hapter 14
Thanks to Leon’s blunt take, something finally clicked for Eleanor. Before this, every time she had interacted with Alina, the woman had always seemed timid, soft–spoken, and helpless- so much so that Eleanor had honestly believed she was innocent.
But just like Leon had said, if Alina were really as kind and harmless as she appeared, none of this chaos would have ever happened in the first place.
If Aaron was responsible for 70% of the mess, then Alina easily carried 20% of the blame. The remaining ten? Eleanor was willing to own that after all, she had been the one who bailed on the wedding.
Leon noticed the sudden clarity on her face and waved his hand in front of her eyes, clearly fishing for attention.
When she blinked at him in surprise, he cleared his throat and threw out a teasing question.” You married me, yet you’re still so invested in your ex’s drama. Are you actually not over him?
H
For some reason, Eleanor caught a faint trace of jealousy in that comment. Nevertheless, she quickly brushed the thought aside.
After all, their marriage was more of a deal than anything else, and it hadn’t even been 24 hours–there was no way he actually had feelings for her, let alone enough to be jealous.
While she mulled it over in her head, she offered him a simple explanation.“It’s not that. I was just thinking… If Alina was acting this whole time, then I have to admit, she’s pretty damn convincing.
“But if she wasn’t acting, then I guess the universe was looking out for me–letting me see Aaron for who he really was before I walked straight into hell!
Her tone was matter–of–fact, almost emotionless, and that alone was enough to soothe whatever sting Leon might’ve felt earlier. He grinned again, clearly back to his usual self.
“Marrying Aaron would’ve been a straight dive into the fire pit. So what’s marrying me considered?”
Eleanor looked up at him and stared for a moment before replying with a smirk. “Didn’t Mrs. Whitman Senior already say it? I’m basically doing society a favor.”
Leon wasn’t having it. His expression turned mock–offended as he began ticking things off on his fingers. “I’m only one year older than you and already run Whitman Corporation. That makes me young and accomplished.
“I’m easy on the eyes, and every family in our social circle wants me as their son–in–law. I’m pretty sure that makes me a hot commodity on the dating market.
“Despite all that, I’ve kept a clean reputation, not a single scandal in over 20 years. I’m funny, charming, and actually have a decent personality. And that’s not enough for you?”
His earnest delivery cracked Eleanor up. She started ticking off her own list, matching his tone. “You’re the head of a corporation, so you’re swamped with work. Meanwhile, I’m flying all over the world for performances—so we’d barely see each other.
“You’re good–looking, which means every woman out there wants a piece of you. That’s not exactly a comforting thought for a wife. And sure, you’ve never had a scandal–but people say you’re not into women at all. What am I supposed to do, keep you around as living decor?”
Her arguments were so well delivered that Leon didn’t even know how to respond. However, the last line got him.
A smile tugged at his lips, and he slipped an arm around her waist. “Worried you married a trophy husband? What’s this–day one of marriage, and my wife’s already catching feelings?”
The warmth of his hand sent a wave of heat up her spine. The air between them shifted, growing more charged.
Eleanor turned her face away, clearly flustered, mumbling under her breath, “Mrs. Whitman Senior really wasn’t wrong. Taking you in might’ve been my greatest sacrifice.”
Just then, Carl came rushing up behind them, his voice brimming with excitement. “Sir, madam, Mrs. Whitman Senior just arrived–with Mr. and Mrs. Whitman. She’s asking for you both in the living room!!
Eleanor’s eyes widened as she turned to Leon in silent shock, clearly demanding an explanation with just her starę. However, he only chuckled and nudged her toward the house.
“We’re married, aren’t we? Of course, I had to report something this important to my parents. So, what do you think? Pretty thoughtful of your husband, right?”
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