Ch. 130: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 130

Chapter 130

Norah’s eyes stayed focused on the documents in front of her as she spoke evenly. “I’m still on the job, and Mr. Edwards, you need a new secretary. Naturally, I’m doing my part to find the right one for you.”

Kevin felt a surge of frustration. Norah seemed determined to pull away from him.

“When do you plan to be free, Mr. Edwards?” she asked, her tone sharper now. “It’s time we finalize the divorce. We agreed on this when the three-year mark hit. Are you backing out?”

Kevin’s expression hardened, and he stayed silent.

Norah looked up, meeting his eyes. “I hope you’ll honor your word, for both our sakes.”

Suddenly, Kevin barked, “Kian, leave us!”

The sharpness in his voice startled Norah. As Kian quickly exited, the room seemed to shrink, and tension thickened in the air. Being alone with Kevin like this made her chest tighten.

Without a second thought, she tried to step back, ready to leave, but Kevin grabbed her wrist, pressing her against the desk with a thud. Papers scattered everywhere.

Her heart raced as she took in his intense stare. “What are you doing, Mr. Edwards?” she asked, struggling to mask her anxiety.

Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you so eager for this divorce? Is there someone else?”

Norah braced herself against the desk, meeting his gaze defiantly. “What difference does it make? This isn’t about you.”

The fire in Kevin’s eyes flared. His grip on her chin tightened as he pulled her face close. “It matters because we’re still married. If you’re seeing someone else before this is settled, I have every right to ask.”

Norah’s face paled, but she didn’t look away. “Is that fair, Kevin?”

“What do you mean by fair?” he demanded.

She let out a bitter laugh. “I never asked questions about you because I know where we stand. All we have is a piece of paper, nothing more. Why do you feel entitled to interrogate me? Isn’t that hypocritical?”

Kevin’s jaw clenched. “You should know by now, life isn’t fair, Norah.”

Her fingers balled into fists. “Then why won’t you let me go? What do I mean to you, really? Tell me what you want so we can end this game once and for all.”

Kevin’s eyes darkened, catching the implication in her words. “What do you mean by ‘game’?”

Norah took a breath, eyes fierce. “I know why you married me—for your grandfather’s shares. That’s the reason for the three-year term. I was just a pawn, Kevin. You got what you wanted. Why not end this now? Or do I still serve some purpose for you?”

She forced a bitter smile, her tone ice-cold. She felt exposed, a hollow reminder of the role she played.

Kevin’s brow furrowed, his voice low. “When did you figure this out?”

“Does it matter?” Norah said, shaking her head. “What matters is that I’m done with this marriage.”

Kevin’s grip on her arm tightened as he hissed, “What if I don’t agree?”

“Why wouldn’t you?” she shot back, voice rising. “You set the terms, I played my part. I want out, Kevin. I don’t want this anymore. I refuse to waste any more of my life tied to you.”

Kevin’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Then you should remember, I decide when this ends. If you behave, maybe you’ll get what you want. But if you push me…”

“I don’t love you, Kevin!” Norah’s voice trembled, but she held her ground, her gaze unwavering. “I never have. I want my freedom, my life back. I—”

He didn’t let her finish. Anger and something deeper boiled over, and he closed the space between them, claiming her lips in a punishing kiss. It was fierce, suffocating.

Norah’s breath caught, her pulse hammering as she fought against him. This was Kevin unhinged, determined to hold her captive, to keep her close at all costs.

She wasn’t going to be a caged bird.

“Let… go…” she gasped, trying to free herself.

The harder she fought, the more Kevin’s hold tightened, pushing her hands down against the desk until the room spun with chaos. The clutter crashed to the floor.

A sharp pain cut through her lip, and she winced. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

“Does it hurt?” Kevin whispered harshly against her ear, voice breathless. “Good. Remember this feeling the next time you try to defy me.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at him, her expression torn between anger and anguish.

“You’re a monster, Kevin. You—” she started, only for him to silence her again.

Even as her tears fell, she forced herself to speak through ragged breaths. “This is just a reflex. Don’t think for a second that this means you’ve won.”

Kevin’s lips curved in a humorless smile. “You can keep talking, Norah. But we both know you can’t deny what’s between us.”

Tears stung her eyes, mingling with the frustration that coursed through her.

He wouldn’t let her go, not yet. And deep down, she knew this battle was far from over.