Ch. 116: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 116
Chapter 116Norah listened as Kevin spoke, choosing not to hide the truth any longer. She said, “Grandpa Han, I’m already married, so there’s no need to find me a partner.”
The old man’s face lit up. “A handsome husband!” he exclaimed. Grandpa Han remembered when Norah was still a student before her grandfather passed away, and now, seeing Norah married made him happy. He turned to Kevin, smiling, “Such a fine appearance, so talented—a phoenix among dragons! Norah, you have good taste.”
“You both must cherish your life together,” Grandpa Han continued, with a hint of emotion in his voice. “Meeting each other is fate, and it’s not easy to stay together.”
Hearing this, the corners of Kevin’s lips lifted slightly, but Norah didn’t interrupt Grandpa Han. She just listened quietly.
Grandpa Han, eager to join them for dinner, sighed and muttered, “This James… It’s fortunate his father has passed away. Otherwise, he would’ve been so upset.”
Norah remained silent, remembering Kevin’s advice: Those who are willing to see the truth don’t need many words.
As the gathering filled up, Norah braced herself for gossip. But before she could dwell on it, someone called out, “Norah, come sit here! Bring your husband too!”
Norah was suddenly pulled aside by the daughter of her neighbor uncle’s family. She glanced at Kevin, who gave her a reassuring look to stay calm.
“Norah hasn’t been back for so long, and now she returns with her husband. Come, everyone, meet Norah and her husband!” the woman announced proudly.
“She’s so beautiful, and her husband is so handsome! The White family is blessed.”
“It’s true!” someone chimed in. “Our son-in-law is amazing—a big boss. He likes our family, which means we have charm!”
“Come on, son-in-law, join us for a drink!”
In this hometown, people were eager to boast about their family and achievements. Kevin’s status gave them plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The atmosphere turned lively, and Norah felt slightly overwhelmed by all the attention. It was different from earlier when people seemed indifferent. Now they admired her beauty and praised Kevin’s capabilities.
Norah understood this wasn’t a formal event; these were relatives and neighbors, and here, showing off mattered more. She listened as her neighbor uncle’s daughter praised her energetically.
What was initially a tense atmosphere had transformed into a joyous gathering. Norah maintained her poise, smiling without speaking, worried Kevin might not adjust to the older generation’s customs. But when she turned, she saw Kevin fitting in effortlessly, drinking and laughing with everyone.
They drank liquor in full glasses, not holding back.
“Norah, look at your husband fitting in so well,” the woman whispered in her ear. “He’s a big boss, but he’s down-to-earth. We like that!”
Norah was momentarily stunned. She glanced at her neighbor’s daughter, then at her relatives, who seemed very pleased with Kevin.
Where was that initial tension?
“You can just drink water,” Kevin advised gently, pouring her a glass. “Don’t drink.”
Norah took the glass and responded softly.
“Our son-in-law is so considerate. He thinks of Norah in everything!” someone exclaimed.
Norah and Kevin’s small gestures didn’t go unnoticed. People joined in, laughing and teasing, which made Norah feel a bit shy.
Kevin raised his glass and smiled. “Of course, I have to spoil my wife.”
“Oh, he’s such a good son-in-law! If my old man were half as considerate, we wouldn’t argue every day!” another joked.
The crowd erupted in laughter.
Norah didn’t say much, but she knew Kevin had given her plenty of face in front of everyone. In their eyes, she had married into a wealthy family and had a considerate husband—things that many envied.
She was puzzled, so she asked, “They were indifferent before, and now they’re so enthusiastic. Did you do something?”
Kevin mingled easily with her relatives, even though they didn’t know each other well. He replied, “Nothing major, just a small gesture.”
No wonder. That explained why they were so welcoming now.
He added calmly, “What matters is that your relatives respect you.”
His words left Norah momentarily speechless. Was he worried she might be mistreated or criticized by her relatives? Did he want to make sure they felt she had support?
Before she could gather her thoughts, someone called, “Son-in-law, come here! Have a drink with us. I’ve lived many years and met many people, but you’re the first young man I’ve truly liked!”
An uncle, already a bit drunk, turned and beckoned Kevin over, clearly pleased.
Norah watched as Kevin got up and clinked glasses with them, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
It was the first time she had seen him like this.
In business or daily life, Kevin was always dignified, reserved, and seemingly detached. But now, he appeared down-to-earth, drinking and chatting comfortably with the older generation.
It was hard to reconcile this image with the cold, aloof Kevin she knew.
Watching this, Linda and her mother were seething with anger. This was supposed to be James’s funeral, but it had become an opportunity for Norah to shine. No one seemed to remember that someone had died because of Norah.
Linda’s mother, nearly seventy and adorned with gold jewelry, was so upset that she threw her water glass to the ground, shattering it.
“Accept your fate,” Linda’s mother said harshly.
She glared bitterly, saying, “I was against your marriage to James from the beginning, and look what’s happened now. He’s gone, you’re a widow, and this shameful reputation will follow you.”
Linda looked at her mother. “Mom, how could you say that? If it weren’t for Norah, my husband wouldn’t have died, and I wouldn’t be a widow. It’s all her fault!”
“So what?” her mother snapped, glancing at Sierra. “They’re cousins, and look at them. Norah married into a wealthy family, but Sierra didn’t. It just shows that fate is cruel!”
“Mom, what are you saying?” Linda retorted angrily. “Sierra just graduated and hasn’t even been in a relationship yet. She’ll be a hundred times more successful than Norah!”