Ch. 80: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 80

Chapter 80Norah felt a bit overwhelmed but politely greeted, "Hello, Old Mr. Godin."

Old Mr. Godin was surprised. He hadn’t heard about Kevin’s marriage before, but he laughed happily and said, "Well, hello! You're already married, Kevin? When did that happen? You didn’t tell me about such an important event, so this is the first time I’m meeting your wife."

Old Mr. Godin and Kevin’s grandfather were close comrades in their younger years. They fought together, achieved great things, but later took different paths—Godin went into politics, while Grandpa Edwards pursued business. Their careers kept them apart, and they didn’t see each other much.

Looking at Norah, Old Mr. Godin nodded approvingly, "She’s a good girl, Kevin. You’ve got good taste. She seems kind."

Kevin explained, "Our wedding was simple and private. You were away, so we didn’t tell you. She prefers a quiet life, so we’ve kept things low-key."

Old Mr. Godin didn’t complain, saying, "You two are different from other young people. This girl must have had it tough with you."

As the wife of someone from the Edwards family, Norah hadn’t been introduced publicly, which could be difficult for her.

Kevin admitted, "She’s been through a lot."

Norah glanced at Kevin, unsure if he was just saying that to appease Old Mr. Godin or if he truly meant it. Their secret marriage was unusual, and she wondered if he was using her as an excuse to deflect questions. But his comment about her hardships made her feel like he had noticed her struggles over the years.

Old Mr. Godin, curious as an elder, asked Norah, "Where are your parents? How many people are in your family? What do they do?"

Before Norah could answer, Kevin spoke up, "Norah comes from an ordinary family. Her parents are working-class."

Old Mr. Godin responded, "Ordinary is good. Kevin, don’t get me wrong; I just want to know about your wife as an elder should. As long as you’re happy together, that’s all that matters."

This seemed to relieve Kevin.

Norah found Old Mr. Godin to be kind and cheerful. As they talked more, he started coughing. Norah quickly poured him some water and adjusted his pillow to make him more comfortable. She was naturally good at caring for others.

Old Mr. Godin took a sip of water and said, "You don’t need to fuss over me, girl. Just sit down."

He addressed her warmly, showing his approval.

Norah replied, "It’s no trouble. I’m used to taking care of you and Kevin."

Old Mr. Godin didn’t agree with that, saying, "You take care of Kevin, but who takes care of you? Kevin should be looking after you. A man should love his wife."

His words warmed Norah's heart, reminding her of how Kevin’s grandfather had also respected and valued women.

Kevin listened and agreed, "You’re right, Old Mr. Godin."

He then took Norah’s hand and held her close, saying, "I’ll take good care of Norah from now on."

Norah, wanting to maintain Kevin’s image, added, "Don’t worry, Old Mr. Godin. Kevin treats me very well."

"That’s good to hear," Old Mr. Godin said, satisfied. A man who loves his wife is happy in his marriage.

Just then, a voice called from outside, "Grandpa Godin."

Norah hadn’t seen the person yet, but the voice sounded familiar. Alma walked in, holding a bouquet of flowers.

She seemed surprised to see them there but quickly recovered, smiling and saying, "Grandpa Godin, my mother and I are here to see you."

Clara Norman, Alma’s mother, followed, greeting Old Mr. Godin.

Norah realized that the Norman family also knew Old Mr. Godin, and they seemed close.

Old Mr. Godin smiled and asked, "What brings you all here?"

"You’re sick, so of course, we came to see you," Alma replied as she put the flowers in a vase and hugged Old Mr. Godin. "But you have guests already."

Old Mr. Godin introduced Kevin, saying, "This is Kevin, my comrade-in-arms' grandson, and my grandson too."

Alma confidently turned to Kevin, "Hello, Mr. Edwards, we meet again."

Old Mr. Godin was surprised, "You’ve been abroad for so long. I didn’t know you knew Kevin."

Alma explained, "Just a few days ago, my father took me to meet him, and we had dinner together. My father is busy with school today, so he’ll come to see you this evening."

Old Mr. Godin didn’t mind, "That’s fine. It’s the thought that counts."

During their chat, Norah learned that Alma’s father, Principal Norman, had served under Old Mr. Godin in the military. Old Mr. Godin had always been kind to those he trained, and Principal Norman had remained filial even after his military service.

Seeing they were engaged in conversation, Kevin said, "Old Mr. Godin, since you have visitors, we’ll leave now."

Clara, noticing Kevin, enthusiastically tried to get him to stay, "Kevin, why the rush? We finally get to meet you, so let’s chat a bit more. It’s lively with more people around, and Mr. Godin enjoys it. Stay a little longer."

She seemed pleased with Kevin, saying, "Mr. Edwards, you’re as handsome as they say. My daughter has mentioned you often, but I didn’t believe you were so impressive until now. Anyone close to Mr. Godin must be exceptional."

Alma smiled, clearly pleased by her mother’s words. It was obvious the Norman family was very interested in Kevin as a potential son-in-law.

Old Mr. Godin understood what was happening. He noticed that Clara and Alma were more focused on Kevin than on him. He quickly interrupted, saying, "Didn’t you come to see me? Why are you getting distracted?"

The mother and daughter turned their attention back to Old Mr. Godin.

Clara responded, "Of course, we came to see you. But we happened to meet Kevin, and since the Edwards family isn’t too familiar to us, we thought we’d get to know him better."

Old Mr. Godin, seeing through her intentions, said, "I know the Edwards family is well-regarded. Many girls are interested, but Kevin is already married, so you should drop any ideas."

This revelation shocked Clara and Alma.

"Really? Mr. Edwards is married? That can’t be true, Old Mr. Godin. Are you just saying that to protect your granddaughter?" Clara asked, not believing it.

Old Mr. Godin didn’t appreciate the accusation, "Do you think I would lie about something like that?"

Clara, realizing she had overstepped, quickly backtracked, "I was just joking, Old Mr. Godin. Don’t be upset."

Kevin confirmed, "I’m married."

Clara was embarrassed. She had been so eager to impress Kevin, but now it was clear that her efforts were in vain. She glanced at Alma, signaling her to give up.

Alma hesitated but was clearly disappointed.

Kevin said again, "Grandpa Godin, we’ll visit you another time."

"Alright, you two can go," Old Mr. Godin said, not trying to stop them.

Kevin and Norah left the ward, but Alma chased after them, calling out, "Kevin."