Ch. 24: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 24

Chapter 24Even the person who wanted to hit Norah could only cover his face and hold back his anger.

Kevin glared at them coldly. "Do you understand the situation? Apologize now!"

They immediately rushed to Norah, humbled. "We're sorry, Norah. We shouldn’t have made assumptions. We were wrong, and it won’t happen again."

They knew how powerful Kevin was. No matter how capable they were, they wouldn’t dare cross him. They had families, children, and parents—they couldn’t afford to make an enemy of him.

Norah didn’t care much about their apology. She stared at Kevin in confusion and asked, "Why are you here?"

Kevin looked back at her, his eyes full of frustration. He grabbed her arm, still angry, and said coldly, "Come with me."

Norah pulled her arm away. "Why should I? I have nothing to do with you."

Their conversation baffled everyone around them.

Everyone knew Norah was Kevin’s secretary, but this wasn’t about work.

Kevin smelled the alcohol on her breath. "What else do you want to do?"

Emboldened by the alcohol, Norah stared back at him. "Can’t you see? The class reunion isn’t over yet."

Kevin’s patience was running out. He loosened his tie and said coldly, "Class reunion? Haven’t you been bullied enough? Come with me!"

He frowned and grabbed Norah, pulling her toward the exit.

Just then, Steven rushed over. He gently grabbed Norah's other hand. "Mr. Edwards, Norah is off work now. Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?"

Kevin sneered at Steven. "And what would you suggest? Letting her be talked about by everyone?"

Steven felt guilty. He hadn’t taken good care of her. "I’m sorry, Norah. I should’ve been there for you. This is my fault."

Norah looked at him and said, "It’s okay. It’s just a few words; it’s not your fault. There are too many people in this world, too many mouths. I don’t care what they say."

Her words annoyed Kevin. He had just defended her, and now she was defending others.

Norah remembered why she came and handed Steven the suit she was holding. "Here’s your suit."

Steven took it and offered, "Let me take you home."

"No need," Kevin interrupted, glaring at Steven. "I’ll take her home."

"Mr. Edwards," Steven reminded, "Norah is off work. She’s free to do what she wants."

Kevin glanced at Norah, feeling a surge of irritation. His voice turned colder as he said to Steven, "This isn’t about work. My relationship with Norah is much closer than you think. Taking her home is my responsibility."

"I’ll go with Mr. Edwards," Norah said, not wanting to cause a scene. She looked at Steven. "He’s going the same way. You should stay with your classmates."

Steven looked at her with concern. "Are you sure?"

Norah reassured him. "I’m fine. And you should drink less. If you can’t drive, call your driver."

Kevin didn’t want to hear anymore. He hoisted Norah onto his shoulder and commanded, "We’re going home!"

Norah felt sick and started to panic. She kicked in his arms. "Kevin, stop! I’m going to be sick. Put me down!"

The two of them left, out of sight from everyone else.

"Are they really just boss and secretary? It seems like there’s more to it," one classmate speculated.

Steven frowned. "Don’t jump to conclusions. I trust Norah."

With that, they dropped the topic.

Outside, Kevin put Norah down. He frowned at her flushed face and said angrily, "Who gave you permission to drink?"

Norah was too dizzy to respond.

Seeing that she was silent, Kevin’s frown deepened. His voice turned colder. "Why won’t you talk? You only drink tea with me, but with Steven, you’re drinking alcohol? Do you even know your limit? Or did Steven give you the courage?"

Halfway through his rant, Kevin felt something warm on his chest. His shirt was wet.

He lifted Norah’s head and saw that she was crying. All his anger faded, and he felt lost. His voice softened. "What’s wrong?"

Kevin rarely saw Norah cry. She was always so strong, handling everything without breaking down.

"Why do you treat me like this?" Norah’s voice was hoarse. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she finally let her guard down. "Why do you always bully me? Kevin, you’re a jerk!"

She hit his chest, venting her frustration.

Kevin couldn’t be tough anymore. He pulled her into his arms, the sharpness in his eyes melting away. He didn’t know how to comfort her, so he just said, "Norah, don’t cry."

But Norah couldn’t stop. She needed to let out all the hurt she’d been holding in. "Why can’t I cry? Only Bianca can cry? My crying bothers you? If you’re so bothered, why did you come looking for me? Just leave me alone!"

She pushed him away and squatted down.

Kevin watched her, curled up like a wounded puppy, crying softly.

He had never seen her like this—so vulnerable, yet a bit stubborn.

He squatted down beside her and placed his hand on her back. "Okay, I won’t make a big deal out of what happened today. Let’s just go home."

"I’m not going back," Norah said, turning away. "You’ll just bully me again. I don’t want to be bullied by you!"

Kevin tried to coax her. "I won’t bully you anymore. Come home with me, okay?"

Norah shook her head.

"What do I have to do to make you come home?" Kevin asked, trying to be patient.

"You can’t just coax me that easily, Kevin. I’m really mad at you," Norah said, her tears falling again. "You never even try to make things right with me."