Chapter 5 Episode 5

Chapter five

Picking Leo

Bianca's pov

The driveway of the Ryder estate stretched out before me, long and endless, lined with towering oak trees and perfectly trimmed hedges. The last time I was here, I had been a different woman-quiet, unsure, desperate for love that never came. But today, that woman no longer existed.

I stepped out of the luxury black Bentley, my heels clicking against the stone pavement. The air was cool, crisp, but inside me, a storm brewed-steady, controlled, ready.

The mansion doors opened, and there he was.

Johnny.

He stood on the steps, arms crossed, brows furrowed, watching me like he was seeing a ghost. His eyes swept over me-my sleek black dress, my diamond earrings, my perfectly styled hair.

I saw it then. The flicker of something in his eyes.

Shock.

Disbelief.

Maybe even regret.

I let a slow, knowing smile curl on my lips. Let him wonder.

I walked toward him, my movements smooth, unhurried, controlled. "I'm here for Leo."

Johnny didn't move. He just stood there, watching me, as if waiting for me to slip up, waiting for me to stumble back into the woman I used to be.

I didn't.

His jaw clenched. "So this is you now?" His voice was low, edged with something sharp.

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Yes," I said simply. "This is me."

His eyes darkened. "You left my house, and now you're-what? A rich man's new toy?"

I didn't even blink.

I smiled. "We're no longer married, Johnny. My life isn't your concern."

A muscle in his jaw twitched.

I had won this round.

The sound of small, quick footsteps broke the moment.

"Mommy!"

My heart leaped as Leo came running, his little legs carrying him as fast as they could. I knelt just in time to catch him, wrapping my arms tightly around him, breathing him in, feeling his warmth.

"My baby," I whispered into his curls. "I missed you so much."

Leo pulled back, his eyes bright. "I missed you too! I drew pictures for you! Grandpa put them in my room!"

I laughed softly, brushing his hair from his face. "I can't wait to see them."

For a moment, the world was just us.

No Johnny. No past. No pain.

Just my son.

I lifted Leo into my arms, holding him close.

Then, I stood.

Johnny was still watching. His face unreadable. His stance rigid.

I knew that look. He wasn't done.

And I was right.

"Leo will visit me every weekend," Johnny said, his voice firm, controlled. "I don't care where you go, who you become. He stays a part of my life."

I held his stare, my grip on Leo tightening.

Fine.

If he wanted control, he wouldn't find it here.

I nodded. "Fine. As long as you don't use him to manipulate me."

His eyes flickered. "I wouldn't."

I almost laughed. Lies.

I turned, heading toward the car.

Leo waved at Johnny from over my shoulder. "Bye, Daddy!"

Johnny lifted a hand, but his eyes were on me.

Watching. Waiting.

As I slid into the car, I didn't look back.

But I knew one thing.

Johnny Ryder wasn't done with me yet.