Ch. 181: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 181

Chapter 181Elodie swallowed her pride and offered an apology. “I’m sorry, sister-in-law.”

Norah’s response was gracious. “It’s fine. I forgive you.”

Old Mr. Godin, observing the exchange, nodded with approval. “Recognizing your mistakes is the first step. Just don’t repeat them. That’s how you grow into a respectable person.”

Elodie nodded obediently. “I understand, Grandpa. I’ll make sure to get along with my sister-in-law from now on.” She even reached for Norah’s hand in a show of reconciliation, though the gesture felt somewhat forced.

Old Mr. Godin smiled at her newfound civility. “Good. Let’s keep this harmony moving forward.”

Norah, while appreciative of the peace, couldn’t shake the feeling that Elodie’s sudden friendliness was insincere. Still, for Old Mr. Godin’s sake, she played along, choosing not to stir up any further drama.

Elodie, ever the charmer, turned back to Old Mr. Godin with a sweet smile. “Grandpa, today is your special day! I wish you happiness and long life.” She punctuated her sentiment with a ceremonial bow.

His smile widened. “You have a good heart, child. Now, get up—don’t hurt yourself bowing.”

Within moments, Elodie had the old man laughing again, erasing the tension from earlier. Cassius seized the opportunity to lighten the mood further. “Alright, I’m starving! Let’s eat. Everyone, grab a seat and don’t be shy!”

As they settled in at the table, Old Mr. Godin turned to Kevin and Norah. “I had the best cook prepare this meal. Try everything and let me know if it suits your tastes.”

Kevin nodded politely. “Thank you, Old Mr. Godin.”

Norah added, “Yes, thank you for your kindness.”

“We’re all family here,” Old Mr. Godin said warmly. Despite his losses, he treated Kevin and Norah as his own, filling the void of the relatives he had lost.

Norah couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Losing a child and raising a granddaughter alone must have been incredibly lonely.

The meal proceeded peacefully. While Norah appreciated the calm, she noticed Kevin was unusually quiet, keeping his interactions minimal. She didn’t press him, knowing he wasn’t one to speak when he didn’t feel like it.

After dinner, Norah found herself standing by a hallway window, enjoying the night breeze. Kevin approached quietly, hands tucked into his pockets.

“Why did you defend me earlier?” he asked.

Startled, Norah glanced at him, unsure how to respond. “Why wouldn’t I? We’re married. When I stand up for you, I’m standing up for myself, too. It’s about mutual respect.”

Kevin chuckled lightly. “Is that really it?”

“Yes.” She paused, frowning. “But why didn’t you say anything back there? Normally, you’re the last person to let anyone push you around.”

He joined her by the window, his voice calm as the wind. “I’m used to it. They can say what they want—it doesn’t change anything.”

His words puzzled her. “Used to it? You mean they’ve always treated you like this? Why?”

Kevin shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. We won’t see them often. Let it go.”

But Norah wasn’t ready to let it go. “You never told me you were in the army. Why?”

“It wasn’t a big deal. I wasn’t enlisted in the traditional sense. I was just… there, completing missions, helping where I could.”

“At such a young age?” Norah’s voice softened. “And the scars you carry—they’re from that time?”

Kevin nodded. “Some, yes.”

Norah’s chest tightened. She tried to picture him as a teenager, burdened with responsibilities most adults couldn’t handle. “Was it worth it?”

Kevin’s gaze was steady. “Worth is subjective. At the time, it felt right. I learned a lot, and it gave me purpose.”

Her heart ached for him. She wanted to say something comforting, but he patted her head gently, breaking the tension. “Don’t worry about what others think of me. As long as I’ve done right by myself, that’s enough.”

Before long, they prepared to leave. Old Mr. Godin saw them off, his tone playful yet hopeful. “Kevin, Norah, you need to visit more often. And while you’re at it, how about a little grandson for me? I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

Caught off guard, Norah’s hand instinctively rested on her stomach before she quickly lowered it. “We’re not planning on that just yet,” she replied, flustered.

“Well, don’t wait too long!” Old Mr. Godin teased.

Kevin reassured him with a small smile. “You’ll be the first to know when there’s news.”

As they left, Elodie stood by her bedroom window, watching them go. Her frustration simmered.

Picking up her phone, she dialed a number. “Hello?” a familiar voice answered. “How was your grandfather’s party? Did you have fun?”

“Fun? Not even close,” Elodie snapped. “Norah humiliated me, and Grandpa took her side. Can you believe that?”

Her grip tightened on the phone. “Mark my words—this isn’t over.”