The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 61
Johanna hesitated for a moment. In truth, there was a straightforward solution to this problem: the Alpha could bond with the Omega’s pheromones. By mixing their pheromones and indulging in the heightened excitement, the issues related to pheromones would typically resolve themselves. It was common knowledge.
But Leonid was a germaphobe who detested physical contact with others, let alone touching an Omega. Considering his aversion to Omegas, it was unlikely he would even entertain the idea of bonding with one. So, Johanna merely parted her lips as if to speak, then bowed her head instead. There was nothing she could do for him, and it seemed best to take her leave.
“I do not think there’s any way I can help. I will take my leave now.”
For some reason, he didn’t immediately grant her permission to go. Curious, she glanced up to find Leonid sighing as he ran a hand over his face. The sharp gaze that met hers through his fingers quickened her pulse.
“Is that stiff tone of yours a habit?”
“Ah.”
It was only then that Johanna realized she’d once again slipped into the tone of a subordinate addressing a superior. It wasn’t intentional; it just came out that way, especially when she wanted to keep her distance from someone…
“I’ll be more careful from now on.”
“…Come here and sit down.”
Leonid patted the seat beside him. The unexpected invitation left Johanna unsure of what to do. In truth, the idea of moving closer to him, with his sharp edges softened by a touch of languidness, frightened her.
Thinking back, it had always been this way. Johanna had feelings for him, but she didn’t truly want to get closer. The thought of bridging that gap, of crossing the boundary between their worlds, was terrifying.
“Why are you looking at me like that? I won’t bite.”
His tone was gentle, almost coaxing. Though he was fundamentally prickly and sensitive, he could be kind when it suited him. Johanna found this casual kindness to be particularly cruel.
If only he were like a hedgehog, bristling with spikes and pushing others away, then perhaps he wouldn’t be so dangerous to her heart.
But he wasn’t a hedgehog. He was more like a beautiful flower surrounded by thorns. The blossoms were intoxicating, luring people in, only for them to be pricked and poisoned, unaware of the danger until it was too late.
His occasional displays of relaxed charm, that captivating smile, his effortless social grace—these were the sweet temptations that drew many into his orbit.
Yet, none had ever succeeded. No one had managed to breach the fortress he had built around himself.
Johanna was quick to recognize reality. She was skilled at suppressing her desires, not even allowing herself the foolishness of daydreams.
But in this moment, Leonid was testing her resolve.
“Sigh… Are you not coming over? I’m starting to get irritated.”
It was a remark that instantly pulled Johanna out of her hesitation. She didn’t want to anger him. Before she even made up her mind, her body moved on its own. The moment she took a step forward, she realized she had no choice but to follow through. There was no turning back now.
Finally, she sat beside him, cautiously watching his reaction. The slight crease in his brow smoothed out as he glanced at her. He picked up a clean, unused glass, added ice, and poured in some liquor. Then, he offered the glass to Johanna.
“Have you ever had a drink before?”
“Just a little wine…”
This was her first time trying something so strong. She wasn’t sure if she should drink it. She didn’t even know her tolerance. So, after some hesitation, she brought the glass to her lips and took a tentative sip.
The liquor was incredibly bitter, and she couldn’t quite understand why anyone would drink it. Even the small amount she tasted left her tongue tingling and her throat burning.
Leonid watched her closely, muttering to himself, “Not much of a drinking partner, I see.”
Then he downed his own drink in one gulp, which left Johanna staring in genuine amazement. It was fascinating to see someone drink such a strong liquor as if it were water.
“…Can you not taste the bitterness?”
The question slipped out before she could stop herself, and Johanna quickly clamped her mouth shut. But her words had already reached Leonid’s ears. He raised an eyebrow in mild disbelief and replied,
“Of course I can. My taste buds are just fine.”
He filled Johanna’s half-empty glass to the brim, his eyes silently urging her to drink more.
…Though she couldn’t quite understand why he kept offering her this strong liquor, Johanna was in no position to refuse. She obediently followed his lead.
Once again, she sipped the drink cautiously, like a cat lapping at water. She tried to focus, wondering if there was some hidden pleasure in it, but all she could taste was the bitterness.
“Are you feeling a bit tipsy?”
“Um… I’m not sure…”
In truth, she felt a slight buzz, the kind that made her wonder if this was what it meant to be tipsy. Yet, her mind remained clear, perhaps even sharper. It was as if her senses were heightened, as if she had taken some kind of stimulant. Curiosity piqued, Johanna continued to sip the drink.
