10.44 Chapter 236 Aurelia arrived home, shrugged off her coat, and glanced at herself in the mirror.
Her belly had grown a bit larger because she was carrying twins and it was hard not to notice her belly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Being discovered wasn’t such a bad thing. At least she no longer had to hide.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtA tall figure appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame while his gaze rested heavily on her.
Catching sight of him in the mirror, she was slightly taken aback. She asked, “Mr. Leopold, when do you get here? | don't even notice you when | walk in.” Leopold didn’t respond, and his expression clouded with gloom. He had just heard the office gossip. Each version of the story made his blood boil. How could they tarnish the reputation of his unborn children? Aurelia noticed his mood but she could never read him well.
He rarely showed her a pleasant demeanor. His good moods were reserved for his sweetheart, while she received all his ire.
She was nothing more than a punching bag.
Picking up an orange, she began to peel it as she said, “Mr. Leopold, congratulations, | hear you're getting engaged again.” Leopold shot her a glare and said, “If you can’t speak wisely, perhaps you should keep your mouth shut.” Aurelia stopped, realizing he was annoyed with her words “getting engaged again“. This was his third engagement after all.
As she bit into the orange, she pondered on how to soothe his anger when her phone rang. It was her mother.
“Ritchie sent a message in the family group chat saying you're pregnant. Is it true?” Aurelia sucked in a breath. That blabbermouth Ritchie! Whenever he found out she had done something wrong, he would spread the word everywhere.
If Mom hadn't been staying with Avery, she would have come over.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Mom, don't listen to his nonsense. When you get back, I'll explain everything.” “I'll return tomorrow and take you to the hospital for a check-up, “Jolin said with concern. She had noticed Aurelia’s figure recently and had been careless and fooled by her.
Just as she hung up, Jelena called, inquiring about the situation.
Aurelia wanted to cry. She could ignore the whispers at work, but she couldn't disregard her family’s opinions.
Opening WhatsApp, she saw Perla’s mocking comments in the group chat, “How shameful. She was pregnant before marriage and she doesn't even know who the father is. She's disgraced the Hawthornes.” Zack quickly replied, “Perla, Aurelia has always been a good girl. Let’s not jump to conclusions.” Jelena added, “It's the 21st century. What's so disgraceful about being pregnant before marriage? Many women choose to be a single mother.” Perla retorted, “She’s a disgrace. Her parents raise her so hard and she doesn’t even tell them that she gets pregnant before a marriage. With a little bastard, no man wanted her anymore!” ‘Aurelia didn’t want to read further. She stuffed the rest of the orange in her mouth in frustration.
No explanation would suffice. After all, she and Leopold were on the brink of divorce. Revealing their marriage now would only lead to further criticism from Perla when they eventually separated.
Leopold watched her seriously, “How do you plan on explaining this to your mother?” Aurelia didn’t know. Any explanation would disappoint her mother.
Biting her lip, she murmured, “I'll tell her | made a mistake.” Leopold frowned and asked, “What are you hesitating for? Aren’t you planning on telling her the truth?” Aurelia sighed heavily with a mask of sorrow on her face. Tell her mother about her marriage now, only to announce a divorce three months later. Wasn't that just as bad as admitting she had made a mistake? Either way, her mother would be furious.
Seeing her silence, Leopold said, “Bring your mother here tomorrow. I'll tell her myself.” 12:44