Skyler's eyes sparkled with a sudden vivacity as if he had glimpsed a sliver of hope, "Angel, who's tying the knot? Is it with Leopold, or maybe Arnold?" "It's either Uncle Leopold or my dad, obviously," William quipped, his head bobbing with each word.
Aurelia was speechless.
Weddings were a tender sore spot in her heart.
What woman didn't dream of being the bride, walking down the aisle alongside her beloved? Yet, she wondered if she'd ever get to don a bridal gown and step into a chapel for her own ceremony.
How much of a chance did she and Leopold really have left? "Today's Children's Day, you kids should be exchanging tales of the fun stuff in life, not meddling in grown-up matters, got it?" she chided gently.
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Just then, Nina piped up, "Avery, I'm now the president of your fan club in the Pinnacle Ivy League School. Could you maybe spare a few more autographs? A bunch of the girls are asking to buy them from me." Aurelia let out a snort of laughter, "Oh? And how much are you charging per piece?" Nina flashed five fingers proudly, "Five thousand dollars each." Aurelia choked on her own breath.
True to the Stirling pedigree, Nina had a knack for business.
"So, you're a little tycoon already,?" Nina giggled behind her hand.
Leah stroked her hair lovingly, "Nina, remember, what we say at home stays at home. We wouldn't want the paparazzi getting the wrong idea and making up stories." Nina nodded solemnly, "I know. | can't do anything that'll make Avery lose fans. I'm gonna be the top fan club president one day." Leah smiled, "Alright, given your dedication, | hereby declare you the future top president." Later in the afternoon, Beverley and Marianne swung by.
Beverley had seen Children's Day party pictures on Aurelia's Facebook and wanted to join in. Marianne happened to be with her, so they came over together.
Every girl harbored a child at heart.
Spotting a doll costume, Beverley couldn't resist slipping into it, while Marianne donned another with Stellalou.
"Hey kids, Marianne and | are gonna put on a show for you, okay?" she announced.
William made a face, "Auntie, just promise you won't start a corny song." Beverley stuck out her tongue playfully, "No, we'll sing a beautiful song instead." Together, they belted out a rendition of "Let It Go." Aurelia remembered Leah mentioning that Avery wanted to sign Marianne as a singer.
And her voice was genuinely striking, with a unique timbre. Coupled with her stunning looks and originality, she could be a sensation in shows like "The Voice" or "American Idol." As a major shareholder in Serenity Films, Avery had an eye for nurturing new talent. Just last month, he and Nydia had signed two promising newcomers, planning to cast them in his latest production.
After Beverley and Marianne finished their performance, Children erupted into hearty applause.
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Leah bit her nails nervously, a habit that Avery caught, promptly seizing her hand.
"Most girls are all about nail care, getting manicures at the drop of a hat. Yet you are nibbling your nails into a ragged mess. It's hideous." Leah pulled a face. When she was upset, her nails often paid the price.
"I'm just an average girl. If I'm ugly, then so be it." Avery produced a pair of nail clippers, tidying up the jagged edges she had created.
"I've got to help you kick this bad habit. Otherwise, you'll end up with worms in your stomach." Leah stuck out her tongue at him. Her hands were clean, how could there be worms? "Only little kids get worms." "You're not much older," Avery teased, pinching her rosy cheek gently.
Across the way, Marianne caught a glimpse of the two, her gaze subtle yet loaded with implication.
She leaned in close to Beverley and whispered teasingly, "Seems like Avery has quite the cozy relationship with Leah. Lucky there are no paparazzi here, or they'd have a field day with those snaps, claiming secret romance."