Ch. 76: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 76

Chapter 76Kevin had done what Norah wanted, so she should have felt happy. But Norah just pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

Lola noticed the tension in the room and tried to lighten the mood. "Ms. White, why don't you stay and have dinner with me?" she suggested. "Auntie is an amazing cook! Whatever you want, she can make it. You have to try her cooking."

Norah looked at Lola but replied, "No, thank you…"

"Please," Lola quickly added, turning to Kevin with a hopeful expression. "Mr. Edwards, can Ms. White stay? I've been eating alone for so long, and it's so lonely."

Kevin glanced at Norah and replied indifferently, "It's up to you."

Lola, satisfied with his response, turned back to Norah. "See, Mr. Edwards says it's fine. Please stay."

Norah hesitated but finally agreed, "Okay then."

"This place suddenly feels lively. I'm so happy!" Lola said with a smile.

Kevin, however, remained distant. "Secretary White, are you planning to just stand there?"

Feeling awkward under his cold gaze, Norah responded, "I'll go help in the kitchen."

Lola protested, "No, Ms. White, you're a guest. You shouldn't be in the kitchen. Stay here with me…"

But Norah insisted, "I'll go to the kitchen. You two can chat." With a hint of stubbornness, she turned and left.

Lola wanted to say more, but when Norah walked away without looking back, she took a deep breath. She hadn’t meant to treat Norah like a maid.

Turning to Kevin, she asked, "Mr. Edwards, isn't she your secretary? You’re not treating her like a servant, are you?"

Kevin’s expression turned icy as he looked sharply at Lola. His cold demeanor made her tense up. Had she said something wrong?

She nervously clenched her fists, trying to ease the pressure. Kevin's voice was cutting, "Ms. Gill, if you're smart, you'll know there are things you shouldn't say."

Lola realized she had crossed a line. She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Edwards. I shouldn't have said that."

Kevin didn’t respond, remaining cold and distant. He glanced toward the kitchen, then got up and left the room.

Lola watched him go, feeling a mix of admiration and anxiety. Kevin had saved her like a hero, and she was drawn to him. But she knew she needed to understand him better, to avoid making mistakes, and to show him she could be the perfect companion. With a hopeful smile, she looked forward to the future.

Meanwhile, Norah was in the kitchen. She wasn’t just there for Lola; she was there for Kevin, too. She had hoped for this opportunity.

Lola had become more comfortable around Kevin, warming up to him in a way she hadn’t before. She was grateful for the home he had provided, and she seemed to believe he was the best person in her life.

"Ms. White," Lola’s voice came from behind Norah.

Norah didn’t turn around, continuing to pick through the vegetables in front of her.

"How long have you worked for Mr. Edwards?" Lola asked curiously.

Norah paused. "Why do you want to know?"

Lola persisted, "I want to know how well you know him."

Norah turned to face her. There was a smile on Lola’s face, but also a look of admiration in her eyes—an eagerness to understand everything about Kevin. Norah recognized that look; she had once felt the same way.

"I know him well enough," Norah said calmly. "What exactly do you want to know?"

Lola didn’t hide her intentions. "I want to know everything. The more I understand him, the less likely I am to make him unhappy."

Norah looked at her thoughtfully. "You think that if you understand him better and make him happy, he might like you more?"

Lola blushed, embarrassed. "Ms. White, you can tell I like him, can’t you? Do you think Mr. Edwards knows too?"

Norah didn’t answer, and Lola continued, her ambition clear. "I don’t have a fancy background, but Kevin doesn’t seem to care about that. Just being around him is enough for me. But sometimes, I think… if I went to college and had a better future, wouldn’t I be more worthy of him?"

Her boldness was striking, but it also resonated with Norah. In many ways, she saw herself in Lola—determined to chase after someone she admired. Norah didn’t judge Lola for her feelings but gave her a warning: "Lola, you think he’s different because he’s kind to you. But the truth is, he’s like everyone else. This kindness is just a small thing to him. He might never care about it the way you do. You can’t control him."

Norah’s words hit Lola hard. She had believed that Kevin's kindness made him special. Now, she felt uncertain, her confidence shaken.

Norah, sensing she had said enough, decided to leave it there. Lola, now deflated, quietly left the kitchen.

…

Later, Norah prepared a pear dessert, something to cool down Kevin’s temper. She brought it to his study.

Kevin was sitting on the sofa, his expression stern as she entered. He didn’t acknowledge her, his face hard as if she had wronged him.

Norah set the bowl down on the table and said gently, "Mr. Edwards, I made pear soup. It’ll help you cool down."

Kevin glanced at the bowl, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Secretary White, you've improved your cooking skills."

Norah smiled faintly. "You've seemed a bit angry lately. I thought this might help."

Kevin stayed silent, but his anger seemed to lessen.

Feeling the moment was right, Norah quietly added, "I didn’t bring Lola here to see you."