"I don't care. You can't do it again," Leopold declared with authority that brooked no argument. With someone as headstrong as her, it seemed the only way was to lay down the law and forbid her outright. Otherwise, she'd likely play by the rules in daylight and subvert them after dusk.
Aurelia scoffed at his commands. They meant nothing to her. She was a free spirit.
She gave him a pout, frowning in defiance. "I've got a rebellious streak a mile wide. The more you push, the harder I push back."
Leopold knew that well. She had a rebellious spirit rooted deeply in her blood.
"Do you want to make your husband green with jealousy every day? What if he turns sour?"
His words caught Aurelia sharply, a stinging rebuke. Dealing with a man whose possessiveness knew no bounds was indeed a hassle.
"Pressure makes diamonds, and you're a tycoon, right? You'd better relish the competition and challenge. Anyway, I'll choose the best man to be my husband this time and won’t rush into things again. Your move."
Leopold massaged his temples. "So, this is a game of cat and mouse, then?"
With a dismissive twist of her lips, Aurelia clarified, "Think of it more as a test for you. I prefer a man with a big heart, you know?"
He reached out and captured her chin, holding it firmly. "I have a big heart about anything except my wife."
"I'm your ex-wife, not your wife," Aurelia corrected him, each word crisp and forceful.
"In my heart, you'll always be my wife."
"Too bad. In my heart, you're no longer my husband." Her words were cold, almost cruel.
A slight tremor crossed Leopold's lips. A kite with its string cut, reclaiming it was a daunting task.
Bringing up the topic of remarriage was like opening a Pandora's box of mutual hurt, a seemingly unsolvable problem.
"Haven't you always wanted a daughter? If you wait past thirty, you'll be a high-risk mother. It's harder on the body, and the recovery is tougher."
Aurelia choked at that. It was true that it was better for a woman to have children while younger. After a certain age, it's harder to bounce back.
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