Ch. 179: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 179

Chapter 179Norah’s mind reeled. Kevin had been in the army? Why had he never mentioned it?

Maybe it was part of their unspoken agreement—to respect each other's boundaries and not pry too deeply into each other's pasts. She reminded herself that Kevin didn’t owe her full disclosure about everything. Still, this revelation left her unsettled.

Before she could dwell on it further, the sound of someone attempting to smooth things over caught her attention.

"Old Mr. Godin," someone said with forced politeness, "we understand your fondness for Kevin, but let’s be honest—he didn’t even bother to inform you about his marriage. It’s hard not to feel like he doesn’t respect you."

Norah stiffened. The conversation had taken a sharp turn toward accusations, and the underlying tension was palpable. Kevin remained stoic, his silence speaking volumes. She knew his usual demeanor—he wouldn’t tolerate this kind of talk. The only reason he was holding back had to be out of respect for Old Mr. Godin.

Cassius, the main instigator, smirked. “Kevin, you’ve always been low-key, but marriage? That’s a major milestone. Or could it be you weren’t all that eager to get married in the first place?”

The snide comment cut through the room. Norah glanced at Kevin, who remained composed, his expression unreadable. She realized why he avoided spending time with these people—it wasn’t about Old Mr. Godin but the hostility radiating from others in his circle.

Determined to defuse the situation, Norah tightened her grip on Kevin’s hand. “You’re mistaken,” she said evenly. “Kevin respects me deeply. We kept our marriage private at my request. I work at his company, and I wanted to earn recognition on my own terms. As Old Mr. Godin mentioned, we prefer a quiet, low-key life.”

Her words drew Kevin’s attention. His dark eyes locked on hers, a flicker of surprise evident. Meanwhile, the room’s attention shifted to Norah.

Cassius, however, wasn’t done. “A wife who doesn’t want her marriage acknowledged? Sounds like you’re the one settling for less.”

Norah’s polite smile didn’t waver. “You’re misinterpreting things. Kevin often speaks about his past, including the sacrifices he made as a soldier. He’s been injured multiple times, shielding others from harm. I’d say his actions speak louder than words.”

The room fell silent, Cassius visibly taken aback.

Kevin’s expression darkened, his lips pressed tightly together. Norah realized she’d struck a nerve, but she had no regrets. She suspected that some of Kevin’s injuries might have been for the people in this very room.

Before anyone could respond, Old Mr. Godin stepped in, his tone firm. “That’s enough. Kevin brought Norah here to meet everyone, and this is how you behave? You owe them an apology. Now, punish yourselves with three drinks!”

Chastened, Cassius forced a smile and raised his glass. “You’re right, Old Mr. Godin. My mistake.” He approached Kevin and Norah, offering Kevin the glass first. “This is on me. Kevin, my brother, forgive me for being out of line.”

Cassius then turned to Norah with another glass. Kevin intervened, placing a protective arm around her shoulders and taking the glass from Cassius. “She’s allergic to alcohol,” he said curtly, downing the drink himself.

The room erupted into laughter and lighthearted teasing.

“Look at Kevin! From a fearless soldier to a doting husband. Iron will, tender heart!”

“Exactly! So, Kevin, when’s the wedding? We’ll bring the biggest red envelopes for you and Norah!”

Norah smiled politely, but she noticed the warmth in some of the comments. Perhaps not everyone in the room was against Kevin.

Kevin’s voice was calm but noncommittal. “I’ll let you know when we have plans.”

Just as the tension began to dissolve, a bright, youthful voice rang out. “Grandpa!”

All heads turned to see a young woman entering the room.

“My precious granddaughter is here!” Old Mr. Godin exclaimed, beaming as he opened his arms to her.

The girl hugged him tightly. “I missed you so much, Grandpa!”

“And I missed you too.”

Norah’s heart skipped a beat. She recognized the girl—Elodie. The same Elodie she’d seen at Bonnie’s prom.

“Brother Kevin!” Elodie’s voice was filled with excitement as she turned to him with a radiant smile.

Kevin gave her a polite nod, but nothing more.

“Grandpa, Kevin’s changed. He’s so cold now!” Elodie pouted, leaning against Old Mr. Godin.

The older man chuckled, patting her head. “Kevin is married now. He’s a man with responsibilities, not the same boy who used to run around with you.”

Elodie’s expression faltered, and her pout deepened.

Someone in the crowd teased, “Elodie, you’ve always had a soft spot for Kevin, haven’t you?”

Another chimed in, “Ever since he saved her from that black bear, she’s been smitten. Poor us, though—Elodie barely acknowledges anyone else.”

Elodie gave an embarrassed laugh, brushing off the comments.

Old Mr. Godin gestured toward Norah. “Elodie, this is Norah, Kevin’s wife. Say hello to your sister-in-law.”

Elodie turned to Norah and greeted her with a polite, “Hello, Sister-in-law.”

“Hello,” Norah replied with equal politeness.

But Elodie’s gaze lingered on Kevin, her attention clearly elsewhere. Norah felt a pang of unease. Elodie might be Old Mr. Godin’s beloved granddaughter, but she was also a potential complication.