Her words were like daggers, stabbing into Leopold's heart, leaving it battered. In her heart, he was nowhere near Arnold, who was her family, while he was dispensable.
He tried to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat, choked by the bitter sorrow. It was easy to lose a heart, but hard to win one back, especially when it had been claimed by someone else, held tightly in his grip, unwilling to let go.
He and Aurelia had always been separated by an invisible chasm, which seemed to widen with every passing moment.
Was she still blaming him? That was why she kept her distance, refusing to let him get close.
Kane emerged from the restroom, raising his eyes anxiously towards Aurelia, "Mom, are you upset?"
"No, honey, I'm not upset." Aurelia stroked his head, "It's late, and you should go home with Dad."
Leopold took Kane's hand, his body stiff, "We should go."
Kane could tell Leopold was not in a good mood, they must have fought.
Once they got into the car, he patted Leopold's shoulder and comforted him, "Dad, don't be sad. You gotta keep going, and Mom will forgive you."
Leopold managed a bitter smile. No matter what, he could never replace Arnold in Aurelia's heart. He had been absent for three years, during her most desperate, painful moments, it was Arnold who had stood by her, not him. He had missed too much.
Kane's eyes shifted, and he said softly, "Remember to apologize. When men and women fight, no matter who's wrong, the man should apologize first. That's what the internet says."
Leopold glanced at him.
This was something he could never apologize for, even if he had a hundred chances, he would still make the same choice. She must be his woman.
On the weekend, The Stirling family held a family gathering for Lisa. Arnold didn't attend, choosing to take William to the zoo instead.
Aurelia didn't want to go either. When Leopold came to pick her up, she murmured, "I'd rather not go. It doesn't matter whether I'm there or not."
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