Chapter 3

The turning point came during Luke's senior year of college. His father had died young, so it had always just been him and his mom. But then, his mom was diagnosed with a serious brain tumor and needed to be hospitalized long-term, which meant a ton of money for her medical bills.

They were all just starting their internships back then, and Luke had no way to come up with that kind of cash.

When Leslie found out, she not only covered all the medical expenses but also reached out to the top neurosurgeon in the country to treat his mother.

She even put her own work on hold to care for his mother day and night.

Eventually, the surgery was a success.

To protect Luke's pride, Leslie never let slip her family's wealth. She just told him the money was pooled together from friends.

Back then, Luke was at his lowest and as stubborn as ever. He asked, "Leslie, why are you doing all this for me?"

Leslie couldn't hold back anymore. She laid her heart bare. "I like you!"

Luke was silent for a moment, his brows furrowed.

He then said, "I'll be straight with you. I do have feelings for you. But my career's just getting started, and my mom's really sick. Life's gonna be tough if you're with me. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"I can!" Leslie's eyes lit up. Not a hint of hesitation.

Luke replied, "Really? You're incredible, but honestly, I don't have much to offer you…"

Before he could finish, Leslie covered his mouth with her hand.

Her love was pure and passionate, fearless in the face of any hardship.

She said, "As long as I can be with you, I'm willing to endure anything. Luke, I'll help you achieve your dreams. And when the day comes that you truly love me, just give me that chance, alright?"

The sunset glowed softly as Luke leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek.

He said, "Okay."

After they got together, Luke, with no connections and no backing, found it almost impossible to get ahead in a city as big as Eblando.

Once they started their own company, he carried his proposal binder from one office to another, only to be rejected repeatedly for his lack of experience and influence.

One night, after he'd had too much to drink, Luke hugged her and started crying. "Eblando is so huge. Why can't I find my place here?"

Leslie's heart was breaking for him. For the first time ever, she went to her father, Albert Marsh, and begged him to help Luke.

Albert wasn't having it at first.

He said, "Just some broke guy? He's not good enough for you. The Marsh family could have any guy you want. The Hecox and Hudson boys grew up with you. They're richer, better looking, you name it. Why are you so set on him?"

Leslie wouldn't budge. "But he's the one I want!"

She was head over heels in love, her whole world revolving around Luke.

She said, "If you don't agree, I'll go through hell with him. I'll even sell my blood if that's what it takes to help him!"

And with those words, she dropped to her knees, stubborn and fierce.

Albert was furious. In the end, it was Leslie's grandma, Edith, who stepped in and persuaded him to pass a few contracts Luke's way.

The Marsh family had been in Eblando for years, with businesses all over the city. Just a handful of those contracts were enough to set Luke up for years.

When Edith handed the contracts to Leslie, she warned her, "Just tell him you landed these on your own. Don't mention your family background. Leslie, people can be complicated. You'll understand one day."

Back then, Leslie didn't really get what Edith meant, but since she'd been raised by her, she just did as she was told and never told Luke the truth.

When Luke landed that big contract, he was so excited he picked Leslie up and spun her around, swearing he'd give her the life she deserved.

He said, "Leslie, I'll never forget how good you've been to me. I swear I'll pay you back!"

Leslie wrapped her arms around him with a smile. "Okay."

Honestly, she never wanted anything in return. When you love someone, you just want to give them the best of everything.

All she wanted was to grow old with him.

Those contracts really gave Luke a chance to shine in the business world.

But if they just coasted on those, they'd run out of steam fast. Without new deals, there was no way to keep things going.

Still, with that solid start, everything else started falling into place.

Thanks to those contracts, they finally got their foot in the door with new clients.

Some of those clients were family acquaintances from her father's business circle. Leslie knew them well.

When they saw Leslie, they were surprised to see her starting her own business. Thanks to her dad's reputation, they were happy to sign deals with her.

Leslie knew it was all because of the Marsh family, but Luke was completely in the dark. He thought he was finally getting noticed for his own abilities and worked even harder, hustling from company to company.

Leslie kept quiet about everything. She'd just show up at the perfect moment, raise a glass, and help Luke seal the deal.

But when it came to those big-shot clients who didn't know her, Leslie had to join the dinners and play the social game right alongside him.

Luke's stomach was weak, so Leslie always took the shots for him. More than once, she found herself throwing up on the curb in the middle of the night. One time, she even ended up with a bleeding ulcer and landed in the ER.

That night in the hospital, Luke sat by her bedside, gripping Leslie's hand tight. For the first time, she saw real tenderness and love shining in his eyes.

He said, "Leslie, let's get married. I swear I'll make it big and give you the best life. You have my word. I'll never let you down, not ever."

Leslie had been waiting for this moment for so long.

They got married in a flash. With work keeping them busy, Leslie didn't ask for anything fancy. No big wedding, just a simple dinner at a restaurant.