Chapter 5
When Leza's eyes fluttered open, she found herself back in the familiar luxury of the Wontey Restaurant's guest suite. Her head throbbed with a dull ache as she scanned the room, confusion clouding her mind. "Wait... as far as I remember, I was heading home with Honsu. We stopped at a bar... we drank... and then what?" She clutched her forehead, frustrated. "How did I end up back here? Why can't I remember a single thing?"
The door creaked open, and Honsu stepped inside. The moment Leza saw him, her temper flared. "Honsu! What is this? Did you take advantage of my state last night just to bring me back here?" A darker thought crossed her mind, making her gasp. "Wait... tell me you didn't... tell me nothing happened between us while I was out!"
Honsu remained eerily calm, his expression hardening into a serious mask. "You told me you never signed any papers for your fiancé, didn't you?" He reached behind his back and pulled out a stack of documents. "Then explain these."
Leza stared at the papers, her breath hitching. "What papers? I've never seen those in my life!"
Honsu tossed them onto the bed beside her. "See for yourself."
As Leza scanned the documents, the world seemed to tilt. The very house that stood in her name—her sanctuary—had been legally transferred to Zayson. Her eyes fixed on the signature at the bottom. It was shaky, erratic—the unmistakable scrawl of someone signing in a state of heavy intoxication. The papers slipped from her trembling hands. "No... this is a lie. I didn't do this."
"It's no lie," Honsu said, his voice devoid of pity. "You signed your own home away to that man. Tell me, Leza, did you two use to drink together often?"
"Yes," she whispered, her voice cracking. "We did... but I don't remember him ever bringing up legal papers!"
"Look at that signature," Honsu pointed out. "No sober person writes like that. He waited until you were incoherent, until the world was nothing but a blur to you. He played you, Leza. And while you were sleeping off your stupor last night, he was already celebrating."
Leza looked down, tears of humiliation and rage stinging her eyes. "He knew... he knew I lose all control when I drink. He used my own weakness against me to steal my legacy. But... where did you find these?"
Honsu sat on the edge of a chair, his gaze steady. "Listen closely. Last night, after I left you in your room, I heard laughter coming from your bathroom. I peeked in... and there he was. Zayson. He was in your bathtub, entwined with another woman, acting as if he owned the place. I went back into your room and found these papers sitting right there on your bedside table. He didn't even bother to hide them; he's legally the owner now. I knew if you woke up there and saw that, it would break you. So, I brought you back here."
Leza's tears finally spilled over, a sob escaping her throat. "It was my own stupidity. If I hadn't picked up that glass that day, none of this would have happened. But..." she wiped her eyes, a sudden, sharp glint appearing in her gaze. "Let him have that house. He thinks he's won, but the true treasure of my parents is still safe. It's in my village."
Honsu's eyes widened. "What treasure?"
Leza smirked through her tears. "About 30 kilometers East, in a village called Insuhon. My parents built a haveli there—a mansion so grand it has every luxury imaginable. The property alone is worth over 5 billion rupees."
Honsu nearly choked on his breath. "5 billion? Is that a haveli or a small city? Does Zayson know about it?"
Leza took a deep, shaky breath. "No. He has no clue. It's tucked away in the countryside, perfectly safe. Would you... like to see it with me someday? It's a masterpiece."
Honsu looked away, clearing his throat. "I have no interest in your millions. Now, pull yourself together and get ready. We have VIPS arriving at the restaurant today, and we need to prepare something extraordinary."
Leza smiled softly. "I understand. I'll give it my best. But... where am I supposed to stay? I can't exactly commute to the village every night."
Honsu exhaled a long sigh. "I have my own house, but I usually stay here at the restaurant. From now on, you take this room. I'll go stay at my place."
"Thank you, Honsu," she said softly. "I won't forget this favor."
"Make sure you don't," Honsu replied, turning toward the door. "I always collect my debts. Now, hurry up."
As he left, a faint smile played on Leza's lips. What kind of man are you, Mr. Honsu? she wondered.
A while later, Leza emerged in her clothes from the previous day, marching into the kitchen with a scowl. "If you were going to bring me here, the least you could have done was grab my suitcase! I have nothing to wear, and I don't even have my face wash. My skin is going to be a disaster!"
Honsu, who was expertly dicing vegetables, paused and looked at her with a smirk. "It's not that I didn't look. I opened your wardrobe to find you some clothes, but all I saw were half-pants and tiny crop tops. Nothing but 'indecent' rags. I didn't want you working in my kitchen dressed like a street performer."
Leza burst out laughing. "I only wear half-pants and tops! They make me feel free, and they show off my figure—hot and sexy, right? I'm going to the market this evening to buy a whole new collection. And you might want to clear out your wardrobe, because my new clothes are moving in."
Honsu stared at her in disbelief. "The audacity! Ordering me around in my own restaurant? Fine, go buy your clothes, but buy something professional for the kitchen. I won't have you cooking in those 'indecent' outfits. It'll give the food a bad omen."
Leza rolled her eyes, sighing dramatically. "There isn't a single book in the world that says short clothes give food a bad omen. Stop making up your own weird formulas!"
Suddenly, Honsu reached out, grabbing her arm and spinning her toward him. Leza let out a small gasp, her eyes locking onto his. Honsu leaned in, a dark, intimidating smirk on his face as he whispered, "It may not be in a book, but this is my kitchen. And in here, my word is the only law. Understood?"
From the corner of the kitchen, Dohi and Dohon were watching the scene unfold. Dohi nudged Dohon, whispering, "Look at them... they're getting so close already."
Dohon laughed loudly. "Hey! This is a kitchen for cooking, not for romancing!"
Honsu immediately released Leza's arm, snapping at his brother. "How many times do I have to tell you? Get permission before entering my kitchen! There's no 'romance' here; I was simply educating her."
Dohon turned to Leza, his tone softening. "I'm truly sorry for what happened to you, Leza. Consider this restaurant your home, and just learn to ignore my brother's harsh words."
Leza, still dazed from Honsu's sudden intensity, turned without a word and retreated to her room, her heart racing.
"Brother," Dohon remarked, watching her go. "I think you've just poked a volcano. It could erupt any moment."
Honsu glanced at Dohi, silently signaling her to follow Leza. Dohi nodded, understanding the silent command, and hurried after her.