In the evening, Aurelia chalone. Leopold asked in an offhand tone, "Where's William?"
"He stayed over at Arnold's," Aurelia replied, nodding towards the door. "You don't like him around anyway, right? Since Arnold was
back in town, it was best to let William hang out there for a bit. Saves you from dealing with him underfoot and getting on your
nerves."
Leopold was slightly irritated. It was not that he disliked William but just wanted to push Aurelia's buttons a bit, to coax her into
spilling whatever secrets she was keeping about the boy.
"I've never said he's not welcat Stirling Mansion. He's part of the Stirling family. He can cover anytime. Go fetch him
tomorrow."
Aurelia sighed lightly, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the man. They were family, after all. William was his flesh and blood.
Leopold might have his gripes, but he wouldn't hurt William. That wasn't Leopold's style to be cold-hearted.
"Got it."
Skyler bounded down the stairs with the kids, exclaiming, "Aurelia, we heard Arnold got hurt. Can we go see him together
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttomorrow?"
"Sure. He'll be thrilled to see you guys," Aurelia said with a smile.
Nina chimed in, "Auntie Aurelia, is Uncle Arnold's injury bad?"
"Broke his leg. Probably laid up for a month or two," Aurelia informed them.
Nina's face fell. "So he won't be able to join us for the dinner of Christmas?"
Aurelia patted her head. "No worries. We'll have our feast at Stirling Mansion, and then we can all go keep him company for a bit
after that."
Nina nodded in agreement.
A flicker of something passed through Leopold's eyes, quiet and swift.
The thought of her carrying his child and joining Arnold for a holiday meal... was that going too far?
Whenever Arnold returned, Aurelia's spirit seemed to be pulled from her body, no longer by Leopold's side.
"Look, if you're not feeling well, don't push yourself. Just stay hand take care."
Skyler immediately piped up, "Aurelia, what's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"
Aurelia shot Leopold an annoyed glance. "It's nothing, just a little cold. I'll be fine in a couple of days. Don't mind Leopold blowing it
out of proportion."
Skyler chuckled. "Aurelia, did you know? When people are jealous, their brows furrow, and the corners of their lips tighten. That's
Leopold right now. He's got a rivalry going with Arnold."
Leopold rolled his eyes at him. "Skyler, kids don't get the complexities of adult relationships. She's my wife. How could | be
jealous?"
Skyler spread his hands in a gesture of surrender, at the sight of Leopold's stern face. "Alright, let's drop it before someone gets
upset."
Nina giggled behind her hand. "Is Uncle Leopold like those jealous types on TV?"
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Leopold pinched her cheek playfully. "Don't talk nonsense. | hate jealousy the most."
To lighten the mood, Aurelia jumped in.
"I love a bit of jealousy. I'm the jealous one here. If your Uncle Leopold so much as looks at another woman, it would bother me."
Leopold wrapped an arm around her comfortably. "Don't worry, honey. | wouldn't give you a reason to be jealous."
Nina giggled again. "Uncle Leopold, are you and Auntie Aurelia going to kiss now?"
Leopold ruffled her hair. "That's not for kids to worry about."
"So you're going to lock the door and kiss?" Nina asked, batting her eyelashes.
Leopold felt a bead of sweat on his forehead. "Why don't you kids go play?"
Kane herded everyone out of the room, leaving their parents sprivacy for their kiss. After all, they were still working on giving
him and William a little sister.
Aurelia shot Leopold a teasing glare. "From now on, can you please not make such a big deal about Arnold? He's just a friend and
nothing more."