The CEO’S Unplanned Heir ( Aurelia Hawthorne ) - Season 1 Episode 30

The last time, she had fainted from the pain. But this time, every sense was hyper–aware. His face was devastatingly handsome and dangerously alluring. It was a constant temptation. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel the contours of his muscles. They were firm, symmetrical, and S**y. He had a scent on him that was fresh and clean, like a mix of expensive shower gel and a rich masculine musk. It made her head spin, her cheeks flush and her heart race, like a deer caught in the headlights. He carried her into the room and gently placed her on the couch. It took her a few seconds to regain her senses.

“I’ve already arranged to meet Arnold. He’s on his way.” Aurelia said.

“Text him on WhatsApp, and tell him not to bother.” Leopold commanded, like a king issuing a decree.

Suddenly, she was wide awake, her stubbornness flaring. “Mr. Leopold, this is my personal matter. Once again, I plead with you not to interfere with my freedom, okay?” Aurelia said.

Leopold’s brows furrowed. His hands braced on the back of the couch, forming a sort of cage around her, “Your freedom exists within the limits I set.”

Though he knew she was doing it on purpose, using Arnold to provoke him, he couldn’t ignore it. The possibility that old feelings might resurface irritated and angered him. This could put their child in great danger. He couldn’t let her act recklessly.

Aurelia was stunned. He wasn’t acting like a boss, but rather a slave master. But she was no slave! “Even though you’re the boss, your authority is limited to work matters. Outside of the office, we’re equals. You don’t have the right to control me.”

A flash of fire sparked in Leopold’s eyes as he leaned in. His handsome face hovered over hers, and an overpowering presence enveloped her. “Not only am I your boss, but I’m also your husband. I have the right to prohibit you from fraternizing with other men!” Leopold said. His words were clear and forceful.

Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in shock.

Husband?! The word startled her. It sounded so foreign and horrifying!

Had he not mentioned it, she would’ve forgotten that besides a contract, they also had a marriage license!

But…

“We’re in a fake marriage. It’s not real.” Aurelia said.

Leopold held her chin up, a cold smirk playing on his lips, “The marriage may be fake, but the license is real.” She gasped. If her brother hadn’t gotten seriously ill and needed money urgently, she would never have agreed to this marriage!

“You said I’m not your wife!” Aurelia said. Leopold stared at her. His deep, icy eyes flickered in the morning light. They were cold, profound, and unpredictable.

“On a personal level, you’re not. But legally, you are. So, you must abide by the rules.” Leopold said.

Aurelia was stunned. Her mouth was slightly ajar, wanting to say something, but her mind was blank. She couldn’t think of a single word. It felt like a heavy chain had suddenly dropped from the sky, shackling her tightly. It took her a while to recover. She swallowed hard. “Marriage laws dictate equality between a man and a woman. You should also abide by the rules and not have other women. Do you want to break off your engagement and call it quits?” Her words carried a subtle, fearless challenge.

A mocking smile appeared on Leopold’s face, “There will never be equality between you and me.”

1/2

11:00

Chapter 30

He towered over her, like a mighty god looking down at a mere mortal. His sharp, mocking gaze was like arrows, piercing her spine and leaving her utterly defeated. All her courage vanished without a trace.

He was right. He was a high–born, powerful and rich, while she was ordinary and penniless. They were worlds apart right from the start. How could there be any equality?