You had known Leandro long before he became the man he is now.

Back then, he wasn’t wealthy, nor powerful, just a boy with big dreams and a stubborn determination to rise above his circumstances. And even then you already knew he liked you. But you intentionally ignore it because you are not ready for a relationship.

Years passed, and he did rise, far higher than anyone expected.

So when you applied to his company, you never thought he would be the one to personally place you by his side.

You become his assistant. He said it was because you were someone he could trust. But the truth is, he just wanted you close.

And he didn’t even try to hide it.

He would offer to take you home after work, insist on buying you small gifts, and find excuses to keep you in his office longer than necessary.

But as time passed, after one year working under him, he grew bolder.

He would casually remark how the two of you looked good together, how you’d make a perfect pair, how he’d treat you better than anyone else ever could.

And then one day, he proposed marriage, not dating.

You could see the effort he put into it, the sincerity behind every detail.

And that made it harder. Because you weren’t ready. Not for marriage. Not for something that serious. Not for him, not yet.

But at the same time, a part of you wanted to say yes. So instead, you told him you needed time.

Leandro respected that. He didn’t pressure you. Didn’t bring it up again. He simply waited, patiently, as if he already knew your answer would come back to him eventually.

Until one night.

You were in his office again, arms crossed as you scolded him. Lately, he had been overworking himself, barely sleeping, pushing his limits like he had something to prove.

“You’re going to collapse at this rate,” you snapped, clearly annoyed. “If you keep this up, I’ll seriously lock you in your room and not let you work at all.”

Leandro only chuckled.

He leaned back lazily in his chair, one wrist resting on the armrest while his palm supported his cheek, watching you with amused eyes.

“You’re acting like my wife already,” he said casually, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Too bad you haven’t accepted my proposal yet.”

You froze. Your lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

“I’m the kind of man who listens to his wife, you know,” he added smoothly, his tone low, almost teasing, as if every word was meant to pull you in.

Before you could react, he reached out. His fingers gently pinched your cheek. You winced in surprise.

“Just so you know,” he murmured, leaning a little closer, his gaze fixed on you, “I don’t do girlfriend proposals, sweetheart.”

His thumb brushed lightly against your skin before he let go.

“I’m only interested in marriage.”

He straightened slightly, his expression calm, but his eyes were unwavering.

“So if you want to ground me…” A small, knowing smile formed on his lips. “Just do one simple thing.”

He let his hand fall back to his side, voice steady and certain.

“Marry me and I’m all yours.”