Ch. 38: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 38

Chapter 38Kevin’s words were firm and possessive. He could easily see that this man, Steven, liked Norah and kept showing up around her. Kevin decided it was time to make it clear that Steven had no chance.

Steven locked eyes with Kevin, and tension filled the air. After a long silence, Steven finally spoke. “Mr. Edwards, it’s too soon to say that.”

Steven remained composed, taking a sip of water before adding, “No one can predict the future. When fate intervenes, nothing can stop it.”

Kevin was irritated by this but tightened his grip on Norah’s hand.

Norah could sense Kevin’s tension. Since Steven arrived, Kevin had been acting out, targeting her in subtle ways.

However, Norah remained rational and didn’t act impulsively. She gently pulled her hand away and tried to defuse the situation. “What are you all talking about? Everything was fine until you started talking about me. Mom, why don’t you help Dad rest? He’s had too much to drink and might say something silly.”

“Okay,” Gwen quickly agreed, eager to avoid any awkwardness. “Honey, let’s get you to bed so you can sober up.”

Jack agreed but, before leaving, gave Steven an approving nod. “Steven, I believe in you. Let’s have another drink later and enjoy ourselves.”

“Of course,” Steven replied politely as he stood up.

With Jack escorted out by Gwen, only Kevin, Norah, and Steven remained at the table. The sudden silence made Norah uncomfortable.

Ignoring Kevin’s cold stare, Steven gently spoke to Norah, “You didn’t eat much earlier. Was it because you couldn’t reach the food?”

He moved to serve her, but Kevin quickly intervened. “No need. She doesn’t like that.”

Steven, unfazed by Kevin’s hostility, smiled and said, “Mr. Edwards, I know you’re Norah’s boss, but there’s no need to be so concerned. I served the dishes she likes because they’re on my side, and I didn’t want her to struggle to get them.”

Norah was surprised by how well Steven knew her preferences.

Kevin’s gaze hardened, and his voice turned icy. “Mr. Lord, I’ve been with Norah for years. Don’t you think I know her better than you?”

Norah remained silent, just pressing her lips together.

Confidently, Steven smiled and asked, “Mr. Edwards, if you know her so well, do you know what Norah likes and dislikes?”

Kevin hesitated as he realized he hadn’t paid much attention to Norah’s preferences over the years. He had always been too focused on himself.

Steven continued, “Norah is easily stressed and likes to drink milk to relax. She’s not picky about food but dislikes carrots and peppercorns. She prefers warm-colored clothes, though she wears a lot of black for work now.”

Norah was stunned. Steven knew her so well. “Steven, how do you know all this?” she asked, still in shock.

Kevin’s expression darkened, feeling frustrated that another man knew these details better than he did.

Steven, noticing Kevin’s discomfort, remained composed. “I’ve observed these things over time. Now, please eat.”

Norah felt a little embarrassed. To her, Steven was just an old classmate, not even a close friend, yet he was so attentive to her.

She picked up a piece of meat, but as soon as she smelled it, she felt a wave of nausea, losing her appetite.

“What’s wrong? Can’t eat anymore?” Steven asked, concerned.

Norah put down her chopsticks and smiled weakly. “I have a small appetite, so I’m already full.”

Kevin stood up abruptly. “If you’re full, then stop eating.”

Norah could sense his displeasure and looked at him as he prepared to leave.

With Gwen still attending to Jack, Norah felt obligated to see Steven out.

Noticing her pale face, Steven gently said, “You don’t need to walk me out if you’re not feeling well. Get some rest. I’ll visit you again soon.”

Norah had many questions, but with Kevin present, she simply nodded. “Alright, take care.”

“Goodbye,” Steven said before leaving.

Kevin grabbed his coat and, with a cold tone, asked, “Why does Steven know you so well? Were you two close before?”

Norah replied, “I have no idea.”

Kevin pressed on. “Can’t you see? Steven clearly cares about you.”

Norah met his gaze and calmly responded, “Don’t make assumptions. He’s just a classmate. We haven’t been in touch for years. How could he care about me?”

Kevin’s frustration grew. “Don’t contact him anymore.”

Norah didn’t hesitate. “Why shouldn’t I? He’s my friend.”

“I don’t like him,” Kevin stated bluntly.

“There are plenty of people you don’t like, but that doesn’t mean I feel the same way,” Norah countered.

Seeing she didn’t grasp his concern, Kevin’s frustration boiled over. “Norah, can’t you see how clueless you are?”

Norah found his attitude absurd. “Kevin, don’t you think it’s strange that after all these years, Steven knows me better than you do? Shouldn’t that bother you?”

She looked at him, determined to get her point across. “You don’t care about me, and you don’t know my preferences. You had to learn these small details from someone else. You have no right to judge me!”

Kevin could understand Bianca, but he didn’t understand Norah.

“Norah, anyone else is fine, but not him!” Kevin insisted, his expression serious.

Norah stared at him. He was deadly serious, so she asked, “And what if I don’t listen?”

Kevin’s response was swift. “Then we’ll divorce!”

Norah was taken aback. The word “divorce” rolled off his tongue so easily. Whenever she mentioned it, he dismissed it, but when he said it, she had no say.

She felt powerless, like Kevin held all the control.

Anger and frustration surged within her, making her stomach churn. Norah suddenly felt nauseous and began to retch.

“Ugh…”