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.
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