Ch. 240: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 240

Chapter 240

Norah believed in never imposing on others. While she couldn’t always live up to that ideal, she tried her best to do so whenever possible.

Gloria, however, had a different take. "Why do you assume you're holding him back? You’re not Steven—how can you decide for him?" Gloria asked, her voice firm but kind. "Come on, this is the modern age. Emotional freedom, marriage freedom—stop chaining yourself with unnecessary guilt. Having a child doesn’t mean you’re destined to live with someone forever. If he’s fine with it, why aren’t you? You overthink everything, Norah. Sometimes, you just have to let people take their own risks—after all, blessings often come disguised as losses."

Norah looked at her friend thoughtfully. Gloria’s outlook on relationships was vastly different from her own. Gloria lived boldly and unapologetically, moving on without regret or debt when things ended.

Norah, however, was more restrained.

"I don’t love Steven enough," Norah admitted quietly.

Gloria wasn’t fazed. "And how do you know that? You haven’t even given yourself the chance. Love can grow, you know. Sometimes, it just needs time."

"But what if I hurt him?" Norah’s voice trembled slightly. "Relationships are serious to me, Gloria. I can’t jump into something without being certain. If I’m with Steven because I feel grateful to him today, what’s to stop me from leaving him tomorrow for the same reason? I can’t give him false hope or a future I can’t guarantee."

Gloria sighed, shaking her head in mild frustration. "You’re overcomplicating this, Norah. Life isn’t about guarantees. Cherish what you have now, not what might or might not happen later. People have peaceful breakups all the time—what matters is that you truly lived and loved while it lasted."

Her words made sense, but Norah remained conflicted. She wasn’t the type to live in the moment. She loved deeply and deliberately, always with an eye on the future.

For instance, when she’d fallen for Kevin, she’d imagined a life together—marriage, children, everything. That dream had cost her dearly, and the painful ending had left her wary.

Gloria reached over, taking Norah’s hand and placing it gently on her stomach. "Norah, think about it. If Kevin is out of the picture, that opens the door for new possibilities. Even if it’s not Steven, someone else could come along. Your child isn’t a burden. The right man will love you and your child."

Gloria often tried to pull Norah out of her self-imposed prison of guilt and hesitation.

"You carry too much weight on your shoulders, Norah," Gloria said softly. "You can’t let go of the past, and you’re so afraid of hurting others that you end up hurting yourself."

As Gloria spoke, Norah’s gaze shifted to the doorway, where Steven was standing silently, his eyes filled with quiet concern. He hadn’t left.

"Did you know," Gloria continued, "Steven has been looking out for you for years? He didn’t just happen to meet you at my art exhibition. He came back for you."

Norah turned back to Gloria, startled. "What? Really?"

"Yes," Gloria said firmly. "Back when you were in high school. After your accident, Steven flew back immediately. He was worried sick about you, but he never approached you."

"Why not?" Norah asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "If he came back, why didn’t he meet me?"

Gloria sighed, poking Norah’s forehead lightly. "Because you were so fixated on Kevin, of course! You never noticed anyone else."

The revelation left Norah stunned. She’d been so blinded by her feelings for Kevin that she hadn’t even realized Steven cared for her.

"You know, Norah," Gloria said with a wry smile, "sometimes, I admire how loyal you are. But other times, I can’t help but wonder how you manage to be so clueless about the people around you."

Norah felt a pang of guilt. She had spent years yearning for Kevin, oblivious to Steven’s quiet devotion.

"Love requires courage, Norah," Gloria added. "Just like the courage you showed with Kevin. You’ve loved him for so many years, but when did you ever let him know? Steven has that same courage—to care for you, even from the shadows."

Norah was quiet for a long moment. "So he’s known all along..."

"Of course," Gloria said, smiling gently. "Steven pays attention to you in ways Kevin never did. Not everyone can love you so selflessly. You should be grateful."

Her words lingered in Norah’s mind as Gloria stood up to leave the room.

Outside, Steven was still waiting.

"How’s she doing?" he asked as Gloria walked out.

"Better," Gloria replied. "Don’t worry, Steven. She’s strong. She’ll figure it out. She’s already come to terms with her broken marriage, but part of her still hoped for a miracle with Kevin. Now, she just needs time to wake up from that dream."

Steven remained silent, but his expression was heavy with sadness.

Gloria gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I spoke up for you in there," she said, her tone teasing.

She leaned against the corridor railing, looking out the window. "I want Norah to be happy, Steven. And you... you love her so much. You can give her that happiness. I just hope she starts paying attention to the people who truly care about her. Life’s too short not to. If the two of you can find your way to each other, it’d be the best outcome."

Steven nodded, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Gloria."

"Don’t thank me," she replied with a grin. "Just don’t mess it up."

When Steven returned to the ward, he felt more composed. Gloria had said what he couldn’t, and he was grateful for her support.

Norah was lying down, her hands resting on her stomach. She wasn’t asleep, just lost in thought.

"Feeling better?" Steven asked gently.

"Much better," Norah replied, her voice calm.

"That’s good." Steven sat down beside her.

"Aren’t you busy?" Norah asked. "You’ve been here for so long."

Steven’s eyes softened. "You’re more important to me than anything else."

Norah averted her gaze, his words making her heart flutter in an unfamiliar way. After a moment, she asked, "Why are you telling me this now? Gloria said you’ve cared about me since high school. Why didn’t you tell me before?"

Steven smiled faintly. "I didn’t have the courage back then. How could I, when your eyes were always on someone else?"

Norah lowered her head, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Don’t ever watch me from a distance again," she said softly, meeting his gaze.

Steven looked up, surprised.

Norah managed a small smile. "There’s no need to hide anymore. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: do what makes you happy. Life is too short for anything less."