Ch. 198: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 198

Chapter 198

Norah stared at the lipstick marks on Kevin's shirt for a long time. Her expression remained calm, almost unreadable.

She reasoned with herself—Kevin often went out to socialize, and with that came the unavoidable presence of women vying for his attention. It wasn’t surprising. But this... this was the first time she’d seen lipstick marks on his shirt.

Her fingers unconsciously gripped her own shirt, wrinkling the fabric in her hand as her emotions churned beneath the surface.

The sound of the bathroom door opening snapped her out of her daze.

Kevin emerged, glancing at her standing there, motionless. "What are you doing just standing there?" he asked casually.

His tone was indifferent, oblivious to the tension in the room. Checking the time, he added, "You’re usually asleep by now. Couldn’t sleep tonight?"

Lately, Norah no longer waited for him to return before going to bed. She used to rely on the comfort of knowing he was home to fall asleep. Now, it seemed she had learned to sleep without him.

Though Kevin didn’t appear to mind, a part of him noticed the shift. The small details of their routine were changing, creating a quiet but undeniable rift between them.

Norah didn’t press him about the lipstick marks or ask where he’d been or who he’d been with. She told herself it didn’t matter—whether it was Bianca or someone else, it had nothing to do with her anymore.

"I’ll throw your clothes in the washing machine," she said flatly, turning to leave without waiting for a response.

Kevin watched her retreating figure, his brows furrowing. Her tone was icy, and she hadn’t even spared him a glance. It stung in a way he wasn’t used to.

Irritated, Kevin climbed into bed, yanked the quilt over himself, and turned away from her, sulking.

When Norah returned, she saw his back turned toward her, the covers pulled tightly around him. She said nothing and got into bed, turning her back to him as well.

It felt as though an invisible river now separated them, wide and cold.

After what felt like an eternity, Kevin lifted the quilt slightly. He wasn’t asleep—he was sweating under the covers, restless.

When he glanced over at Norah, she was fast asleep, oblivious to his turmoil. She didn’t notice his unease. She didn’t care.

Kevin’s face hardened. Frustrated, he got up, grabbed a blanket, and headed to the study to sleep alone.

When Norah woke up the next morning, the space beside her was cold. She glanced at the clock—7:00 a.m. Kevin was usually awake by now, but his absence confirmed he hadn’t slept next to her.

She followed her usual routine: shower, dress, and head downstairs for breakfast. Kevin wasn’t there either. He had likely gone straight to work, as always.

But when Norah arrived at the office, she learned that Kevin wasn’t there.

She suddenly remembered Bianca’s words about the award party. This was Bianca’s first major career milestone, and of course, Kevin would be by her side on such an important day.

Norah suppressed the thought, pushing it to the back of her mind.

"Ms. White, the Jenkins family is urging us to accept the shipment. Mr. Edwards needs to approve it," Shelby, her assistant, informed her.

"Mr. Edwards isn’t in today. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?" Norah asked, trying to buy time.

Shelby shook her head. "The ship’s already docked. They won’t wait, and if we delay, we’ll have to pay a penalty."

Norah sighed. Based on her experience, Kevin wouldn’t answer his phone today, just like last time. "Tell the vice president to handle it, then," she suggested.

"The vice president isn’t here either," Shelby replied. "I think it’s up to you, Ms. White."

Realizing she had no choice, Norah straightened her posture. "Fine. Let’s go. You’re coming with me."

Shelby nodded, and Norah gathered a small team to accompany her to the docks.

At the dock, the Jenkins crew was already unloading cargo when Norah arrived.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, a sharp voice rang out.

"Why isn’t Mr. Edwards here? And why are you handling this, Norah? Do you even have the authority to represent him now?"

Norah turned to see Jamie Jenkins approaching, her arms crossed, her tone dripping with disdain.

Norah maintained a calm demeanor, responding with a polite smile. "Mr. Edwards is busy today, Miss Jenkins. This isn’t the first time I’ve represented him in negotiations. I trust you understand."

Jamie’s expression hardened. She had never liked Norah. As Kevin’s secretary, Norah had been an annoyance, a thorn in her side. But learning that Norah might also be Kevin’s wife? That had turned her dislike into outright hostility.

Jamie sneered. "Busy? Or is it just an excuse to send you in his place? You seem to have far more power than a secretary should."

Norah’s smile didn’t waver, but her voice cooled. "As I said, Mr. Edwards is unavailable. Let’s focus on the task at hand, shall we?"

Jamie wasn’t satisfied. "Unavailable, or is it just that you’re trying to stake your claim?" she said, her voice laced with accusation.

Norah stopped in her tracks and turned to face Jamie directly. "What exactly are you implying?"

Jamie’s eyes glinted with malice. "You’re Kevin’s wife, aren’t you?"

The question caught Norah off guard. For a moment, she froze. How could Jamie know?

Her expression quickly hardened. "Does it matter, Miss Jenkins? What does my personal life have to do with you?"

"It matters because you’re in my way!" Jamie snapped.

Norah frowned, her patience wearing thin.

Jamie took a step closer, her voice rising with anger. "I came back thinking Kevin was still single, only to find out he’s married! And to someone like you? What did you do, Norah? Worm your way into his life as his secretary and seduce him at the perfect moment?"

Norah stood her ground, refusing to let Jamie’s words rattle her. "Miss Jenkins, if you’re done with these baseless accusations, let’s get back to business. I don’t have time for your drama."

Her calm response only seemed to infuriate Jamie more.