Ch. 132: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 132
Chapter 132
Norah had no idea what Kevin's intentions were, but staying put was the last thing she wanted. She wasn't meant to be a caged bird; she craved freedom.
Kevin watched her closely, noticing her tense posture and wary eyes. He frowned and spoke up, “Norah, you need to understand—you’re my wife, not some pet. It’s normal for us to be together.”
They had shared moments before, but she’d never reacted this way. What had changed her so much?
He couldn’t figure it out.
Clutching the sheets, Norah repeated, “When are we going to the Civil Affairs Bureau for the divorce?”
Kevin’s expression darkened. “Why are you in such a rush?”
“Yes,” Norah said firmly. “If you promised a date, you shouldn’t keep delaying it. Understand?”
Kevin’s deep eyes searched hers. Her words were devoid of warmth, unlike the Norah he once knew. Now, all she seemed to want was to escape from him. A thought crossed his mind, sparking suspicion. “Is this about that man named Anthony?”
Norah froze. The air grew heavier, and she decided to face it head-on. “Yes. You know I have someone else in my heart. His name is Anthony.”
Kevin’s face turned cold, though his voice remained even. “Are you lying to me, Norah?”
Her body went rigid.
Kevin continued, “This Anthony—I’ve never seen him around. Have you been lying this whole time?”
Norah’s gaze shot up. “Have you been spying on me?”
“It’s only reasonable to check when your wife claims to love another man,” Kevin said, his tone sharp.
Norah pressed her lips together, choosing silence.
If only he had shown her a bit more affection before, maybe she would have told him the truth—that the “Anthony” she loved was him. But now, she just wanted out. She was tired of loving, tired of waiting. Besides, she had a secret: she was pregnant with his child, and he couldn’t know. She could raise the baby on her own. She just needed to secure the divorce before her pregnancy showed.
Kevin’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Who is this Anthony? You’d better tell me.”
“I won’t,” she replied coolly. “What’s the point? So you can track him down and hurt him? I won’t let that happen.”
“Norah!” Kevin’s voice rose, frustration leaking through.
His raised voice sent a shiver down her spine. Men’s pride didn’t tolerate their wives loving someone else. But she stayed composed. “I won’t tell you who he is, but if you divorce me and set me free, I’ll tell you where he is.”
Kevin’s jaw clenched, fists tight at his sides. For another man, she was willing to defy him, even negotiate. Anger flared in his eyes as he gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his glare. “Are you really trying to bargain with me?”
His voice was icy, but he reeled himself in. His curiosity about Anthony was strong, but reason held him back.
With a sudden shift, he said, “Fine. Don’t tell me. But drop the talk of divorce. You’re staying here.”
Norah’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said,” he replied in a calm voice. He brushed a lock of her hair aside and said gently, “You haven’t eaten yet. I’ll have the maid prepare your favorite dishes. Come down and eat.”
Norah hadn’t expected this reaction. She thought he’d be furious and agree to divorce her out of spite. Instead, he’d rather keep her imprisoned in their sham of a marriage.
Panic welled inside her. She needed to break free. “Kevin, why won’t you divorce me? What will it take for you to let me go?”
He took her hand, his face unreadable. “I’m busy now. We’ll discuss it when the time comes.”
“Will you ever be free enough to discuss it?” she pressed.
Kevin’s tone remained indifferent. “If you find someone to replace you, then yes, we’ll talk about it.”
“Can I really find someone to take my place?” she asked, needing clarity.
“We’ll see,” he replied, patting the back of her head. “Now, eat.”
“I hope you’re serious,” Norah said, making sure her tone held no room for misinterpretation.
She followed him downstairs, noting the serene setting outside: rock gardens, flowing ponds, and peaceful woods with semi-traditional architecture that made the space feel perfect for a retreat.
The dining table was already set with an array of steaming dishes—all her favorites. Deliberately, she sat at the farthest end from the head seat. She didn’t want to be near him, positioning herself closer to the door for a quick exit if needed.
But Kevin moved to sit right next to her. She glanced at him as he picked up his chopsticks. “You must be hungry. Eat,” he said, placing food into her bowl with surprising tenderness.
The unsettling overlap of his kindness and her fears made Norah uneasy. But she forced herself to eat for the baby’s sake.
Kevin’s gaze softened as he watched her. “Eat slowly. Don’t rush.” He poured her water, ensuring she wouldn’t choke. Though he hadn’t started eating himself, he kept adding food to her bowl.
Norah stayed silent, focusing on her meal. Once she was done, she set her chopsticks down.
“Full?” Kevin asked, eyes narrowing.
“Yes.”
“You seem to have a good appetite lately,” he commented.
“It’s normal after not eating all day,” she replied.
Kevin mused, “If you like the chef’s cooking here, he can keep making your meals.”