Aurelia was painting on the patio, the scene of her imagined future with two children, flying kites in a green field.
The thought of being separated from her children after their birth was a sharp pang in her heart.
Leopold got himself a cup of coffee, settling on a nearby lounge chair, watching her paint.
Soon, she was done.
Seeing her put down the brush, he raised a brow, "Done already?"
"Yes," she nodded.
His brow furrowed, "Are you sure?"
Aurelia gave him a puzzled look, not quite understanding his question. She turned towards him, "What do you mean?"
His gaze darkened, "Don't you think something is missing?"
Aurelia looked at him blankly, she didn't think so.
"The painting is about the atmosphere, just an imagination of a scene of playing with the kids."
Leopold’s expression became unhappy, a cold light flickering in his eyes.
"Where's their father?" He spat out, his voice low and menacing.
Ignoring his existence? Aurelia sucked in a breath, this painting didn't need a father!
"You'll be with them every day, no need to paint you in. These paintings are for the kids, to let them know that even if their mother can't be with them, she loves them very much. My heart will always be with them."
Leopold reached over, covering her head with his large hand, "A painting without their father, has no value."
Every word held a threat.
Aurelia was at a loss, she had to compromise on this. Otherwise, once she was gone, he would surely destroy the paintings, leaving nothing for the kids.
"Alright, Mr. Leopold, I'll add you in right away."
Reluctantly, she picked up her brush again. Just then, her phone rang. It was her younger brother. He was downstairs.
Aurelia broke out in a cold sweat and had no choice but to ask Leopold to hide again.
"Sister, you have so many clothes. I was thinking of getting you a nice dress."
He rummaged through her clothes as he spoke, putting on quite the performance. After all, he was an actor, always ready to play a part.
Aurelia didn't think too much of it, she just smiled at him, "No need for a dress, get mom something instead. She'd appreciate it."
Avery thoroughly searched through the wardrobe. With Leopold's height, it seemed unlikely he could hide in there. His gaze then landed on a gift box in the corner, the Hermes logo clearly visible.
"Sis, this isn't a gift from Arno, is it?"
Aurelia quickly pulled him away and closed the wardrobe, "No, I bought it myself. It’s a knockoff, I can't afford the real deal."
Hearing this, Avery's eyes dimmed. If it wasn't for his illness that drained their savings, his sister wouldn't have to settle for knockoffs.
"When I start making money, I'll get you the real thing."
"Okay," Aurelia nodded, smiling.
Avery moved to the living room, scratching his chin in confusion.Where on earth did Leopold disappear to?
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