Ch. 189: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 189

Chapter 189Elodie envied Norah, not just for her friend but for the family that so clearly cherished her. She felt the love Norah’s family extended to her, even as an outsider.

“Don’t cry,” Jack said, his voice tinged with concern. “A girl’s tears are too precious to waste.”

Elodie sniffled, clutching the warm milk tea Gwen had made for her, trying to suppress her tears. Her emotions often overwhelmed her, and the genuine care from Norah’s parents struck a chord deep within her.

Norah stepped closer, her tone gentle yet firm. “Come on, Elodie, no more tears. Haven’t you cried enough today?”

Elodie wiped her face with trembling hands, managing a shaky smile. “Thank you, Uncle Jack, Aunt Gwen. I promise I’ll visit again soon.”

Jack and Gwen stood at the doorway, waving goodbye as the group descended the stairs.

Once outside, Elodie couldn’t hold back her tears again.

Norah handed her a tissue, trying to console her.

Kevin, ever the pragmatist, broke the moment with a blunt comment. “If your grandfather sees you like this, he’ll think Norah bullied you.”

Norah shot him a look. “Kevin, really? Can’t you say something helpful for once?”

Elodie sniffled, then glared at Kevin. “Sister-in-law, how do you put up with him? He’s so cold! If it were me, I couldn’t stand it!”

Norah chuckled softly, ignoring Kevin’s nonchalant shrug, and said, “Just drive, Kevin. We need to get Elodie home.”

Kevin obliged, starting the car without further comment.

At Old Mr. Godin’s home, the elderly man was already pacing with worry. When Elodie arrived, safe and sound, his relief was palpable.

“Norah,” he said warmly, “thank you for looking after her. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Norah smiled graciously. “There’s no need to thank me, Old Mr. Godin. Elodie is family. She calls me her sister-in-law, and that’s how I see her.”

Old Mr. Godin turned to Elodie with a rare sternness. “You gave me quite a scare. Did you learn your lesson this time?”

Elodie clutched the milk tea Gwen had packed for her, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I won’t let it happen again.”

The old man’s expression softened. “Good. It’s not in vain that Norah stood up for you.” He paused, glancing around. “Where’s your phone and bag? You left with them. No wonder I couldn’t reach you!”

Elodie hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I… left them with Jamie.”

The next morning, Elodie was barely awake when a maid knocked on her door.

“Miss, someone’s here to see you.”

Elodie rubbed her eyes. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Norah.” Jamie’s voice called from outside.

Elodie quickly opened the door. Jamie stood there holding a bag, her face calm but her tone oddly cheerful.

“You left this with me yesterday,” Jamie said, handing over the bag. “I was so worried when you disappeared suddenly. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Elodie took the bag but couldn’t shake a growing unease. “Jamie, I didn’t just disappear. I was in trouble. Didn’t you notice?”

Jamie hesitated, but her smile remained intact. “I didn’t realize. I was on an important call. By the time I finished, you were gone. I thought you’d left early and accidentally forgotten your things.”

Jamie’s explanation sounded plausible, but doubt lingered in Elodie’s mind.

“Did something happen?” Jamie asked, her voice feigning concern.

Elodie studied her, searching for sincerity. For years, she had trusted Jamie, even leaned on her during tough times abroad. Jamie had been like an older sister. But now, something felt off.

“I went to Norah’s house for dinner after the incident,” Elodie said, her voice steady.

Jamie’s face faltered, and she quickly covered it with a laugh. “Norah? Did she say anything about me? I wouldn’t be surprised if she tried to turn you against me. She’s good at pretending to be kind, but don’t trust her too much.”

Elodie frowned, stepping back slightly. “Jamie, Norah didn’t say a single bad thing about you. But now that I think about it, all the bad things I’ve heard about her came from you.”

Jamie’s expression shifted to one of hurt. “Elodie, how can you say that? Have you forgotten everything I’ve done for you? I was there for you when you were all alone. I gave you food, a place to stay—everything.”

Elodie took a deep breath, her voice calm but firm. “You’re right. You were there for me when I needed help. But now I have to ask—were you being kind because you cared, or did it give you some sense of superiority to be the one helping the poor orphan girl?”

Jamie’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she was speechless. “How can you even think that?”

Elodie didn’t reply. Instead, she turned away, clutching her bag tightly. In her heart, something fundamental had shifted. She wasn’t sure if Jamie’s intentions were ever as pure as she once believed.