Ch. 67: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 67

Chapter 67Principal Norman adored his only daughter, Alma, and treated her with great care. While he only mentioned her briefly in public, at home he treated her like a treasure. He rarely brought her to events unless she showed interest, but he had never introduced her to Kevin before. He was concerned that Alma wouldn’t be able to handle someone as difficult as Kevin.

Originally, Principal Norman wanted to match Alma with Steven, thinking his kind personality would make for a good marriage. But now, things had changed. It was obvious that Steven liked Norah, and Alma seemed interested in Kevin. So, he had no choice but to respect her wishes and see how things played out.

Besides them, Principal Norman had some friends at the dinner as well—older relatives who had watched Alma grow up and cared for her deeply. When they arrived, they eagerly asked about her life, and Alma greeted them warmly.

Once everyone had gathered, Alma turned to Kevin and asked, “Mr. Edwards, do you have any dietary preferences or favorite foods?”

Surprised by the question, Kevin replied coldly, “Ms. Norman, please be careful.”

The older guests chuckled and teased, “Alma, there are so many of us here, but you only asked Mr. Edwards. Looks like someone’s heart has flown away!”

Alma blushed and said, “Come on, uncles and aunts, don’t make things up. I already know all your preferences!”

They all laughed, knowing what was really going on. It was clear Alma was being encouraged to get closer to Kevin.

Norah, having been with Kevin for years, had seen many women try to win his attention, but Alma was the most direct. Kevin remained quiet, sipping his drink, showing no visible reaction.

The conversation at dinner shifted to topics like donations and future plans, focusing on Kevin’s work with Principal Norman. Norah didn’t need to participate and stayed quiet, listening.

Meanwhile, Steven continued chatting with others but kept offering food to Norah, which made her feel awkward. Taking a chance, she asked him quietly, “Steven, what you said outside earlier…”

“It’s true,” he replied, not hiding his feelings anymore. This time, he wanted to be clear about his intentions.

“But at the class reunion, you said you liked someone else. How can it be me?” Norah asked, confused.

“I only said that to avoid embarrassing you,” Steven admitted. “But I really do have feelings for you.”

Norah was at a loss for words, still thinking it might be a joke.

Steven gently continued, “You’re probably wondering how I could have such strong feelings after just seeing you again. You might think, given my position, I wouldn’t be so easily drawn to anyone, especially with how sure I seemed in front of Teacher Norman.”

He had guessed what she was thinking, and she nodded, recalling how they had only met twice since their school days.

Steven took a sip of water and explained, “Norah, I’ve actually liked you since junior high.”

“Junior high?” Norah asked, surprised.

Steven nodded. “That’s how I know so much about you. I’ve been watching you since then, but back in school, you were so amazing, and I didn’t feel worthy of you. So, I worked hard to become someone who could stand by your side, like now.”

He smiled, remembering his awkward teenage years when he was an overweight kid too shy to approach her.

“Now, I’m the best version of myself,” Steven said, clearly proud of how far he had come.

Norah was stunned to hear how long Steven had cared for her. She hadn’t noticed any of this back then.

Steven continued with a soft smile, “I even came back from overseas once when I heard you were hurt. It was during high school, and I only dared to look at you from afar. Seeing you safe made me so happy, and I promised myself that when I returned, I’d do everything to make you happy.”

Norah felt overwhelmed. She understood how deeply Steven had cared for her, for even longer than her feelings for Kevin had lasted.

She asked, “So, you never liked anyone else all these years?”

Steven smiled, teasing, “Maybe it runs in our family to be loyal and affectionate.”

“But, Norah, don’t feel pressured. I just want you to know how I feel. Even if we’re just friends, I’m happy with that.”

Norah stayed silent, feeling grateful. Steven never pressured her, and his presence was always comforting. It must have taken great courage for him to confess his feelings.

“Thank you, Steven,” she finally said.

Understanding her hesitation, Steven said gently, “Don’t worry, Norah. Just eat and relax. Forget I said anything.”

He then turned back to the others, continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened.

Norah admired Steven’s calm and strong spirit. She often envied his ability to remain so composed.

Across the table, Kevin sat far away, unable to hear their conversation but noticing how long they were talking.

Suddenly, Alma approached Kevin with a cheerful smile. “Mr. Edwards, I’d like to toast you. Please, do me the honor!”

Kevin, distracted, raised his glass and clinked it with Alma’s, saying, “Ms. Norman, there’s no need for such formality.”

Encouraged by his response, Alma asked, “Then, can we have dinner together sometime?”

Kevin’s expression turned cold. “When?”

Alma quickly replied, “Any time that’s good for you. I’m free every day, just waiting for your word.”

Seeing her boldness, Principal Norman gently warned, “Alma, don’t cause trouble for Mr. Edwards. There are a lot of people here.”

Confidently, Alma responded, “Dad, Mr. Edwards isn’t like that. If he didn’t want to, he wouldn’t have agreed.”

Kevin didn’t refuse, but Norah felt uneasy. She understood Kevin’s message: if he didn’t want to, he wouldn’t have answered Alma’s request.

During the meal, Alma stayed close to Kevin, trying to engage him.

Feeling overwhelmed, Norah excused herself early and went to the bathroom. On her way out, she heard Alma’s playful voice, “Mr. Edwards~”

She looked over and saw Alma standing on her toes, trying to kiss Kevin, her arms wrapped around his neck.