It'll Come Naturally novel Chapter 1013

"All right, I am sorry. I was just bringing up a mere thought," pouted Claire. She honestly didn't believe that the painting was authentic. How could a regular family like Leena's afford such an expensive gift?

"Leena, honey, please pay no attention to what Claire said. She is always like this, blurting out things and ignoring others' feelings." An apologetic smile was on Shannon's face when she turned to Leena. She couldn't be sorrier about what her child just did.

"That's all right, Mother," replied Leena as she tried hard to keep her smile. Their family's little quarrel had drawn the attention of some people in the room, who were now looking towards them. She could feel her blood rushing to her face as she did her best to handle the embarrassment. Would these people really think that she would buy a fake painting and give it to her father-in-law just to make herself look good?

"You are a sweet girl, Leena. I wish Claire could be more like you. Now, why don't you go and hang out with the other young boys over there? They are from the army but are of similar age to you. I am sure you will hit it off instantly." Shannon glanced at her son who was now surrounded by his cousins. A surge of motherly pride got her with the view. Kevin had always been the best among the siblings of the big family no matter if it was in school or at the workplace.

"Yes, Mother," Leena replied as she too turned to see where Kevin was standing. She had no trouble spotting him even if he was surrounded by a crowd of other men. The man was simply captivating. At the same time, she found herself swallowing a bit too as she marveled with the number of military people they had in the family. It seemed that Claire and Shannon were the only two spared from the family trend.

Kevin was engaged in the talking with his cousins the whole time and had no idea of what had just happened with Leena. He didn't even have a clue when he turned to her upon noticing that she was staring at him. He even waived at his beautiful wife and gestured her to come.

To his surprise, Leena shook her head. Thus, he just shrugged his shoulders and returned to talking with his pals knowing that she wouldn't come. To Leena, the army life which the whole room was discussing was the last thing she could connect herself with. The thought was enough to make her feel like an intruder in that party. And the fact that nobody paid any attention to her only made her feel worse.

As she glanced around the living room, she found that everyone else was enjoying the party while having pleasant chats with one another. Like a princess who had lost her tiara and was dumped in the corner, all she could do was to look at the distant life that once belonged to her.

Sadness was washing her heart when she finally decided to leave the room. It was a clear night and stars were sparkling in the sky. As Leena strolled in the garden, she realized that it would take more than her one-sided enthusiasm to blend into Kevin's family. She also had to be strong. Strong enough not to be defeated by the hostility coming from those who held prejudices over her.

"Leena, what are you doing here?" It was Lee. The party was not for subordinates like him, thus, he was wandering outside. He had never expected to see Leena doing the same as him though.

"Oh, it's you, Lee. I am doing nothing. I just stepped out to get some fresh air. What about you? Why are you here?" Leena talked as if they were old friends without any trace of the typical arrogance that rich people had. She was actually very grateful to see Lee again since he had helped her.