The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 27

Elowen didn't pay attention to his subtle reaction. Her mind was preoccupied with the idea of marriage. She gave Elara a suggestive look.

Elara said, “It's customary for men and women to get married when they reach a certain age. You and Elowen are not getting any younger. It's about time you guys tied the knot. I checked the calendar, and October 2nd seems to be a propitious day. Why not settle for that?”

Leopold withdrew his gaze and lifted his wine glass, taking a small sip. The wine seemed more acidic than usual.

“Elara, you should know the customs within the Stirling family. Following the death of my father, it's customary to observe a period of mourning for three years. During this time, no celebrations are to be held.” Leopold said.

Elara was well aware of this. The rule couldn’t be broken, unless the woman was pregnant. Hence she encouraged her daughter to stealthily undergo artificial insemination, but things didn't go as planned.

Elowen felt devastated, and her lips pursed tightly. Waiting for three months was unbearable, let alone three years.

“Now that you're the head of the family, why not change the rules?” Elowen asked.

Leopold's gaze hardened, and his expression turned serious, “The rules were established by our ancestors. If the descendants could change them on a whim, then what's their significance? I will not repeat the mistakes of my father!”

Realizing that her daughter had touched his nerve, Elara hurriedly tried to pacify the situation, “Elowen was just casually suggesting. Ddon't take it to heart. You've been engaged, which is pretty much the same as being married. Why not let Elowen move in with you?”

Leopold swirled the wine in his glass, a cunning and cold glint flickering in his eyes, “Elara, surely you know that until I've fully recovered, I can't have any physical relations with her.”

Elara choked, her face turning a shade of green.

Leopold refilled her glass, “Rest assured, Elowen is the only woman I'm engaged to. There won't be a second one.”

These words seemed to soothe Elara. Ever since Leopold got engaged to her daughter, he had indeed kept his distance from other women.

Next door.

Aurelia hadn't caught the rest of the conversation. Their voices had been low, but she distinctly heard the last sentence. Leopold had raised his voice, as though deliberately wanting her to hear. She guessed that they must be discussing marriage. Whether Leopold would marry Elowen or not was none of her concern. All she cared about was the well-being of her child.

Arnold refilled her glass with juice, “Do you remember the little rabbit we rescued during our trip?”

Aurelia nodded, “Yes, I remember. Its hind leg was broken, and the vet said it couldn't survive in the wild.”

“I adopted it, and fitted it with a prosthetic leg. When you have time, I can take you to see it.” Arnold said.