Ch. 117: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 117
Chapter 117
Linda's mother continued, "I'm just being honest! I heard Norah became a secretary even before graduating. Of course, she can marry into a wealthy family! She’s smart. And look at Sierra—no job and a ruined reputation. What kind of life will she have in the future?"
Her blunt words stung Sierra, who was standing nearby. Sierra's eyes filled with tears as she turned to her grandmother and said, "Grandma, you actually think I'm not as good as Norah?"
With that, Sierra ran off, crying.
Linda called out, "Sierra! Sierra!" But she turned to her mother in frustration. "Mom, why would you say that in front of her? How are we supposed to move forward like this?"
Linda's mother sipped her tea, unconcerned. "I said it to motivate you. Sometimes you have to fight for your own future, by any means necessary."
Outside, Sierra stormed to the river, angrily throwing stones into the water. Everyone kept comparing her to Norah—always Norah. It wasn't fair. Norah had been the golden child, praised for her good grades, beauty, and charm. And now she was married into wealth.
But Sierra had tried her best too. She’d worked hard in school, earning her teachers’ praise. Still, Norah’s accomplishments always overshadowed her own. It was never enough. Sierra had even gone to college, but Norah attended a prestigious university, making Sierra seem lesser in comparison. And now, with Norah married to a wealthy man, everyone saw her as successful and admired her. Meanwhile, Sierra was left jobless with a bad reputation.
Why was Norah so fortunate? Sierra, with the same last name, deserved her own praise for being hardworking, driven, and beautiful. She wanted to be recognized for her efforts, not just living in Norah’s shadow.
Wiping her tears, Sierra steeled herself. She would prove to everyone that she was stronger and more capable than Norah.
…
After the banquet, as guests began leaving, they bid their goodbyes.
"Kevin sure can handle his liquor and is so good with people. He’s respectful to us elders—you really did find a good husband, Norah!" an uncle praised.
Norah smiled, unsure of what to say. "Thank you. I should help Kevin get home now. Goodbye, everyone."
"Okay!" The guests waved them off cheerfully.
Norah let out a sigh of relief once they were alone. She looked at Kevin, who was waiting for her. Concerned, she approached him. "You drank quite a bit."
Kevin reassured her, "Not too much, don’t worry."
"Let’s head back inside so you can rest," she said, aware he was still recovering and needed sleep after the heavy drinking.
"Hmm," Kevin nodded, and they walked back to the house together. Their hometown was cozy, with homes close to one another and filled with the smell of cooking and chatter.
The house had been tidied up, but since it had been empty for a while, there was a faint musty smell. Norah opened the windows to air out the room and took out some fresh linens.
"If you're tired, lie down here for a bit," she said.
Kevin sat on the sofa, eyes closed, the scent of wine lingering on him. Norah could tell he was exhausted. She finished organizing the room and encouraged him to rest on the bed.
"Got it," he murmured, brows furrowed with fatigue.
Norah decided to head to the kitchen to see if there was anything to help sober him up. The house lacked basic supplies, so she planned to step out for a bit.
At that moment, Sierra was watching from afar and saw Norah leave. Knowing that Kevin was alone and likely drunk, she saw an opportunity. Her lips curled into a slight smile as she grabbed a prepared sobering soup and headed upstairs.
Everyone had been fawning over Norah and her wealthy husband, ignoring Sierra and her mother. If Norah’s marriage hit a rough patch, maybe then people wouldn’t look down on them so much.
The door was slightly ajar, and Sierra peeked inside, seeing Kevin sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed. Even from the side, he looked tall, with a chiseled profile.
She thought bitterly, How could Norah deserve a man like him?
Sierra adjusted her skirt, which had a low back and hit just above her knees, and approached Kevin quietly. Her heart raced as she neared him.
Hearing footsteps, Kevin assumed it was Norah. "You came back already?" he asked, eyes still shut.
"Brother-in-law," Sierra’s voice was soft.
Kevin opened his eyes and was immediately on alert. He frowned, recognizing Sierra. His voice turned cold. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought you some sobering soup," Sierra replied sweetly.
She had put on makeup and chosen her outfit deliberately, knowing she looked attractive and youthful. Her back was exposed, and her legs were long and fair. She leaned down to place the soup on the table, her hair brushing forward and releasing a subtle fragrance.
Sierra believed that no man could resist her charms. With a coy smile, she waited for Kevin to react.
But Kevin’s face darkened. He didn’t need to guess what her intentions were.
Keeping his voice firm, he replied, "I don't need it."