Simone’s face changed in an instant.
She whipped around to look at Leonard, her voice sharp with disbelief.
“What did you say? He’s been married?!”
Leonard nodded. “The people trying to kill him this time—it seems it has something to do with his past marriage. That person was special to him. That’s the only reason he hasn’t completely wiped out his enemies. He’s been holding back.”
Simone’s eyes went wide, her breath quickening.
“No! I don’t believe it!”
“Simone, don’t be naïve,” Leonard said quietly. “A man like Joshua? There’s no way he doesn’t have a past. You’ve known him long enough—does he strike you as someone innocent and untouched by life?”
She shook her head inwardly. Not at all.
Joshua was charming, intelligent, and handled every situation with finesse. Around women, he was always attentive—a true gentleman. There’s no way someone could be that smooth and considerate without some experience.
A reluctant acceptance began to settle in Simone’s chest.
She clenched her jaw. “Who is she? The woman he married?”
Leonard shook his head. “He’s kept her well-hidden. So far, we haven’t been able to find out.”
Simone’s hands balled into fists. “You said it yourself—he was married, but that’s all in the past. He’s alone now, obviously divorced. Everyone has a history. I’m not going to stop caring for him just because he’s lived before. If I love someone, I love all of them—their past included.”
Leonard hadn’t expected Simone to still be so stubborn, even now.
“Simone, you can’t let go of your first love. Do you really think Joshua is any different? No matter what, that woman will always be special to him. There are plenty of good men in the world. He’s not the only one.”
Simone’s expression grew subdued, her eyes drifting downward.
“What if you’re wrong? Unless I hear it from Joshua himself, I won’t believe it.”
Leonard opened his mouth to reply, but Simone had already turned on her heel and walked away.
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