude.

“Don’t mention it. Really, it’s fine,” Leonard said gently, a subtle warmth in his tone. “And don’t worry—we’ll be seeing each other soon. I’m looking forward to your thank-you.”

Marguerite let out a laugh. “Who even says things like that? Mr. Murphy, you’re really throwing me off here.”

“It’s all right. We have plenty of time ahead of us to get used to each other’s company.”

Her cheeks flushed at that. The way he said it—it was almost like a line out of some corny romance novel. Was he hinting at wanting to share the rest of their lives? The thought made her heart flutter, though she shook her head, amused at herself for getting carried away. She really was too easily swayed—just a little kindness, and she wanted to repay it tenfold.

But… Leonard really was different from anyone else.

As soon as she hung up, her phone rang again. This time it was Hogan.

She sounded happier than she had in days. Hogan huffed, wounded pride all over his voice. “Keep talking like that and I’ll stay right where I am!”

“No, don’t! I do need you, really. Please come.”

He grunted, only half pretending to be annoyed. “That’s more like it. I’ll wrap things up here and head over as soon as I can.”

Marguerite agreed at once, her heart lighter than it had been in ages.

It really was true: family always has your back. She realized then just how foolish she’d been in the past, taking all this for granted.

That night, back at her hotel, Marguerite tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She found herself thinking about Leonard—a man she’d never actually met—and felt a strange, fluttery warmth in her chest. Maybe she’d even pick out a little gift to thank him, she mused, smiling to herself in the dark.