NovelEnglishWilliam shrugged nonchalantly, "Uncle Leopold seemed hardly surprised. Guess he kinda saw it coming but just didn't have the
proof. The guy's as cunning as they come."
Arnold managed a stiff half-smile, "Cunning? That's quite the thing to say about your dad."
"That's because it's true." William wrapped his arms around him, rubbing his rosy cheek against Arnold's face, "lI don't need him. |
just need you, my dad. You wouldn't leave me, right, Dad?"
Arnold hugged him tightly, his heart churning like waves caught in a tempest.
"Now that Leopold knows the truth, aren't you going back?"
"Not going back. I've got one dad, and that's you." William shook his head without a hint of doubt.
Arnold sighed softly, "If you don't go back, Leopold's gonna be upset."
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"He won't be. He promisedhe wouldn't force me. Besides, I'm not his only kid. He's got a soft spot for Kane, never really liked
me. | always seem to get on his nerves."
Arnold embraced him more affectionately, "My William is the best, smart, lovable, brave, and so respectful. No one can compare to
you."
William pursed his lips, hesitating before asking in a tiny voice, "Dad, if you get married again and have another little brother, will
you still love me?"
A pang of unspeakable pain flickered in Arnold's eyes. He knew he wouldn't marry again because his heart couldn't bear another
love.
"With you and Nova, I've got all | need. You'll always be my son."
"Dad!" Nova kissed his cheek, "I love you the most."
The soft, sweet voice caressed Arnold's heart, soothing the scars that would never fully heal. Now, William was his only solace.
"And | love you most of all, William."
This time, the calmness of Leopold had taken him by surprise. Perhaps it was because Aurelia was back by his side, making
everything else insignificant.
He had won.
They had never ceased their rivalry since childhood, and it was not as if he hadn't won before; they were well-matched
adversaries.
Had it not been for the advantage of being the legitimate heir, the head of the family might not have been Leopold's by default.
Had Magnolia not betrayed him, had he not married Lisa, Aurelia wouldn't have been there for Leopold to take advantage of his
absence.
Fate was cruel, not his defeat to Leopold but the whims of destiny.
In fact, back in Goldstone, he could have had sex with Aurelia. But he didn't because he respected her and wanted to wait until she
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmwas his wife to have her.
Now, he regretted not being more assertive. If only he had been more decisive, he would live a happy life with Aurelia, and Leopold
would never have had the chance to take her back.
Maybe, the biggest difference between him and Leopold was his gentleness, lacking the decisive ruthlessness, and that was why
he lost.
At that moment, Aurelia knocked on the door, bringing in a bowl of freshly washed cherries.
"Mom, remember back in Goldstone during the Christmas holiday, you'd make us orange French toast? Could you do that today?
Dad and | are craving it."
"Sure thing." Aurelia smiled and nodded, "I'll whip it up for you two in a bit."
After she left for the kitchen, William followed. "Mom, | told Dad about that thing."
"Okay." Aurelia stroked his hair, "I told you before, he wouldn't mind. You were just overthinking it."
William hung his head, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering worry.
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