"Angel, there was a part ofthat still yearned to be a true Heninger, like in the old days. You won't spill the beans to Dad, Leopold, or Jessica aboutknowing the secret, will you?" "Of course not," Aurelia said, gently ruffling his hair. "But you've got to promiseyou won't let this eat at you, okay? Don't let Geoffrey get under your skin." Skyler nodded with a firm resolve. "Nah, I'm not going to let him get to me. I'm not going to live in the shadows like he does. I'm all about the sunshine." Aurelia's smile was warm and bright. "Good boy, Skyler. You're like a little ray of sunshine, full of positivity." She was relieved to see him take the revelation in stride, not weighed down by the burden of the secret.
Kids are resilient, their simple hearts and quicksilver emotions always bouncing back.
After a moment of quiet, Skyler asked, "Is Tanya really locked up?" "In light of her crimes, if the cops ever caught her and extradited her back to Eastwood Heights, she'd be looking at 200 years minimum. Despite her cold heart, Leopold still had a soft spot for family ties. He created a sort of Shangri-La for her to live out her days, so she can't wreak havoc anymore and won't suffer behind bars." Skyler scratched his head thoughtfully. "Well, when they catch Geoffrey, they should just send him to keep Tanya company. They can be each other's misery." That suggestion wasn't half bad.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAurelia chuckled softly. "How did your observation go yesterday?" "I can't be sure if he's the real Raines, but something's definitely off." Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Like what?" "Well, you all said he liked things with a strong flavor, right? But | noticed he actually doesn't. He doesn't like ljuice, cilantro, or apple turkey pie made by Paz. He tries to hide it, but I'm studying psychology, | can tell." Aurelia had sensed something off as well.
"Lisbeth said it was because he'd been seriously ill, and his tastes had changed." Skyler mused, "That Lisbeth is a bit off too. She and Raines seem more like a boss and employee than husband and wife." That struck a chord with Aurelia. Indeed, there seemed to be a lack of intimacy between Lisbeth and Raines. A couple that had been together for four years should have grown closer, not more distant.
Could it be that her affections for Raines were all an act? Just then, William cbounding over, his face alight with excitement. "Mommy, Daddy's back!" Aurelia felt a jolt of emotion as she followed him to the living room.
Arnold had cback earlier than expected, dropping everything once he heard about her remarriage to Leopold.
For him, this was a crippling blow; like being hit by a freight train out of nowhere.
He'd thought Leopold wouldn't be discharged for a while and had felt secure going to the Arctic. He never imagined that Leopold would swoop in and seal the deal in his absence.
Aurelia greeted him with a serene smile. "Arnold, you're back early. | thought you wouldn't be huntil next week." Arnold was reeling and his mind was a tumultuous sea of emotions, with his insides churning.
His eyes were ringed with shadows. Since hearing the news, Arnold had been deprived of sleep.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I heard you remarried Leopold. Is it true?" Aurelia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and murmured an affirmation.
Jolin emerged from the kitchen and beckoned the kids upstairs, signaling that the adults needed to talk privately.
The children obediently trooped up the stairs.
Pain wracked Arnold, as though he were being torn apart limb by limb.
Aurelia was twisted in sympathy. The last person she wanted to hurt was him.
Arnold was her confidant, her family, the man who had saved her and William.
If not for him finding and rescuing them, they might not have been alive today.