The next day, Aurelia took William to Arnold's villa for a farewell gathering after school.
"Daddy, how long will you be gone this time?" William wrapped his arms around Arnold's neck, his face a picture of longing. It would be a while before he could play with his dad again.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtArnold kissed his son's cheek. "I'll be back in a month." "Arnold, be careful on set, please. Remember safety first." Aurelia reminded him, recalling the the almost fell off a cliff while filming, nearly giving her a heart attack.
Arnold took her hand. "I should be here with you. | shouldn't be leaving..." Before he could finish, she cut him off. "I'm fine, really. Your work is important. There will be inteat the research station, right? Don't forget to call us." He nodded, falling silent for a minute before murmuring, "I've been thinking about it. I'll finalize the divorce with Lisa when I'm back." Aurelia was shocked, wanting to say something, but she swallowed her words.
"Should we visit Nova tomorrow?" "I'll see her before | leave." Arnold's gaze was unwavering as he looked at her. He knew he had hurt her and let her down. Once he was divorced, he planned to woo her anew and win her back. Never again would he forsake her for anything or anyone.
Rising to prepare dinner, Aurelia stopped him. "I'll cook tonight. You spend squality twith William. He's going to miss you while you're away." Arnold smiled. "Then I'll make his favorite food, mac and cheese." They entered the kitchen together.
William stood at the doorway, his face blossoming into a smile.
"Daddy, Mommy, you two look just like you did in Goldstone." After Mommy's leg healed, she often joined Daddy in the kitchen to make dinner.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmArnold felt a pang of nostalgia. It had been ages since they'd cooked together like this.
Since his marriage to Lisa, Aurelia had begun to drift away, leaving their closeness a thing of the past.
"William, do you miss our hin Goldstone? How about we spend Christmas there?" "Yeah!" William nodded eagerly.
A hint of regret crossed Aurelia's face as she replied, "I might be too busy with the new launch over Christmas." Arnold knew she was under much pressure. "| heard Ethereal Gems hired a new designer to rival you?" "Yes, very high-profile. Not just in the jewelry world, but all high society knows about it." Aurelia shrugged. Viola's tactics were also a marketing stunt. Everyone's eyes were on this battle. If she could pull off an upset, her fwould skyrocket.
Arnold smirked. "Can't wait to see her get put in her place." Aurelia said, "She's poached Evelyn, too. Evelyn knows our department's style well, so I've pressured our team to innovate and shift our design approach." This time, she'd rejected all the initial drafts for lacking originality.
Although she was the head designer, she didn't want the company's success resting solely on her shoulders. She only designed the flagship products. Other sales couldn't lag. Each designer had to utilize their talent fully.
Arnold's eyes softened, filled with tender admiration. "No one can beat our genius designer." Aurelia offered a wry smile. "We'll see. There's always someone better, and the strong are always outdone by the stronger. | have to keep improving to stay ahead of the wave."