Ch. 208: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 208

Chapter 208

As Kevin embraced Norah from behind, her body stiffened. After a brief pause, she set down the spatula she had been using to stir-fry and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Dinner’s almost ready.”

Kevin tightened his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. The familiar scent soothed his restless heart. “Nothing,” he murmured. “I just want to hold you. Being with you makes me feel at ease.”

Norah’s expression remained calm. She continued stirring the vegetables, her tone even. “The kitchen’s full of smoke. This isn’t the place for you.”

Kevin replied firmly, “Anywhere is fine as long as you’re there.”

Once, those words might have melted Norah’s heart. She would have felt warmth, even a twinge of excitement. But now, her heart felt distant, as if dulled by time. Sweet words no longer held the same magic.

Perhaps too many moments of anticipation had left her numb.

She didn’t push him away or refuse him. Instead, she allowed the moment to pass in silence, the two of them standing together in the fading warmth of the kitchen.

When the dishes were ready, Norah gently pried his hands off her waist, turned to face him, and smiled faintly. “It’s done. Let’s set the table. A little extra effort on presentation goes a long way.”

Kevin shrugged, unconcerned. “Why bother? I’ll eat anything you make.”

“Girls like to add a touch of elegance.” She pushed him out of the kitchen with a playful urgency. “Go sit down! You’re making me nervous just standing here!”

Kevin let himself be ushered out, smiling helplessly as she closed the kitchen door behind him. Watching her through the frosted glass, he could see her bustling about, focused on plating the food. Her attention to detail made him smile.

He took his seat at the dining table, his fingers drumming lightly on the surface as he waited. The night was quiet, the dim light casting a cozy glow over the room.

When the sounds of her movements ceased, Kevin glanced up.

Norah emerged, carrying the dishes with an effortless grace. She had swapped her usual professional attire for a simple white sweater and loose pants. The soft fabric complemented her fair skin, and the loose tie of her hair framed her face with a delicate charm.

Kevin found himself captivated, unable to look away. How had he failed to notice just how beautiful she had become?

She set the dishes on the table—three simple meals and a bowl of soup, enough for two.

Once everything was in place, she turned to him. “Would you like a drink?”

Snapped out of his daze, Kevin nodded slightly. “Something light.”

“I’ll grab some wine.” Norah moved to the cabinet, her movements brisk yet graceful. Kevin’s gaze never left her. She returned moments later, pouring red wine into his glass before setting it down in front of him.

Finally, she sat across from him, her own glass filled with juice. Raising it, she smiled. “Let’s toast before we eat.”

She clinked her glass against his and drained it in one go.

Kevin swirled the wine in his glass, his deep eyes fixed on her. “You seem unusually cheerful today.”

Norah tilted her head, smiling faintly. “Really? People change. Sometimes, being flexible makes life a lot easier.”

Kevin caught the subtle undertone in her words. “Were you unhappy before?”

Norah looked down at her glass, her expression unreadable. “Not at all. Since marrying you, I’ve had everything I could ever want. A comfortable life, someone to care for me… I have no reason to complain.”

Her words sounded light, but to Kevin, they carried an edge. It felt like a subtle jab, though she appeared calm and composed. The dining table suddenly felt much larger, the space between them vast and empty.

“Move closer,” Kevin said softly.

Norah obliged, sliding her chair closer. She began serving him food. “Why aren’t you eating yet? Don’t tell me you don’t like it.”

Kevin glanced at the food in his bowl, then back at her. “I told you before—you cook, I eat.”

He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, nodding approvingly. “It’s good. You’re surprisingly talented in the kitchen.”

Norah raised an eyebrow playfully. “Let me see if it’s as good as you say.” She tried a bite herself, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s just okay—not as good as the maid’s cooking.”

Kevin chuckled and continued eating with enthusiasm. “I think it’s better. You should cook more often.”

Watching him devour the meal she had prepared, Norah felt a fleeting sense of normalcy—a glimpse of what it might be like to truly live as husband and wife.

Her gaze lingered on him, his sharp features softened in the warm glow of the light. For a moment, her lips curved into a faint smile, and a spark of emotion flickered in her eyes.

“You should eat on time,” she said gently. “No matter how busy work gets, don’t skip meals. Money can be earned later, but your health is irreplaceable.”

Kevin looked up, his expression tender as he reached out to stroke her hair. “I know. But if I forget, you’ll remind me, right?”

His world revolved around her. She was his anchor, the one who kept him grounded.

Norah nodded faintly. “For now, yes. But I can’t be with you forever. Nothing lasts forever, Kevin. Eventually, everything ends.”

His hand froze, his gaze darkening. “What are you trying to say?”

Norah smiled softly. “You already know.”

Kevin’s face fell. The chopsticks slipped from his hand, clattering onto the floor.

A sudden heaviness crept over him, his vision blurring. He stared at Norah, her face now a hazy silhouette.

“Did you… drug me?” His voice was hoarse, his strength fading rapidly.

Norah remained calm, pouring herself another glass of juice. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at him. “Just a little. It won’t hurt you. It’ll help you sleep.”

Kevin reached for her sleeve, his grip weak but desperate. “Please… don’t leave.”

Norah’s eyes softened, but her resolve didn’t waver. She gently pried his hand away, her voice steady. “Thank you for the past seven years. But you’ll be fine without me. You’ll find someone else—someone who can give you what I can’t anymore.”

Kevin’s head slumped forward, his consciousness slipping away.

And Norah, with tears streaming down her face, quietly walked away.