Ch. 238: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 238

Chapter 238

Norah’s face froze in shock.

Steven calmly hung up the phone, his expression unshaken. He had made this decision long ago, knowing he needed to take a chance. If he didn’t, he might never have the opportunity again.

“Steven, what are you doing?” Norah exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. “The baby isn’t yours! Why would you claim that?”

Steven looked her straight in the eye, his tone firm yet gentle. “I’m sorry, Norah. I made this decision on my own. But I believe this is the only way to put an end to everything.”

Her brows furrowed as she stared at him, worry evident in her expression. “But what about you? The baby isn’t yours, and yet you’re claiming to be the father. That’s not fair to you!”

Steven shook his head, smiling faintly. “Fairness? Norah, life isn’t always fair. You do what feels right. I don’t care what people say about me. If I lived my life worrying about others’ opinions, how could I ever be happy? Please, don’t concern yourself with me. Besides...” He paused, his voice softening, “...I see it as a privilege.”

Norah’s heart ached. “No, Steven. I can’t drag you into this. You may not care, but I do. I can’t let you bear this burden because of me. It’s not right.”

Steven leaned in slightly, his voice unwavering. “You’re not dragging me into anything. I chose this. You don’t know how much it means to me to be needed by you, even in this way. It’s an honor, Norah, truly.”

Her guilt deepened as she listened to him. Steven had always been there for her, offering unconditional support, and she had always tried to keep her distance, knowing his feelings for her. She didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness, didn’t want him to lose out because of her.

Steven’s sincerity and unwavering dedication touched her deeply. He truly cared, not expecting anything in return. Few people in this world loved so selflessly.

“If things were different...” she thought to herself. If she weren’t already pregnant, already married, perhaps she could have considered a future with Steven. But as things stood, it felt impossible.

Steven noticed her hesitation and spoke again, his voice steady. “Norah, everyone has different goals in life. Do you know what mine is? I want to see you happy. That’s all that matters to me.”

Her throat tightened. She wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come.

“I thought you were happy with Kevin when you married him. That’s why I stepped back. But seeing you now, I know you’re not. If Kevin can’t make you happy, then he doesn’t deserve you. And that gives me the courage to stand by your side.”

Steven’s voice softened, and a faint smile crossed his lips. “You don’t know this, but just being with you—talking to you—makes me happy. It’s enough for me.”

His words struck a chord in her heart.

Norah knew how much Steven cared, how easily he would be overjoyed if she simply said yes to him. But she also knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t promise him happiness when she wasn’t sure she could provide it.

Before she could respond, the door slammed open with a loud bang.

Kevin stormed into the room, his face dark with rage.

“Steven!” Kevin’s voice was sharp, and he closed the distance between them in an instant, grabbing Steven by the collar. “You’ve got some nerve!”

Kevin had been waiting for an excuse to lash out at Steven. He was already furious that Steven was always around Norah, acting like some kind of savior. But this—claiming to be the father of Norah’s child—was the final straw.

Without warning, Kevin’s fist collided with Steven’s face.

“Kevin!” Norah yelled, rushing forward. “This is a hospital! Stop it!”

Kevin didn’t even glance her way. “I’ll hit him if I want to!” he growled.

Steven, despite the punch, was smiling. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but his voice was steady. “Go ahead, Kevin. Hit me all you want. But after this, let Norah go.”

Kevin’s fist tightened, his knuckles cracking. “You’re shameless, Steven. You don’t even care about your reputation anymore, do you?”

Steven wiped the blood from his mouth, his expression calm. “Reputation? I don’t care about that. I’d give up everything—my reputation, my life—if it meant Norah could be happy.”

Kevin’s fury boiled over. He landed another punch, this one harder, sending Steven staggering back.

“Kevin, stop it!” Norah shouted, stepping between them. “If you’re so angry, hit me instead!”

Kevin froze, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her. “You think I won’t?”

“Do it,” Norah said coldly, standing firm. “Hit me if it’ll finally end this. I’d rather take the blow myself than keep living like this—tied to someone who refuses to let me go.”

Her words were like a dagger to Kevin’s heart.

He stared at her, his anger fading into something darker—pain. “You think I’m holding on to you? That I’m the one clinging to this?” he asked, his voice low and bitter.

Norah didn’t flinch. “Yes. You’re holding on to me, Kevin. And it’s suffocating.”

Steven stepped forward, his voice calm despite the tension. “Kevin, wasn’t your marriage to Norah just a transaction? You had your reasons, and she had hers. If that’s all it ever was, then you don’t have the right to act like this now. You’ve had countless women around you, and you never cared how that affected Norah. So why does it matter to you now?”

Kevin’s jaw clenched. He stared at them—at Norah standing protectively in front of Steven, at Steven’s bruised face and calm defiance. And for the first time, he felt like the outsider in the room.