The Second Time

"There is no way in hell I am doing this. Not again, Leonardo."

Rita's voice dripped with anger, sharp and unwavering. Her hands clenched into fists by her sides, nails digging into her palms as she glared at the man sitting behind the massive oak desk. Everything about this room was a testament to his wealth-the sleek black leather chairs, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, the faint scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air.

Leonardo chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an infuriating smirk. His dark brown eyes gleamed with amusement, as if her resistance was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

"Bebé, todavía vamos a hacer esto otra vez. No importa lo que digas." (Baby, we are still going to do this again. No matter what you say.)

Rita's lips curled in disgust. "Leonardo, I already told you. I am not interested."

"And you think I care? You think that bothers me?"

She exhaled sharply, her heart hammering against her ribcage. This wasn't the man she had married. Or maybe he was, and she had just been too blinded by love to see the real him. "Why won't you just leave me alone? Leave me the fuck alone, Leonardo. I don't want this. I don't want to be with you again."

"Why?"

She let out a bitter chuckle, crossing her arms. "Is that a question? Like, is that seriously a question?"

"Yes, it is." His tone was steady, unwavering, as if he genuinely believed he had done nothing wrong. "I left for our future."

She took a step closer, fire burning in her eyes. "You left because you were selfish. You motherfucker." Her voice cracked with rage, her chest rising and falling with each breath. "I gave everything up for you. I stood with you when no one did. I believed in you when you had nothing, Leonardo. And now you've returned after three years, dripping in wealth, and you think that means we have a chance together?" She shook her head, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Go to hell, Leonardo."

She grabbed her bag, turning sharply toward the door, but before she could reach the handle, his voice cut through the room like a blade.

"The moment you walk out that door, I will make sure no one in the entire state employs you. Leave if you want to."

The threat stopped her cold. She stiffened, the weight of his words pressing against her spine. Slowly, she turned around, her expression unreadable. "Excuse me?"