Ch. 145: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 145
Chapter 145As they stepped into the house, Kevin and Norah were taken aback to find Siena seated on the sofa, looking displeased.
Siena’s tone was cold. “You’re out there making headlines. Quite the spectacle you’ve caused.”
Kevin cast Norah a glance.
Understanding his cue, Norah greeted politely, “Good morning, Mom. Would you like breakfast? If you haven’t eaten yet, I’ll ask the maid to prepare something.”
The maids at the villa understood their roles well. If Norah didn’t cook, one of them would prepare breakfast at the usual time.
Siena ignored Norah entirely. “Kevin, I need to speak with you alone.”
Unfazed, Kevin replied, “People will find out about Norah and me sooner or later.”
Siena's face flushed with anger as she reined in her temper. “Did I hear right? Your aunt invited you to her masquerade ball?”
Kevin responded indifferently, “Is that a problem?”
Siena’s tone tightened. “These pointless parties… Your father’s returning soon. Try not to disappoint him.”
“Is that all?” Kevin asked, his tone flat, showing little interest in Siena’s concerns.
It was the typical way he interacted with her. Norah had long accepted that their relationship was tense and stayed quiet, letting them handle their dynamic as usual.
Siena exhaled sharply, holding her irritation in check. “Bianca brought me a gift recently, and now she’s in the hospital. Bring this tonic to her. She’s been thoughtful toward our family.”
Norah’s heart sank. Watching her mother-in-law ask her husband to bring gifts to another woman stung, but she held back from speaking up.
Kevin replied, “If it’s inconvenient, you could have the maid take it.”
Siena’s eyes hardened. “Someone shows us kindness, and I should repay it with such disrespect? Am I too old to understand simple manners?” She turned to Norah. “Since Kevin’s busy, Norah, you can take it.”
Norah bit her tongue, about to agree, when Kevin cut in. “Norah is not your errand runner.”
Siena’s eyes narrowed, surprised but unmoved. “She’s your wife, and you’re my son. When either of you acts, it represents our family. Or do I have no place here anymore?”
Sensing the tension rising, Norah quickly interjected, “It’s no trouble, Mom. I’ll take the tonic over for you.”
Siena glanced at her, gesturing towards a container on the coffee table. Norah recognized it immediately as a premium tonic produced by the Edwards family, known for its hefty price. Siena clearly went out of her way for Bianca.
Kevin went upstairs to change, leaving Norah to deal with his mother alone. She finished a quick breakfast before heading out with the tonic.
Once Kevin returned and didn’t see Norah, he turned to Siena, his expression cold. “Stop treating Norah like a maid.”
Unfazed, Siena shot back, “And what should I treat her as? My daughter-in-law? Have you ever acknowledged her as one?”
Kevin refused to engage further, responding only, “Norah’s taken care of your errand. If you need anything else, give her a call.” The message was clear: don’t come by unannounced.
…
At the hospital, Norah arrived at Bianca’s room with the tonic. As the door opened, Bianca’s face lit up, expecting Kevin, but her expression soured when she saw Norah.
Norah’s tone was civil. “Mom wasn’t feeling well, so I’m here on her behalf.”
She placed the tonic on the bedside table and turned to leave.
Bianca called after her, “Norah, since you’re here, why not stay for a bit?”
Without looking back, Norah replied, “We’re not close, Ms. Lynch.”
Her visit complete, Norah used the opportunity to attend her own appointment at the hospital. She registered for a quick check-up and soon found herself lying on the examination table, heart racing.
The doctor prepared her abdomen for the ultrasound. Feeling the coolness of the gel, Norah couldn’t help but feel anxious.
“Is this your first pregnancy?” the doctor asked gently.
Norah swallowed, her voice barely audible. “Yes…”
A minute later, the doctor looked up. “You have a healthy fetal heartbeat. You’re about six weeks along.”
The news hit her like a wave. The tiny life inside her already had a heartbeat.
After the exam, Norah consulted with the doctor, who offered her a choice. “Are you looking to carry this pregnancy to term or…?”
Norah placed her hand on her stomach, feeling protective already. “I want to keep the baby.”
The doctor nodded, writing a prescription for folic acid and calcium supplements. “Take these regularly.”
With her prescription in hand, Norah left the hospital pharmacy. Outside, she bumped into Steven, an acquaintance.
“Norah! What a coincidence,” he greeted warmly.
She smiled politely.
Noticing her bag from the pharmacy, Steven asked, “Are you feeling okay?”
A bit flustered, Norah quickly tucked the bag into her purse. “Just a stomach issue.”
Steven gave her a concerned look. “Take care of yourself. Don’t brush it off.”
She nodded, then noticed his own hospital visit. “Are you here to see someone?”
He explained, “My aunt’s been unwell. I came to check on her.”
Norah offered a sympathetic nod. “Well, I won’t keep you. Take care, Steven.”
He watched her walk away, a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
After Norah left the hospital, she stopped at a nearby pharmacy to pick up a second set of supplements. She discreetly swapped out the contents to avoid any prying questions back at the villa. Tossing the ultrasound report into a nearby trash can, she was about to head home when a familiar voice called her name from behind.
“Norah?”