Ch. 64: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 64

Chapter 64"You’re too kind. It’s my honor to give back to my hometown, especially to my alma mater," Steven replied.

Principal Norman was pleased that his former students had done well and brought pride to the school.

Since Norah started working, she rarely visited the school. When she saw them, she didn’t know how to join the conversation, so she just listened quietly.

Steven had donated 50 million to the school. Norah admired him for that. Even though he had studied abroad, he hadn’t forgotten his roots.

Others who found success outside might not have returned.

"Norah, I heard you’re with the Edwards Group now," Principal Norman suddenly turned to her.

Norah was taken aback.

He asked kindly, "Are you doing okay?"

Norah was surprised. "Mr. Norman, how do you know all this?"

With so many students, she didn’t expect him to remember her.

Principal Norman explained, "I’ve met Mr. Edwards a few times. He mentioned you, so I knew you were with the group, but we haven’t had a chance to meet."

Norah, who had been with Kevin for a long time, hadn’t realized he was still in touch with Principal Norman. "Maybe it’s just a coincidence we haven’t crossed paths."

After a brief chat with Norah, Principal Norman turned back to Steven. "We’re hosting an event soon. Steven, you should give a speech."

After the conversation ended, Steven waited for Norah.

When he approached her, he asked gently, "Are you tired?"

Norah nodded. "Yeah, I’ve been walking a lot."

"Let’s take a break. Principal Norman’s treating us to dinner later. Afterward, I’ll take you home," Steven said as he led her to a bench.

He wiped the seat with his hand before letting her sit.

"Thanks," Norah said, looking at him. "Did you come here today just for this?"

"Yes," Steven replied, "but I’m even happier because I got to see you."

Norah looked into his eyes. For some reason, the world seemed brighter when he was around. He was always positive and kind, which left a strong impression on her. Being with someone like him made her feel better, no matter what.

"I’m happy to see you too," Norah replied politely.

Steven smiled, gaining confidence. "Really? I was worried I’d bother you."

Norah reassured him, "Not at all. I actually feel better whenever I see you."

"That’s good to hear," Steven said, picking up on her mood. "Are you feeling down? Did something happen recently, or is it just being here?"

Norah hesitated. "A little of both." Then she added, "Earlier, you mentioned that I might not like being here. Did you know I was involved in a kidnapping?"

Steven’s expression grew serious as he looked at her with concern. "Yes, I know. How could I not?"

"But you were already in the U.S. by then," Norah said, surprised he knew. She then realized, "Principal Norman must have told you. It was the biggest incident at Minlan Middle School, so it makes sense."

"I didn’t hear about it until a year after it happened," Steven explained.

Norah glanced at him again, noticing a hint of sadness in his eyes. Was he worried about her? But she was fine now, so why did he still seem upset?

It surprised her that he found out a year later. "I guess word travels all the way to the U.S.," she joked.

Steven continued, "I came back once that year."

Norah stared at him, unsure where he was going with this.

"But I returned to the U.S. soon after and didn’t have time to see you," Steven said.

"It’s okay. We weren’t that close back then," Norah replied.

Steven smiled. "True, we weren’t close then." He paused before adding, "But I still regret it. If I hadn’t gone abroad, maybe things would’ve been different. I could’ve been there to protect you during the kidnapping and kept you from getting hurt."

"I heard from Uncle White that you developed PTSD afterward and took six months to recover. It must’ve been so hard for you."

Steven had left not long before the incident. By the time he returned, Norah had recovered and was attending the best high school in the city.

Norah hadn’t changed—she was still talented and excelled in everything she did.

Steven often thought about what could’ve been. If he had been the one to save her, maybe things would be different. She wouldn’t have had to wait so long to rebuild her life.

But he also knew he had to improve himself before he could stand by her side.

"It’s all in the past now, and I’ve moved on," Norah told him. "But I didn’t expect you to know so much about me. You even know my preferences and major events in my life. It’s like you did your homework."

Steven smiled. "I learned from Uncle White. He only has one daughter, so of course he talks about you often, and I just listened."

Norah knew her father always talked about her.

"By the way, don’t take anything my dad says when he’s drunk too seriously," she said. Her father wasn’t happy with her marriage, and his drunken ramblings were half-truths. He liked Steven, but she didn’t want any misunderstandings. "He tends to babble when he’s drunk but forgets it all when he wakes up. If he gives you a hard time, just tell him you already have someone you like."

She remembered Steven mentioning he had someone special, so he wouldn’t be interested in her.

"I don’t mind," Steven said. "You don’t need to worry about me. I enjoy talking with Uncle White. He likes me, and that’s fine."

"Really?" Norah was surprised.

Steven smiled and said, "Next time, I’ll have tea with him."

Norah couldn’t help but feel a little concerned. Steven knew so much about her, cared about her, and got along well with her father. It almost seemed like he had feelings for her. But since he already had someone he liked, she dismissed the idea.

It was just unlikely.