Chapter 118 His Care Is Insignificant
"Nora, I've heard you're quite skilled with acupuncture. I've learned a bit myself. Maybe we can exchange numbers? We could share our knowledge sometime," Sunny suggested when she saw a mocking expression cross Nora's face.
Nora snapped back to the reality and shrugged indifferently. "Sure."
They exchanged contact number and then made their way downstairs together.
On the first floor, Aaron was waiting for her, seated in his wheelchair.
A few men in crisp suits gathered around him, engaging in conversation.
It was like a scene where all the stars orbit the moon.
Nora couldn't quite pin down her feelings as she mentally scoffed at the scene.
Noticing her descent, Aaron asked softly, "All changed?"
"Yeah."
"I have to stay a bit longer. Do you want to stay with me?"
Jenny had left earlier, and Aaron, not wanting Nora to be bored on her own, made the offer.
Nora recalled Sunny's words and initially wanted to just leave.
But then, she caught sight of his deep gaze and remembered his steadfast support. She worked to stifle the discomfort in her heart, trying to detach from the unease. "Go ahead, I'll be fine here by myself," she said softly.
She was just another doctor who had helped him; she shouldn't dwell too much on it.
"Don't worry, Mr. Gordon. I'll keep Nora company," Sunny murmured gently.
Aaron glanced her way and gave a subtle nod before departing with a group of business leaders.
"Such a handsome man," Sunny sighed wistfully, hoping Aaron would take a liking to her.
Turning back to Nora, Sunny suggested, "Hey, Nora, do you want me to introduce you to some friends?"
"No, that's OK. I think I'll just wander around," Nora declined.
Hanging out with strangers was the last thing she wanted.
Nora left the crowded ballroom for the tranquility of the backyard garden.
The night cloaked the garden in silence, a stark contrast to the party's clamor.
Finding a bench, she sat down and stared blankly at the lush greenery bathed in soft lighting.
Feeling inexplicably restless, she blamed it on the alcohol. It couldn't be because she had discovered Aaron was nothing but a charming playboy.
Time slipped away, and a cool breeze brought on a shiver.
Instinctively, she hugged her arms tighter.
A soft rustle behind her preceded a warmth across her shoulders as someone draped a jacket over her.
Nora turned to see Aaron's handsome face.
"Why are you out here in the cold?" he asked with a voice soft as a gentle stream, his features illuminated attractively by the soft yellow streetlights.
Nora averted her gaze and pulled the coat around herself. "It was getting stuffy inside."
She had to admit that even after all this time, his charm was undeniable. Luckily, she reminded herself to stay vigilant.
Pushing her thoughts aside, Nora asked, "Is the event over? Can we leave now?"
Upon noticing the faint flush on her lovely face, Aaron simply nodded.
She had had a bit to drink, but not nearly enough to her chagrin.
He toyed with the idea of taking her back inside to drink more; he missed the sight of her when she was tipsy and uninhibited.
Relieved they could go, Nora stood up and immediately winced as a sharp pain shot through her heel.
She was not used to wearing high heels, and these new shoes had probably given her a blister.
"What's wrong? Is your foot hurting?" Aaron asked with concern, hearing her sharp intake of breath.
"It's just a blister on my heel. It's fine. Let's go." Nora tried to walk it off, but it was clear she was in discomfort.
"Hold on a second," Aaron said, then swiftly pulled her onto his lap.
His presence enveloped her in an instant, and Nora's heart skipped a beat. "What are you doing?"
Aaron didn't speak. He bent down carefully to slip off her shoes and then took his own off, putting them on her feet.
Nora fell silent.
Was he giving her his shoes to wear?
"It's because your feet hurt, right? This way, they won't hurt anymore," Aaron explained.
Nora looked down at her feet encased in the oversized black leather shoes, feelings swirling within her.
She struggled, trying to take them off. "I don't want to wear your shoes."
Aaron held her tight, immobilizing her.
"Either wear my shoes or sit on my lap, and I'll carry you out of here."
His tone brooked no argument, assertive and commanding.
Nora felt the warmth from his embrace, her heart constricting once again.
She managed her emotions, reluctantly responding, "But these shoes are way too big, and they look ridiculous with my dress."
To walk through the banquet hall in such oversized shoes felt like a recipe for embarrassment.
"A beauty like you can pull off anything; you might even set a new trend," Aaron retorted with a spark.
Was this an indirect compliment?
Nora steadied her nerves and stood up.
"You have a way with words."
"I'm just stating facts. Nora, you look stunning tonight."
His gaze was intense, affirming her beauty.
Nora's blushed as she picked up her high heels. "Let's go."
Women always have a soft spot for sweet talk.
"Wait, are you seriously going to walk through the hall wearing my shoes and left me in my socks?" Aaron raised an eyebrow, questioning.
"What's the alternative? Do you want me to hand you my heels to wear?" Nora asked, holding the heels and feigning seriousness.
Aaron deadpanned. "That could work - tomorrow's fashion headlines might just change."
Nora was speechless. "Are we going or what?"
Aaron's lips curled into a smile. "Let's go. But we can leave either through the front door or the back."
With that, he called Frederick, asking him to meet them at the back entrance.
The man was thoughtful.
No wonder he caught the eye of so many.
As Nora scoffed inwardly, glancing again at the large shoes on her feet, she started pushing his wheelchair toward the rear exit.
From the window of the banquet hall, Sunny watched their retreating figures with a mix of envy and jealousy.
Was Aaron really that devoted to Nora?
If he ever found out that the person he had been with four years ago was actually Nora, he would surely seek revenge!
She couldn't let him find out.
Sunny gripped her phone tighter, sending the photo she had just taken to Suzy.
Suzy had instructed her to get close to Nora and subtly insinuate how much of a playboy Aaron was.
She also made sure to say that Aaron's future wife would be Suzy.
She did everything!
Does Nora still have feelings for Aaron?
Behind the hotel.
Frederick was waiting for the two to come out.
When he saw Aaron shoeless and Nora sporting a pair of men's shoes, he was flabbergasted.
What was that move from Mr. Gordon and Nora?
Could it be some couple's play?
Once they were in the car, it pulled away from the hotel.
Passing a convenience store, Aaron asked Frederick to stop.
"Frederick, can you grab some Band-Aids for me?" Aaron said.
Frederick nodded. He parked the car at the curb, and strode toward the store.
Nora glanced at Aaron, ripples of emotion stirring inside her.
This man was genuinely considerate.
Too bad the concern of a womanizer counts for nothing!
She must stand her ground and not fall for his charm!
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