Chapter 186 As Long As You're Happy
Engrossed in his tasks for a while longer, Aaron finally allowed himself a moment to glance at his wristwatch. The hands were inching towards the hour when the kindergarten would dismiss its lively occupants. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he dialed Nora's number.
The call connected with an almost immediate response, and he asked in a gentle tone, "Where are you?"
At that precise moment, Nora was in her office, powering down her computer in preparation to collect the children from school.
"In the lab," she responded.
"Do you have time to pick up the children from school?" he inquired.
"Of course, I was just about to leave," Nora replied, shutting off her computer, gathering her belongings, and preparing to depart.
"Let's go together," Aaron suggested.
Nora hesitated, "There's no need, I can handle it."
"Meet me at the kindergarten gate," he insisted, leaving no room for negotiation before abruptly ending the call. Nora was left staring at her phone screen, a silent testament to Aaron's domineering nature. She tucked her phone away without a word.
Exiting her office, she made her way to Jack's. "Jack, I'm heading out to pick up the children from school," she informed him.
Jack looked up from his computer screen and nodded in acknowledgment, "Alright."
Just as she was about to close the door behind her, he called out, "Wait a moment."
Pausing with her hand on the doorknob, Nora turned back, "What is it?"
Jack hesitated before finally speaking, "Nora, about what I said this morning, I hope it hasn't burdened you. Your happiness is all that matters to me."
Regardless of her decision, he would respect it, silently offering his support and protection. Nora was moved, a hint of sorrow mingling with the warmth in her heart at his gentle demeanor. An inexplicable prickling sensation began to form in her nose.
"Jack—"
"Go on, you better hurry," he interjected, his smile gentle as if to put the matter to rest.
Once the door was closed, Jack's smile gradually faded. He rose from his chair, massaged his temples, and walked over to the window, his gaze lost in the street below. His tall silhouette seemed particularly desolate in the soft light.
Then, his phone rang.
With a moment's hesitation, Jack returned to his desk and picked up the phone. It was Sue on the other end.
His brows furrowed instinctively, but he answered, "Hello?"
"Jack, you left something at my place," Sue informed him.
Confused, Jack asked, "What?"
"Your wallet."
Those two words made Jack stiffen, his expression changing as he patted his pockets and realized his wallet was indeed missing. It must have been left behind at dinner the previous night.
"Where are you? I'll come to get it now."
"I'm sorry, I'm out of town and won't be back until next week," Sue replied.
Jack's frown deepened, "Just keep it safe for me, please. Don't lose it."
The wallet held a significant place in his heart.
Peering inside, Sue queried, "There are a few cards in here, so you're not in dire need of cash, are you?"
Jack responded, "I'm not in any immediate need for money."
Sue examined the wallet further, "This wallet appears quite worn and it doesn't seem to be of high quality. Have you considered getting a new one?"
Jack was quick to dismiss her suggestion, "No, this old wallet suits me just fine. Please, handle it with care."
Sue fell silent for a moment before responding, "Alright then, I have to go, I'm quite busy. Goodbye for now."
The conversation ended abruptly, leaving Jack alone with the dial tone humming in his ear.
He set the phone down, his thoughts wandering. The wallet was a gift from Nora on his eighteenth birthday. He could still recall the joy and sweetness that radiated from her face when she presented it to him.
'Why hadn't he realized sooner that he harbored feelings for Nora?' he wondered.
'And now, Lucas, that insufferable man, had managed to win her over.'
"This wallet will remain my only keepsake," Jack murmured, a wry smile on his face, his eyes filled with unshed tears.
Meanwhile, Nora pulled up to the entrance of the daycare in her car, noticing Aaron's vehicle already parked. As she was about to step out, her phone buzzed with a message from Sue.
Upon opening it, she saw a picture of a wallet with a caption that read, "Dr. Smith, do you know the story behind Jack's wallet?"
Nora examined the picture closely before responding, "I gave that to Jack on his eighteenth birthday. Why do you ask?"
Instead of replying via text, Sue called her. Nora answered, "Sue."
Sue chuckled, "No wonder Jack still clings to that old wallet. It's a keepsake from someone special. I must admit, I'm a bit envious."
Nora's heart clenched at the mention of Jack.
"Sue, Jack is aware that I've been trying to pair the two of you."
Sue's curiosity was piqued, "What did he say?"
"He asked me to stop playing matchmaker," Nora responded succinctly.
Sue laughed again, "Does he intend to remain single forever?"
Nora found no humor in the situation. 'How she wished Jack would find his own happiness. It would alleviate her guilt.'
"Dr. Smith, I need a favor. Our on-set medic is taking a leave next week. Could you fill in for a few days?" Sue asked.
Nora was slightly taken aback by the request but listened as Sue added, "Truthfully, the medic is mostly idle on set. It's just a precaution."
Nora understood the necessity of having a doctor on set for any minor incidents that might occur.
After a moment's consideration, she said, "Sue, I work in the lab. If I'm going to take this on, I have to discuss it with Jack."
Sue questioned, "Do you think he'll object?"
Nora nodded, "It's a possibility."
"Dr. Smith, remember, if you want to dissuade Jack, you shouldn't be in his constant presence. It'll only deepen his feelings for you."
Nora considered Sue's words and agreed, "Alright, I'll do it."
Sue responded, "That's the spirit. I must get back to work now."
"Okay."
As Nora hung up, there was a knock on her car window. Turning her head, she saw Noe.
She opened the door and stepped out, "Noe."
"Dr. Smith, Mr. Gordon would like you to join him in his car and wait for the children to finish school," Noe informed her.
Nora glanced at the time. The class would be dismissed in just five or six minutes. "There's no need. I can pick them up myself in a moment. I'll wait at the door."
"No, Dr. Smith, let me fetch the children. You should keep Mr. Gordon company," Noe quickly suggested.
Nora hesitated, aware of Aaron's assertive nature and not wanting to make things difficult for Noe, so she agreed.
Noe breathed a sigh of relief, opening the rear car door for her.
As Nora got into the car, Aaron glanced over at her, "Who were you speaking with for so long?"
"It was Director Sue," Nora responded.
Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly, "Is there a problem?"
"She asked me to help out on set for a few days."
Aaron's brow furrowed subtly, "Help out on set? Will the work be demanding? If it's too much, you shouldn't go."
Nora offered a slight smile, "Unless something unexpected happens, a doctor on set is usually just there for show. How exhausting could it be?"
Aaron studied her in silence before asking, "Are you feeling any better today?"
Nora fell silent.
"I'm fine, no issues at all. Can we put last night's incident behind us?"
Her cheeks tinged with a blush, which Aaron found endearing.
"I was merely asking out of concern. You need to be well to take care of my treatment, right?"
Nora glanced at him, meeting his smiling eyes before quickly looking away.
"I'll take care of your treatment tonight."
"Alright."
Aaron's lips curled slightly as he reached over and took her small hand in his.
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