The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 214

Callahan put down his glass, his gaze resting on Leilani’s face. His eyes were deep, like the ocean at night-calm on the surface, but with an undercurrent of emotion difficult to articulate.

“Leilani,” he began, his voice low. “Let’s give us a try. Every word I’m about to say is serious. I know you’re not oblivious. You must have realized what my actions lately have meant, more or less.”

Leilani’s fingers paused slightly as she looked up at him. Their gazes collided in mid-air. Callahan’s eyes looked exceptionally focused under the lights. Her reflection was in his pupils, as if he wanted to lock her entirely within his sight.

Leilani suddenly felt her breath hitch. She instinctively wanted to look away, taking a sip of wine to mask her reaction, her throat feeling a bit dry.

“Mr. Langley…” She chuckled lightly, her tone carrying her usual teasing edge. “Is this a notification, or are you asking for my opinion?”

Callahan didn’t take the bait. His eyes remained locked on her, his voice low and heavy. “What do you think?”

Leilani unconsciously ran her finger along the rim of her glass, her heartbeat inexplicably speeding up. She wasn’t slow on the uptake; on the contrary, her experiences growing up had made her very sensitive. She hadn’t failed to notice his recent advances. But his gaze right now was too direct, leaving her unsure how to respond for a moment.

After a long while, Leilani finally raised her eyes to meet his. “Mr. Langley… You know my background.”

“I do.”

“I’ve been to prison. I have no family. I don’t have a proper degree.” Her tone was calm, as if stating objective facts. “I don’t seem like a good match for a golden boy like you.”

Callahan’s eyes darkened slightly. He suddenly reached out, his fingers gently clasping her wrist.

palm was warm, his grip not heavy, but it carried an undeniably firm intent.

ni,” his voice was husky. “Look at me.”

lani’s breath caught. She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but he held it tighter.

“I don’t care about any of that.” He stared into her eyes, enunciating every word. “In my mind, your ability is worth more than a hundred so-called ‘family backgrounds.”

Leilani was stunned. His thumb gently caressed her wrist bone, like a comfort, or perhaps a silent declaration.

“Even without a prestigious background, you will reach the top eventually.” He paused, his voice dropping lower. “But I hope that when that happens, I’ll be by your side.”

Leilani felt as if her heart was being gently squeezed, her breathing growing slightly erratic. She tried to withdraw her hand again, but he took the opportunity to lace his fingers through hers, interlocking

them.

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“Mr. Langley…” She tried to regain her usual composure, but her voice was softer than usual.

He looked at the tips of her ears, which were turning slightly red. A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he pressed his advantage, squeezing her fingertips.

“Do you agree or not?” he asked, his tone commanding, yet carrying a rare patience.

Leilani glared at him. “Are you interrogating a prisoner?”

Callahan chuckled low. “And if I am?”

Leilani was dumbfounded. How could this man be so unreasonable?

Finally, she turned her face away and let out a soft hmph. “…Fine. We’ll try.”

Though her voice was quiet, Callahan heard it clearly. The joy on his face was obvious, making him look surprisingly like an excited teenager. From the confession to confirming the relationship, it had only taken a few minutes.

The warm yellow light spilled over the dining table, where the exquisite meal was still steaming.

Leilani looked down and cut the steak that had just been served, her knife and fork clicking softly against the porcelain plate.

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