Ch. 196: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 196

Chapter 196

Norah froze.

“What’s wrong?” Gloria’s teasing tone faltered as she noticed Norah’s sudden pallor. Her gaze followed Norah’s, landing on Kevin standing silently nearby.

Gloria’s smile wavered. “Mr. Edwards... why are you here?”

Norah’s chest tightened. Of all the moments, why did Kevin have to appear now? She adjusted her blouse, trying to compose herself, but her hands betrayed her, trembling.

Kevin’s expression was unreadable—cold and distant, yet simmering with something beneath the surface. His sharp eyes scanned the table: the tea, the untouched snacks, and the courier box.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, his voice as low and sharp as a blade.

Gloria laughed nervously. “Oh, just girl talk,” she offered. “You know how it is.”

Kevin’s gaze didn’t waver. He wasn’t buying it.

Norah quickly shoved the box and its contents—several books—out of sight. “Nothing serious,” she said, forcing a smile. “Gloria and I were just catching up.”

Gloria, trying to ease the tension, grinned. “Mr. Edwards, you’re quite the husband, aren’t you? Following Norah like this—clingy much? If people found out how devoted you are, it’d be quite the gossip!”

Her attempt at humor fell flat. Kevin’s silence was heavy.

His attention shifted back to Norah. “What’s in the box?” he asked.

“Just some books,” Norah replied, her tone clipped.

“Let me see.”

“There’s no need,” she said, her voice firmer now. “They’re just novels.”

“Then why hide them?” Kevin pressed, his brows knitting.

Gloria chimed in quickly, “Oh, they’re just some cheesy romance books. Norah didn’t want you teasing her, that’s all.”

But Kevin wasn’t convinced. “Give them to me.”

Norah’s fingers tightened around the box. “It’s none of your business.”

The standoff lingered for a moment before Norah relented, tossing the novels onto the table. Kevin flipped through them. His expression softened slightly—it was just harmless fiction, nothing incriminating.

“Satisfied?” Norah asked coldly.

Kevin frowned. “Why so defensive over a few books?”

Norah didn’t answer. She grabbed her bag and stood. “I’m done here,” she said, brushing past him.

“Norah,” Kevin called, his tone commanding. “Stop.”

She didn’t.

Kevin caught up to her, grabbing her wrist. “Don’t walk away from me,” he demanded, his voice low.

Norah turned to face him, her eyes blazing. “I’m off the clock, Kevin. I’m not your employee right now, and I’m not obligated to listen to you.”

Kevin faltered. He wasn’t used to this version of Norah—the defiant, untethered woman who no longer catered to his every whim.

“Since when do you talk to me like this?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Norah pulled her hand free. “Since I decided to leave,” she said, her voice steady but filled with exhaustion. “For years, I’ve been everything you needed—your secretary at work, your wife at home. I gave and gave while you took it all for granted. But I’m done, Kevin. I’m done pretending this arrangement works for me.”

Kevin’s throat tightened. “I can change,” he said, his tone softer now. “If that’s what it takes, I’ll change. Don’t leave.”

Norah stared at him, tears glistening in her eyes. “It’s too late,” she whispered. “Even if you change, Kevin, it won’t fix this. You’ve never truly loved me—you’ve only loved the convenience of having me around. I’m tired of being your afterthought.”

Her words cut deep, but Kevin didn’t move, his expression conflicted.

Norah smiled sadly. “A forced relationship will never be sweet, Kevin. You’ll see that someday.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked out.

Behind her, Kevin stood frozen, watching her leave. Kian approached, out of breath, holding a bouquet of roses.

“Mr. Edwards,” Kian panted, “you forgot your flowers.”

Kevin didn’t answer. He just stared at the doorway, the flowers in his hands a bitter reminder of everything he was losing.