Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 76

It took Leanna a week to settle down.

Even though it was a small city and less vibrant than Highside with its bright lights, it had not been urbanized, which allowed it to retain the uniqueness of a small town.

When she gave Zoe a call, Zoe was surprised and didn't understand why Leanna would suddenly skip town.

Leanna had always wanted to live in a place where no one knew her after her divorce, but her plans were delayed by matters that kept cropping up. If it hadn't been for this time where Aidan gave her the opportunity to flee, she might not have been able to make such a decision.

It's lovely here. Not only is the atmosphere fresher here, the people are friendly and warm too.

She had also agreed with Harvey that if there were any issues at work, they would communicate via telephone. She was only in charge of producing her artwork and sending it to him via email.

It was just that Leanna had no idea how long this period of serenity would last because she was well aware that it was a piece of cake for Aidan to locate her current whereabouts.

Aidan was not ruthless toward her, probably because his conscience had finally triggered a sense of kindness in him.

She loved heading to the river and sitting on the bench every afternoon until it was sunset before she would make the slow return home.

Her landlord was an older woman with a quirky personality. She was obviously in her 40s to 50s, but loved to dress like she was a senior citizen. She was aloof and hated smiling while having the habit of reading the financial newspapers every morning.

Leanna was curious, but never had the courage to ask. The landlord lived on the first floor while she was on the second, so it was rather evident that they did not wish to disturb each other.

When she returned, she shouted in the direction of the house, "Ms. Fletcher, I bought a bouquet of flowers. Is there any vase for me to use?"

An indifferent female voice sounded from inside. "You can search it for yourself in the yard."

As there were many assorted bottles and vases at the small yard, Leanna was able to locate a suitable vase to store her flowers. After watering them, Naomi walked out with a tray. "Your meal is waiting for you inside. Help yourself."

Leanna broke into a smile. "Thank you."

Although they had expressly mentioned that they would not disturb each other when they signed the tenancy agreement, Naomi would still prepare an extra share for Leanna whenever she made her meals.

Sitting at the table, Leanna licked her lips and praised, "Ms. Fletcher, your dishes are delicious."

Naomi glanced at her. "You are the first person to compliment my cooking."

"Huh? I really think that it's delicious, though." Then, Leanna took a sip of the chicken soup. "I disagree with whoever says that your cooking is not tasty."

"Well." Naomi chuckled. "My son has said that eating the dishes that I have cooked is akin to eating tree leaves. I never expected that you would think so highly of me."

It was enough to render Leanna speechless. Such a description deserves a beating. Then, she casually asked, "Does your son visit often, Ms. Fletcher?"

Naomi paused for a while before she answered, "I haven't seen him in years."

"Since it's been years, I'm sure your cooking has improved. If your son were to sample your cooking again, he'll be so stunned that he can't speak."

Naomi spoke in a self-deprecating manner. "It's alright; he's never been one to speak well of people. He hates me now, so how would he sample my cooking?"

Leanna gently shook her head. "Nah, there is no deep animosity between parents and children. Even if there is some kind of misunderstanding, it can be resolved by communication."

Now that she was with child, she was able to understand the emotions of a mother. In this world, there was no mother who didn't want the best for her child to the point where she could sacrifice herself to make it happen.

"What do you know?" came Naomi's response.

"I just know."

"Then, why did you run from home? Did you have an argument with your parents or something?"

Such a statement was enough to make Leanna pause for a few brief moments.

"Look, I'm merely asking." Naomi turned away. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine."

Leanna gave a light chuckle. "I didn't argue with my parents. My mother died in labor when she delivered my brother. I was only a few years old at that time, so I have long forgotten how she looked. I didn't run away from home; I merely wanted a change of environment."

Naomi served yet another bowl of chicken soup. "Alright, I don't want to hear bullsh*t. Let's eat."

That night, as Leanna rested in bed and observed the moonlight, she couldn't sleep because she suddenly realized that she had forgotten something important.

She took out a card from her drawer and hesitated for a long time before she finally made the call.

It was only when she wanted to cut the call that the line was answered. With a gentle voice, she greeted, "It's me, President Pearson."

"Speak." The man's voice sounded hoarse, as if he was rudely awoken from his sleep.

Leanna grabbed her blanket and resisted his usual sarcasm to tentatively say, "President Pearson, I'm aware of our agreement, but I am serious with my promise. I won't show up in front of you ever again. As for my brother's matter, can I beg you—"

"Beg me for what?"

She gritted her teeth and answered, "I know it's a shameless request, but I think that you'll agree."

On the other end of the line, Aidan laughed. "You know that you are shameless by making such a request and you still want to say it?"

"About the The Emerging Designer Competition three years ago, I think you have misunderstood you. I know that you probably are regretful after learning of the truth, which was why Pearson Group has collaborated with the designers from Lux. I don't want such an opportunity. And if you really want to make amends, President Pearson—"

He interrupted her. "Didn't you refuse the offer a long time ago?"

Leanna lied, "I didn't know that you meant well back then, but I'm finally aware of it now. I hope you won't be calculative with such a person like me, President Pearson."

There was a moment of silence, in which Aidan took his time to reply. "You are right; it's shameless."

She pursed her lips and did not refute. "So, I'll take it that you are in agreement?"

He said nonchalantly, "You can take it as such because I can choose to disagree."

It was enough to make Leanna stunned in speechlessness. Can't this b*stard say something nice?

Quickly, Aidan followed up on his response. "Leanna, if you want to call me in the middle of the night

next time, do not ever think that I'll agree to your requests in the future."

She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, it's my fault."

"Is there anything else?"

Leanna looked out the window and mentioned after a few seconds, "Nope. Goodbye, President Pearson. Have a good night's sleep."

Just as she was about to hang up, his voice sounded over the phone. "You aren't wishing for my family line to end?" This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

She was at a loss of words. D*mn, he is vengeful.

Then, she laughed. "Where did you hear about this, President Pearson? How can it be a blessing to die without the continuity of your family line? Of course I wish you to have a long life where you'll have a prosperous family line for five generations—"

Aidan hung up in that instant.