Chapitre 42: Chapter 42: Maxwell family IV

"Serena, I hope you don't mind, but I decided to pursue your lady-in-waiting, lady Annalys Cross." Leonard said before Serena could mention anything. Although he doesn't find Annalys to be remotely pleasing even at the slightest, he doesn't want Serena to think that he was only doing it for her.

Serena shook her head. No, she can't do it. She can't stand at the side and pretend that she's innocent. Aside from that, Annalys called her last night to inform her that she received a letter from Leonard asking if he could escort her to the Charlotte's ball. Annalys asked her if she had anything to do about it because she doesn't think that Leonard would ask her in his own volition given that she doesn't think she's pretty enough to enter Leonard's line of sight.

Serena suspected that Annalys' reason was only an excuse to say that Leonard would not think of her because he must have known that her parents did not like him. Or maybe she was really thinking that because for the past 4 years, Leonard never even gave any indication that he was interested in her.

Either way, she denied the allegation and told Annalys that she has nothing to do about it and she didn't know what was running in her brother's head. That perhaps Leonard's reason for the request was because he has grown fond of her. Then, she began telling Annalys all about her good points and why Leonard might think that way about her.

In response, Annalys told her that she's not so sure, but in any case, for the Charlotte's ball, she already has her brother as escort so she could only turn Leonard's offer down and that her only worry was that she might offend him. Serena then answered that Leonard was not a petty man and he wouldn't be offended just by that. Besides, if he wanted to pursue her, then he must be given some drawbacks.

Well to be honest, Serena felt bad about that but what can she say? Anyhow, back to the present.

"Brother… I know the real reason why and I'm sorry. It was I who gave Geoffrey the idea but now I regret it. Annalys told me about the letter you sent her and that she rejected. I know you only did that for me, and I thank you for it. However, that is enough. No need to pursue her and let her or her family trample on your pride…" Serena confided.

She knew that Leonard does take pride on himself, and for him to be rejected that way, even if he can swallow it, she can't. How can she bear for Leonard to be rejected by someone who he wasn't even interested in? Also, if he keeps pursuing Annalys in the future, he could even become a laughingstock.

Leonard smiled hearing the sincerity in Serena's voice. Although he was playing hero, it doesn't hurt to know that she's acknowledging his effort. Seeing the remorseful expression on his sister's face, he flicked her forehead.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Serena exclaimed as she covered the spot Leonard just flicked.

Leonard chuckled. "Serena, though I appreciate your concern, I still must laud you for your vanity. For who said that I'm just doing it for you?"

Serena looked at Leonard baffled. Was he saying that to make her feel better?

Leonard seeing Serena's dumbfounded expression ruffled her hair. "I am interested in Annalys. Why would I agree on pursuing her in the first place if the case was otherwise? Even if it was for your sake, I could've rejected and asked Geoffrey to call other men from our faction to do it instead. However, I didn't. So don't start thinking that it's all because of you." He explained.

In truth, though he was not interested in Annalys as a woman, he was not exactly lying just to make Serena feel better.

Though Serena's marriage to Geoffrey was a love match, the origin was still political in nature. Their family became tied to Geoffrey's faction because of Serena, and if their marriage were to fall apart, inevitably, so will their ties.

Now, if it was another lady, then it would not be too much of a threat. However, if Annalys were to marry Geoffrey as second wife, he highly doubts that the Cross family would not get rid of Serena, himself, and his family. For why would they be content with their daughter only being a second wife when she can be the crown princess herself and subsequently become the queen?

So, to say that he has no ulterior motives would be false. However, he doesn't need to tell Serena that. It was better not to let her know lest she put more pressure to herself and, well, why would he want to ruin his image to his sister? Yes, he also had his own vanity.

"Are you sure you're not saying that just to make me feel better?" Serena asked again, still unconvinced.

"Haven't you said so yourself in the past? Annalys was beautiful, sweet, innocent, came from a good family, and she was just perfect that you could only wish to have her as your own sister? So, what reason could there be for me not to be attracted to her?"

"But she already rejected you…" Serena could not help but remind.

Leonard shook his head. "Even though she rejected me once, she's entitled to do so. So, no need to feel hurt for me, Serena. All men will encounter drawbacks in their pursuit of romance." Leonard said.

"But you're my brother. I can't believe anyone would reject you." Serena said as she pouted and hugged Leonard's right arm. What??? She really can't believe that anyone can reject her perfect Leonard!

Leonard just smiled. Though Serena was pouting he knew that she was feeling relieved. "Don't do that, your acting is terrible. I know what you're thinking deep inside."

Serena snorted. Though it was true that she was relieved that Leonard would still pursue Annalys and it was even on his own volition like he said, he couldn't possibly know what she really was thinking deep inside because if he did, he should have started shrugging her off him. Haha! Ok, just kidding! NOT!

TBC

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