Love's Change of Heart

Leanna clenched her teeth. Now what? Am I not even a human being in his eyes? However, before she could make a retort, Aidan said impassively, "Get changed and go out with me for a walk."

"Didn't you just take a walk yesterday?"

"You already ate yesterday, so why eat again today?"

Leanna was rendered speechless. What an *sshole! She swiftly turned around and banged the door shut before locking it.

Aidan looked at the door lock before raising his head slightly. Then, something seemed to cross his mind, and his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. Withdrawing his gaze, he cleared his throat and urged, "Hurry up! I'll be waiting for you downstairs."

Leanna's sulky voice could be heard from inside the room. "Got it!" What's the hurry? It's not like somebody's gonna get killed or something! If he's in such a hurry, why doesn't he go alone instead?

Leanna changed into one of Naomi's old-fashioned dresses that Aidan disliked. Not only that, but she wore makeup slowly in order to make him wait longer. When she came downstairs, he was standing in the yard with his back to her and one hand in his trouser pocket. Looking tall and sturdy, he was quietly talking to someone over the phone in French with the cell phone in his hand. His deep, attractive, and melodious voice had a cool quality to it. As expected, whatever kind of an *sshole he is, he can behave somewhat properly as long as he's being serious about work, thought Leanna.

Two minutes later, he hung up the phone and looked back at her.

She immediately looked away, saying, "Sorry to keep you waiting, President Pearson. I—"

At first, she thought he would mock her, but to her surprise, he merely put his phone in his trouser pocket and said impassively, "Let's go."

The neighbors had gone on a trip with Wendy. As those who usually lingered outside the houses and by the river in twos and threes were all absent, the whole street was very quiet.

The old and mottled street was bathed in quiet sunshine. Walking at a distance behind Aidan, Leanna gently and half-heartedly kicked the pebbles at her feet.

At the end of the street was a broad river. In the past, Leanna had liked to watch the sunset here every day. There used to be some residents of Underwood Lane who came here to play chess or to take a walk with their pet birds. Now that they were absent, the riverbank seemed deserted. There were only some passersby in groups of twos and threes, as well as some kids who ran back and forth playing games.

Standing by the river, Aidan seemed lost in thought while looking at the scenery in the distance.

Leanna stood behind him and yawned. I'm so damn sleepy. What makes him so energetic?

Just as she was in a daze, she suddenly heard his voice. "Come over."

Leanna followed the voice with her gaze, only to find that Aidan had walked down the steps before she realized it. Seeing his tall figure standing next to a boat, she woke herself up with some difficulty and walked down the steps. However, after reaching the last of the steps, she noticed the distance between the boat and herself, which caused her to hesitate somewhat.

Just as she was wondering how to get on a boat, a hand with prominent knuckles reached out to her. Startled, she looked up subconsciously.

Aidan seemed somewhat impatient with waiting. "What are you waiting for? Get on the boat."

Leanna hesitated for a moment before putting her hand in his palm. When she got on the boat, it shook slightly, causing her to lose her balance and fall into his arms by accident.

Aidan put his arms around her waist for a few seconds before saying, "Haven't you had enough of hugging me yet?"

Leanna was rendered speechless. Coming to her senses at once, she quickly stepped back. However, the boat was floating on the water in the first place, so it inevitably shook, causing her body to lean back uncontrollably.

Just as she thought she was probably going to fall into the water, Aidan put his arm around her waist and pulled her back. He said, "Why are you getting jumpy all of a sudden? Easy does it."

It's all your fault! thought Leanna.

Upon seeing this, the boatman said with a smile, "Sit tight, sir and madam. The waves are a little big today, so don't fall off the boat."

Leanna opened her mouth, but just as she wanted to explain herself, the boat shook again, causing her to get even closer to Aidan. After they finally sat down, she hurriedly moved to the side, trying to keep as much distance from him as possible.

Aidan darted a glance at her before letting out a snort.

The boat rowed slowly and shakily on the river. It was quiet around them, save for the occasional sound of the tree branches rustling in the wind. The water here was very clear, allowing them to see groups of fish swimming past them occasionally.

Leanna leaned sideways on the side of the boat with her hand gently skimming over the comfortably ice-cold water. Just as she was enjoying it, a cold male voice suddenly rang beside her. "Leanna, I hope you can understand that I'm working. I'm not on a date with you."

Leanna withdrew her gaze with puzzlement written all over her face. "What makes you say that, President Pearson?"

"Didn't you purposely wear makeup to go on a date with me?"

Leanna was rendered speechless. "Ha ha. President Pearson, you're so…"

Aidan looked sideways at her before asking in an even chillier voice, "So what?"

Leanna put on a straight face. "You're so observant. I didn't expect you to find out what was on my mind."

Aidan looked away without bothering to respond to her.

Thanks to his interruption, Leanna was no longer in the mood to play with water, so she sat tight in her seat.

Neither of them spoke again as the boat quietly moved on the surface of the river. After a while, Leanna began to yawn again; sunshine shone warmly on her as if to induce her to sleep.