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Chapter 1695: A War Without Victors (One Hundred and Forty-Five)
Chapter 1695: A War Without Victors (One Hundred and Forty-Five)
"I guess they accidentally stumbled upon the truth?"
As Katrina browsed through the gossip articles about Albert, she couldn't help but share the juicy tidbits she found with Isabelle, laughing uncontrollably as she read.
Anyone who knew or understood Albert considered him a devoted man. But who could have imagined that he'd have so many lovers that he'd need both hands to count them?
However, their perception wasn't entirely wrong. Albert was indeed a devoted man. Even with his numerous lovers, Isabelle's place in his heart remained unshakeable.
If it weren't for Isabelle breaking his rules, he probably wouldn't have considered having any lovers in this lifetime.
"That's just how the press is. They'll concoct all sorts of sensational stories to boost their sales," Albert nonchalantly remarked, unbothered by the fabricated gossip in the newspapers and magazines.
As long as he didn't slip up, his image as a good guy could be maintained.
In fact, Albert never intended to let others know about his numerous lovers. Otherwise, he didn't know how much trouble it would stir up.
Ironically, he had despised hypocrites in his previous life, yet here he was, becoming the very person he loathed.
As the saying goes:
What you truly resent is not privilege but your lack of it.
"They're not entirely making things up," Katrina chimed in, seeming to take pleasure in Albert's predicament, unbothered by the fact that she, too, had been dragged into this scandal.
"If you have too many lovers, your body might not be able to handle it. You should probably start working out more."
"Dear, your body isn't what it used to be. You should definitely make time to exercise more."
Isabelle placed Alice on the sofa next to Tom the cat and looked up at Albert as she spoke.
"Adequate rest is important too," Albert countered.
He believed he was in good shape, exercising daily and maintaining a healthier and sturdier physique than most wizards.
"Staying up late isn't good for your health. From now on, I'll make sure to wake you up for morning workouts," Isabelle said, only to meet Katrina's resentful gaze as she lifted her head.
Albert pretended not to notice his aunt's resentful look and steered the conversation in a different direction. "This noise will probably die down soon. Those newspapers and magazines won't dare to go too far."
He wasn't really worried about people concocting gossip about him because if they took things too far, Kingsley would likely be more than willing to do him a favor and put a stop to the rumors, given their connection. That's the benefit of having connections in high places.
Of course, part of the reason was also that Albert already had a good reputation, and as long as the wizards weren't foolish, they would realize that the pile of gossip was nothing but the imagination of sensationalist journalists.
And there was one more reason.
Kingsley happened to be short on funds, and what better opportunity than this? Albert believed that the Minister would gladly seize the chance to fine those newspapers and magazines that were having a field day with the rumors. After all, he had all the excuses he needed, and there would be a whole group of people cheering him on!
"Be careful with your relationship with Hermione. Don't let your image crumble suddenly one day." Isabelle, who had been watching little Alice trying to catch the cat's tail, finally decided to distract her child with a fake cat tail, causing Albert's mouth to twitch. Was she raising a child or a pet?
"We maintain a proper distance when we're out," Albert said, being cautious about this matter as it affected his and Hermione's ability to live normal lives.
"No, I'm not talking about that. Women tend to be more petty and prone to letting their emotions get the better of them." Isabelle paused in her actions and, picking up Tom, who had also crawled over to grab the cat's tail, she handed him to Albert.
"Otherwise, if you two have a falling out one day, she might act on impulse and blurt out your secrets."
"I'll be careful," Albert replied. He had always been considerate of Hermione's feelings, and his other lovers rarely received such treatment.
"Why bring this up all of a sudden?" Katrina asked, puzzled, sensing that Isabelle was leading up to something.
"You know about Fred and Angelina, right?" Isabelle said as she watched Alice, now tired from crawling, and handed her the fake cat tail before picking her up and placing her in the crib beside her.
"They broke up?" Albert had heard from Fred about their situation and didn't find their breakup surprising.
"Are you hoping they'll break up?" Katrina couldn't imagine Albert wishing for such an outcome.
"If Angelina is set on focusing on Quidditch, then she's definitely not ready for marriage anytime soon." Albert spoke frankly, not wanting Fred to fall into a pitfall.
"She's indeed got Quidditch on her mind all the time, and she hasn't seriously considered her future with Fred." Isabelle understood why Albert felt that the couple wasn't ready for marriage.
Marriage is a commitment between two people, and if it becomes a one-sided effort, even the deepest of affections can sour.
"So?" Katrina was curious about the outcome of this situation.
"Fred's change in attitude took Angelina by surprise." Isabelle spoke softly.
"She probably wants to have it all, doesn't she?" Albert felt that their relationship was most likely over.
Katrina, who was petting the cat beside them, could understand Angelina's feelings and didn't think she was in the wrong.
However, she also knew that marriage wasn't the same as dating, and if they wanted to build a family, they needed to work together and make sacrifices. Otherwise, they would inevitably part ways one day.
Even without marriage, Katrina understood this principle, and sometimes she felt that being Albert's lover wasn't so bad.
It was carefree, and she didn't have to shoulder any family burdens.
"I advised her that if she wants to continue this relationship, she should have a heart-to-heart talk with Fred and think about what she truly wants and what she's willing to contribute to make it work." As a teacher, Isabelle gave sound advice.
However, what neither Albert nor Isabelle expected was that Fred and Angelina's relationship troubles would be resolved so quickly.
According to Fred, the couple had decided to hold a joint wedding with George, and if their relationship fell apart, they would simply go their separate ways then and there.
After the wedding, once Angelina finished playing Quidditch for four years, she would retire and start a family.
They were essentially approaching marriage as if it were a dating relationship, where they could simply walk away if things didn't work out—a stance that left their friends and loved ones speechless.
Love could bring people together, and if it faded, they could part ways—there was nothing wrong with that.
But marriage was different.
Once you're married, you can't just walk away on your own; you need to shoulder the responsibilities of family, share obligations, and support each other through life, as promised in their wedding vows.
Of course, it was their choice, and outsiders had no right to judge!
(End of Chapter)
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