NovelEnglishThe driver had just returned to the Stirling Mansion when he noticed Leopold hadn't left for work yet. Without much thought, he tossed out a casual question, "Did you drop Aurelia off at the office?" The driver reported truthfully, "Actually, she bumped into Mr. Arnold right at the school gates and hopped into his car. | reckon Mr.
Arnold's probably given her a lift to the office." A spark of something fierce and fiery flickered in Leopold's eyes. Was this her way of seeking solace with Arnold after their spat? Without wasting another second, he made a beeline for the office.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAurelia arrived later than usual. As a director at Astral Enterprises, she wasn't bound by the punch-the-clock grind of daily attendance.
As soon as she entered her office, her assistant hurriedly informed her, "Mr. Leopold popped by this morning and insisted you see him in his office the moment you arrived." Leopold was in a frantic rush to find Aurelia. Didn't the pair spend last night together? Or had they had a falling out? Aurelia, taking her time, brewed two cups of coffee, one for Leopold.
Leopold was in a foul mood.
"Where have you been? Why have you cto the office so late?" he grilled her.
"Just ran into Arnold, had a bit of a chat," Aurelia replied nonchalantly.
He frowned, "What could you possibly have to talk about with him?" Reminiscing old flames, perhaps? With a roll of her eyes that spoke volumes of her irritation, Aurelia said, "Arnold will always be my best friend, and that's not changing for anyone or anything. | hope you get that." Leopold gritted his teeth, "And what if | kept ties with an ex? Would that make you mad?" "Sure would," Aurelia nodded a hint of challenge in her voice, "Which ex are we talking about? Elowen or Megan?" He choked on his response. Damn it, he had no exes. He would never be fickle or have a wandering heart, and she was the one and only woman he loved.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"It was a hypothetical, Aurelia. Can't you consider my feelings for once?" "An honest heart fears no accusation. Arnold's your brother, William's father, I'm bound to see him often. If | started acting all evasive, that's when you should be worried because it would mean | had something to hide." She then added, "And if you're seeing Elowen on a regular basis, | don't mind. She is your cousin, after all." Her words acted like a cork, plugging all of Leopold's outlets for his pent-up frustration.
He took several gulps of his coffee, attempting to cool down.
Aurelia smirked, "Don't be so petty. We were just discussing things about Fredric and Sheryl, that's all." A cold glint flashed in Leopold's dark eyes, "You should remember that | have the final say in this matter." "So what?" Aurelia retorted, "We disagree, nothing more to discuss." His brow furrowed, "And you agree with Arnold?" She nodded vigorously, her sarcasm undeniable. "Arnold will always be on my side, support me. Unlike you who pretend to be all ears but actually can't wait forto fall in line." Leopold was a mess, "As the one in charge, | have to weigh and judge, to make the most fitting decisions. | can indulge you in the little things, but not the big ones." Aurelia scoffed, "I know that. Rest assured, | won't influence your decisions, big or small. And please, don't try to influence mine." She had learned long ago not to harbor any great expectations of Leopold. The greater the hope, the bigger the disappointment.
With him, she never felt a shred of love, not a hint of indulgence. He was far from the ideal husband she had envisioned.
Leopold massaged his forehead, feeling somewhat helpless, "I'll handle this matter as best | can. Let's not argue over someone else's business, okay?" "If our paths do not align, we do not seek to walk them together," Aurelia tossed back, slamming the door on her way out.
Outside, the secretary jumped at the sound. Leopold had been brooding since he arrived, and sure enough, it seemed like there had been a tiff with Aurelia of the house.
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