Ch. 56: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 56
Chapter 56Norah grinned, feeling a slight pain in her foot. It wasn't a dream—Kevin was really massaging her feet. Noticing her expression, Kevin asked with concern, "Did I hurt you?"
Norah quickly shook her head, reassuring him. "No, it's just… I didn’t expect you to be so gentle."
Kevin's eyes softened as he gazed at her. "I'm sorry if I’ve ever made you feel neglected."
Norah didn't respond immediately, her thoughts swirling. She wasn’t neglected, but she hadn’t felt the love she longed for. Kevin’s hands continued to warm her feet, easing the discomfort. Her gaze lingered on his features—his deep eyes, the strong bridge of his nose, and his slightly parted lips. A sudden rush of emotion surged within her, and she acted on impulse.
"Kevin," she called softly, drawing his attention. As he looked up, Norah leaned in and pressed her lips against his, pouring all her feelings and years of yearning into the kiss. Kevin was taken aback at first, but soon he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.
Suddenly, Kian appeared, holding a pair of shoes. "Mr. Edwards, the shoes are—" he began, but stopped, realizing the intimate moment he had interrupted. Embarrassed, he stammered, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude."
Norah quickly pulled away, flustered, and avoided looking at Kevin. Kevin, however, shot Kian a sharp look, clearly displeased by the interruption. "I really came at the wrong time," Kian mumbled, trying to retreat, but Norah called him back.
"What is it, Kian?" she asked, trying to regain her composure.
Kian, still feeling awkward under Kevin's intense gaze, explained, "Mr. Edwards was concerned about your feet, so he asked me to get you some flat shoes. Here they are."
Kevin took the shoes from Kian and knelt to change Norah's footwear. Norah watched in surprise, touched by his attentiveness. His actions made her feel cherished, as if she were the most important person to him. "There," Kevin said, standing up once the shoes were on. "Better?"
Norah took a few steps, feeling the comfort of the flat shoes. "Are these okay for the event?"
"As long as you’re comfortable," Kevin replied, his tone gentle but firm.
Norah’s heart warmed at his words, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn’t felt in a long time. But as they rejoined the event, she knew this happiness was fleeting.
Kevin led her to the dining area, ensuring she ate something before the auction. As they were surrounded by people, Norah tried to keep her emotions in check. Kevin, sensing her unease, said, "Don’t rush. Take your time."
"Why don't you go ahead?" Norah suggested, worried that she was holding him back. Kevin finally agreed, leaving Kian to accompany her.
As she ate, Norah noticed Kian watching her. "You can call me Secretary White, you know," she said, trying to keep things professional. "We’re in public, and people are watching."
Kian nodded, respecting her wishes, though he found it odd to address her formally.
After finishing her meal, Norah made her way to the auction. On her way, she accidentally bumped into Sasha. "I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going," Norah apologized quickly.
"It’s fine, Ms. White," Sasha replied, recognizing her. "You look stunning tonight. No wonder Mr. Edwards can’t take his eyes off you."
Norah stiffened at Sasha’s words, immediately distancing herself. "You’ve got it wrong. I’m just his secretary and a temporary companion for tonight. Mr. Edwards is married, and I wouldn’t want anyone to misunderstand."
Sasha studied Norah for a moment before replying, "I didn’t mean to imply anything. My apologies if I did."
"It’s alright," Norah said with a polite smile. "The auction is about to start. Shall we?"
Sasha nodded, and they entered the venue together. Norah’s eyes searched for Kevin, but she spotted him talking to Bianca. Seeing them together made her pause, feeling an unexpected pang of jealousy.
Throughout the auction, Norah couldn’t help but notice how Siena, Kevin’s relative, seemed to favor Bianca. Siena even offered to buy an expensive sapphire necklace for Bianca, who demurely declined but didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea. The casual, almost familial interaction between them only fueled the rumors circulating about Kevin and Bianca’s close relationship.
Norah tried to push the thoughts away, reminding herself of her place. But as she observed from a distance, she couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite the tender moments she shared with Kevin, there was still a vast distance between them.