Ch. 49: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 49

Chapter 49Tessa's supportive words made Norah chuckle. "Why do you think Mr. Edwards and I are in love?"

Tessa felt there was something subtle between them. After thinking it over, she said, "Mr. Edwards really cares about you. Maybe you don’t see it, but it’s clear to those watching. We can’t let Bianca ruin your relationship."

In Tessa’s mind, Norah and Kevin were perfect for each other.

Norah replied, "Tessa, don’t get involved in the wrong matters. There’s nothing between Mr. Edwards and me, and you shouldn’t believe any gossip. Who he chooses to be with has nothing to do with me. Please don’t talk about this anymore. If others hear it, they might spread rumors."

Tessa insisted, "Ms. White, I won’t tell anyone, but I didn’t say this because of gossip."

Despite the rumors that Norah had used underhanded methods to get where she was, Tessa didn’t believe it. She knew Norah as an honest, kind boss who cared for her team.

Norah wasn’t bothered by the false report, but she couldn’t let it show. She had also noticed that Kevin had grown distant. He rarely spoke to her at work or home and had even started ignoring her. He no longer came home with her, sleeping in the study for the past few days.

Maybe he saw the report too and realized he needed to publicly acknowledge Bianca. That could be why he was keeping his distance. Norah didn’t say anything, but she felt a deep sense of loss.

…

"This woman has no shame!"

Gloria, upset by Bianca’s actions, invited Norah out for tea.

When they met, Gloria immediately started venting her anger at Bianca.

Norah watched as Gloria downed her tea in frustration. "Who made you so angry?"

"You’re really asking? Didn’t you read the news? She’s flaunting her relationship with Kevin in the media. You’re not even divorced yet, and she’s already pulling this stunt. I wish I could shout from the rooftops that Bianca is just a shameless mistress!"

Norah calmly swirled her teacup. "So, you came to talk to me about this?"

"Of course! What else could make me this angry?" After ranting about Bianca, Gloria turned her frustration toward Kevin. "Kevin too—if he likes Bianca so much, he should marry her. Why keep stringing you along? It’s like he’s playing both sides, and it’s infuriating!"

Gloria genuinely cared about Norah and didn’t want to see her hurt in this marriage, even though the damage was already done. When Norah first got married, Gloria had been happy for her, thinking she would have a good life. But over time, it became clear that Kevin didn’t take her seriously, and Gloria’s resentment toward him grew.

Norah didn’t want Gloria to waste her energy worrying about her, so she said, "Gloria, I appreciate that you care, but you should just ignore Bianca from now on. There’s no need to upset yourself over her."

"Are you saying I’m meddling in your business?" Gloria sounded even more upset. "Norah, we’ve been friends for years. How can I not worry about you? I was happy when you married into a wealthy family, but now I see how unhappy you are. You’ve been with Kevin for so long, and you’ve always loved him, but he’s just wearing you down. Is it so wrong for me to say something?"

Gloria was a straightforward person who stood up for her friends, even if it sometimes made her feel uncomfortable.

Norah clenched her fists slightly. "No, I don’t think that at all. You know me better than that. But this marriage was a contract from the start."

"What?" Gloria was shocked, standing up in disbelief. "You never told me! Why would Kevin marry you by contract? This doesn’t make sense!"

Norah explained, "I told you before that Grandpa Edwards liked me and insisted I marry Kevin. At the time, I had no other choice."

Gloria hadn’t fully understood the situation back then. She knew Norah liked Kevin, but Norah had never planned to marry him, so why the sudden change? Now she knew why.

"Give me a moment." Gloria was still processing the shock. "So you and Kevin have a contract marriage, arranged by his grandfather. Kevin didn’t really want to marry you but did it to please his grandfather?"

"But this doesn’t add up. Kevin isn’t the type to just follow his family’s wishes, especially with Bianca still in his heart. Why would he marry you so willingly?" Gloria rubbed her chin, sensing there was more to this story.

Norah said, "I’ve thought about it too. Kevin and I have a three-year contract, and when it’s up, I’ll divorce him."

"The deadline is approaching," Gloria said, feeling even more upset. "If you get divorced, Bianca will flaunt her position as Mrs. Edwards and bully you as his secretary. No, I can’t stand the thought!"

Just imagining it made Gloria feel terrible.

Norah smiled. "I won’t let Bianca push me around. After the divorce, I’ll still be around Kevin."

Gloria asked, "Have you decided to leave Kevin after the divorce?"

Norah sipped her tea. "Didn’t you say to always look forward? I’ve liked Kevin for so long, compromising my own happiness because I wouldn’t consider other men. Once I start looking elsewhere, I’ll realize there are better options, and I’ll regret my past decisions."

Gloria finally felt a bit relieved. She had been angry because Norah was still with Kevin, but if Norah could move on, she wouldn’t have to worry anymore.

"It’s good you see things this way," Gloria said. "Let Kevin be the one who regrets it."

Gloria’s mood lifted, and after finishing their tea, the two went shopping.

"Tomorrow is the Edwards family celebration. There will be lots of people there. You should dress up nicely. Kevin bought Bianca a dress, so I’ll get one for you too. You need to look amazing. This might be your last chance to show up in style, so make it count," Gloria urged, eager to outshine Bianca.

Norah usually followed the rules, but this time she agreed to change things up. "I’ll listen to you."

Gloria grabbed Norah’s hand and led her to a luxury dress store.

"But I won’t spend your money," Norah said.

Gloria frowned. "Why are you being so polite?"

Norah smiled. "Kevin gave me a credit card. I’d rather spend his money. After all these years of marriage, it’s time I took advantage of him."

Gloria laughed. "You’re right!"

When they arrived at the store, they were greeted by an arrogant voice: "Make sure to adjust the dress size carefully. Ms. Lynch is the future Mrs. Edwards!"