Chapter 24

Leandro held a box of chocolates while Helena narrowed her eyes, surprised because Leandro had arrived early.

Leandro smiled slightly, somewhat nervous, and extended the box of chocolates to her. "I brought this for you."

She looked at the box and then at him, a smile playing on her lips. "Ah, this way you'll end up making me gain weight."

Leandro laughed, his eyes meeting hers. "Well, even if you gain weight, I'll love you just the same."

His response made her genuinely laugh, and Helena relaxed a bit more. Then, he leaned in to kiss her on the mouth. However, she slightly turned her head at the last moment, causing his lips to brush against her cheek. Leandro seemed frustrated with the unreciprocated gesture.

"Always so difficult, Helena," he joked, but there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

She smiled, a bit embarrassed. "I'm just keeping you grounded."

At that moment, Marcelo, sitting on the couch and observing the scene, decid