Ch. 44: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 44

Chapter 44When Kevin opened the bathroom door, he saw Norah sitting in the bathtub, scrubbing her skin harshly in silence, as if afraid he might hear her.

"Norah, stop!"

Kevin rushed over, gently grabbing her hands to prevent her from hurting herself.

Norah’s eyes were red. When Kevin touched her, she pulled away, struggling. “Don’t touch me. I’m dirty…”

“You’re not dirty.” Kevin whispered, holding her gently to stop her from causing more harm. “You’re not dirty.”

Norah couldn’t shake the memory of being pinned down. The thought made her feel sick. Kevin’s touch only made her feel more unclean. She shook her head, saying, “Don’t comfort me. I know I’m dirty. Even I feel disgusting.”

Norah kept scrubbing her raw skin.

"Norah."

No matter how much Kevin called her, she couldn’t hear him. She just kept repeating, "I'm dirty, I need to wash it off."

Suddenly, Norah’s voice faltered, her lips trembled, and she froze, staring at Kevin with tear-filled eyes as he bent down and kissed her neck gently.

“Norah, you’re not dirty. You’re clean, inside and out. It’s others who are filthy.”

His low voice was like a beacon, trying to pull her out of the darkness.

But words alone weren’t enough—his actions followed.

He kissed the spots she had scrubbed raw, where she had been violated. Each kiss was soft, as if he was handling something precious. He reassured her gently, “I’ve cleaned this spot, and this one too. No one will ever hurt you again.”

He kissed her repeatedly, not caring that someone else had touched her, as if he was washing away every trace of what had happened.

Norah’s eyes filled with tears, and she stopped resisting his touch.

Her tense hands relaxed, and she said, “Kevin.”

“Hm?” Kevin looked up at her.

He was her only protector. With a sob, Norah asked, “Why are you so good to me?”

He had pulled her out of despair.

He had done it before, and now he was doing it again.

He had entered her life and brought light to her otherwise ordinary existence.

Kevin stroked her hair, replying, “You’re my wife. If I don’t treat you well, who will?”

Norah buried her head in his chest, reluctant to let go, and said with a bittersweet smile, “What if I grow too attached? What if I can’t leave you in the future? I’ll cling to you like glue, never able to let go.”

The better he treated her, the harder it would be to leave. She had been ready to step aside, to stop being a burden to him. But he had saved her again.

Kevin responded, “Then stay with me, don’t go anywhere.”

These were the gentlest words Norah had ever heard from Kevin. He was tender and patient with her.

Norah closed her eyes, savoring his care. She knew he was only comforting her because she was hurt. She couldn’t believe everything he said; there would always be a place in his life for Bianca.

She had been in the bath long enough, and the water had turned cold. Kevin patted her back and said, “The water’s cold. You’ll catch a cold. Let me take you back to bed.”

“Okay,” Norah answered softly.

Kevin lifted Norah out of the water, placing her on his lap, not caring that she was soaking wet.

He carefully dried her with a towel.

Norah gazed at Kevin with warm eyes, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Kevin carried her back to bed, and she clung to him, unwilling to let go. Kevin chuckled, “Are you that attached to me?”

Norah wrapped her arms around his neck, saying, “I want you to stay with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Kevin stroked her cheek. “Your skin’s all red. Don’t move too much when you sleep, so you don’t hurt yourself more, okay?”

Norah looked at him and finally understood why Bianca acted so vulnerable around him.

Sometimes, showing weakness gets you what you want.

She showed a little vulnerability, and Kevin responded with genuine tenderness.

“Okay.” Despite her reluctance, Norah let go.

Kevin tucked her in and sat by the bed. “Are you cold?”

Norah shook her head. “No.”

“You have a low fever,” Kevin said with concern. “I’ll use a cool towel to bring it down.”

“Okay, you’re so kind.” Norah said with sincerity, looking at him.

Kevin smiled and gently pinched her nose. Norah didn’t flinch, just kept her gaze on him, wanting to remember his kindness forever.

“Norah,” Kevin said, “Don’t trust others too easily.”

He placed a cool towel on her forehead, his voice low and soothing. “I won’t always be here to protect you. Don’t be fooled by a man’s kindness.”

Hearing this, Norah couldn’t help but feel a pang in her chest. She forced a smile, pretending to be strong. “How could I be fooled so easily? I’m not a little girl anymore.”

“I think you’re easy to fool. Didn’t you fall for that guy Anthony?” Kevin asked softly.

Norah hesitated, not answering.

Kevin’s curiosity grew. “You’ve never told me what he looks like, this man you’ve been thinking about all these years.”

Norah averted her gaze, murmuring, “He’s a bit like you, but gentler.”

Kevin felt a twinge of regret. He realized he might not be as kind as the man in her memories.

“Get some sleep,” Kevin said, deciding not to press further. Norah didn’t want to discuss it.

Those memories were her comfort, her secrets. If they were exposed, she would be the only one left feeling embarrassed.

She rested her head on Kevin’s arm and closed her eyes.

Kevin lay beside her, watching her sleep. A mixture of emotions swirled inside him as he stroked her delicate face. “The girl who’s been with me for so long will one day belong to someone else,” he thought, feeling an unexpected sense of reluctance.

…

Norah stayed home for three days. When she returned to work, she discovered that those who hurt her didn’t escape consequences.

She thought the incident would end their business with Edwards, causing losses. But Mr. Lopez was removed from his position, and a new person replaced him, continuing the partnership with Edwards.

The others involved were still recovering in the hospital.

It was rumored that Mr. Lopez had embezzled company funds and falsified accounts. He now faced up to ten years in prison.

Tessa was the first to approach Norah. “Ms. White, are you okay?”

Seeing Tessa’s red eyes, Norah replied, “I’m fine now. Please don’t cry.”

Tessa sniffed, on the verge of tears again. “It’s all my fault. I put you in danger. I haven’t slept well since.”

Norah gently patted her head, saying, “Don’t worry too much. It’s not your fault. In fact, I should thank you for getting help just in time.”