She flopped onto the couch and drooped her head. Her fingers found their way to her mouth as she began to nibble them, feeling utterly miserable inside.
She was determined this time. She was going to lose weight!
Avery grabbed her hand with a swift motion, "When are you going to kick this nasty habit?"
Leah pouted, "I've been biting my nails since I was a kid. I never bother with manicures. Some habits just stick."
Avery chuckled and playfully pinched her rosy cheek, "You don't even bother with makeup, always showing up fresh-faced."
Her head sank even lower with a look of dejection, "Do you think I'm just fat and ugly?"
Avery paused, then ruffled her hair affectionately, "What nonsense! Don't you own a mirror? Can't you see for yourself?"
Leah bit her lower lip, her face visibly reflecting her deep sorrow.
"I think... I look okay. It's just the extra weight," she whispered, barely audible.
Avery smiled, "Where's this 'extra weight'? A little chubby girls are beautiful. I can't stand those who are all skin and bones."
Leah felt he was just comforting her. Which brother would admit his sister was unattractive? His standards would surely rise when it came to girlfriends.
"I've thought about it seriously, and I mean dead seriously. From now on, I'm on a diet."
A mischievous glint sparkled in Avery's eyes as he said, "Alright, we'll cut out carbs, meat, and sweets, just greens. I'll be strict with you, and keep you in line. Tomorrow morning, I'll prepare a carrot wrap for you without cheese. Just ketchup is allowed."
"Oh, okay." Leah nodded earnestly, but Avery was certain she wouldn't last a day. Otherwise, she wouldn't be the little foodie that she was.
In the Stirling Mansion, Aurelia checked on Kane in his room, finding him sound asleep. He was fiercely independent, never worrying her.
Returning to her room, she found Leopold, the embodiment of temptation, lounging on the sofa with just a towel around his waist.
He pinched her cheek, a lack of trust apparent.
"Don't ask that again."
She stuck out her tongue playfully, just wanting to confirm. This man was not on her list of trustworthy people.
"There's no trick too old. AK Group, with all their scheming, never saw your counter-strike coming."
"The devil is crafty, but righteousness will prevail," Leopold said with a cold smirk, his contempt for underhanded tricksters clear.
Aurelia took a delicate sip of her wine, "When do you plan on divorcing Megan?"
He reached out a strong arm, pulling her close, "What's the rush? Can't wait to remarry me?"
Aurelia playfully pushed him away, "Don't flatter yourself. I've got no intentions of remarrying you. Don’t fish the fish you let go."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold)