Chapter 23 As long as I'm here, you and the child will be happy
Confronted with her daughter’s pure, wide eyes, Nora felt a bit embarrassed.
“Samantha, when was I ever lying on top of Thomas?”
“Well, it was, it was…”
Samantha cocked her little head, trying to recall.
Aaron chimed in, “Wasn’t it? Not only were you lying on me, but you also…”
Aaron’s half-finished sentence instantly reminded Nora of a previous, awkward moment.
It was an accident, and now it sounded like she was interested in him!
"Thomas, you're just playing dead, aren't you?" Nora gritted her teeth, her voice tinged with a dangerous edge.
Aaron chuckled lightly. "Nora, you're gonna be stuck with me for life if you can't fix this."
His voice was a rich baritone, stirring something in the air, unintentional yet irresistible.
Nora's eyes twinkled, and she casually rolled up her sleeves. "Ha, I can throw you out right this second!"
Samantha's eyes widened with concern. She outstretched her little arms in front of Aaron's bed, her face awash with concern. "No, Mommy, that's just mean!"
Nora felt like a failure. Her daughter had always been glued to her side. How had this mysterious man come along and turned her loyalties so easily? Girls sure are fickle.
"Come here, you little rascal, and let me fix your hair. You look like a wild child," Nora said with feigned irritation.
Samantha blinked her big eyes at Aaron, who was smiling warmly. "Mr. Thomas, will you braid my hair, please?"
Aaron felt a mushy fondness inside. He nodded, "Of course."
Nora nearly burst out laughing. "Samantha, you really want him to braid your hair? "
"But Mr. Thomas said since I'm so cute, any hairstyle will look good on me!" Samantha touched her soft hair with a proud smile.
Nora was speechless. "You just take his word for it?"
"Yeah! Mr. Thomas is amazing! He can fix faucets, he's unbeatable at the card game 24, and he helped me outsmart my brothers! When you were in trouble, he had all the right ideas. He can do anything!"
Nora shook her head in disbelief. Some people really knew how to sweet-talk.
Looking at Aaron, her gaze softened. Some individuals, even when they're down, they still exude an undeniable presence that commands respect. She was curious about who he really was.
In the afternoon...
"Alex, Mommy's stepping out for a bit, look after your siblings, okay?"
Nora noticed it was almost time to meet with Lucas, and she got ready to head to the Bloom Hotel.
"Mommy, where are you off to this time?"
Alex followed her to the door, his worry evident.
Nora ruffled his hair reassuringly, "Don't worry, honey. Mommy's just running an errand. I'll be fine."
"Mommy, if anything happens, promise you'll call us," Billy chimed in.
"I promise."
"Mommy, why don't you take Mr. Thomas with you? He'll help if there's any trouble," said Samantha, her trust in Aaron's abilities unwavering.
Nora was at a loss for words, her mind settled on the belief that someone had surely brainwashed her daughter.
"Samantha, Mr. Thomas 's leg is giving him trouble. If I take him out with us, he'll just slow us down," Nora explained, glancing over at Aaron.
A crease formed between Aaron’s brows.
"You're busy, huh?" he questioned, his voice tinged with concern. "Seems like you're always rushing off somewhere."
"Yeah, don’t worry! I’ll be back before you know it," she reassured him.
Aaron just stared blankly.
Watching Nora's slender figure step out into the courtyard and then disappear, Aaron retreated to the solitude of his own room.
" Mr. Thomas, I really hope your leg gets better soon so you can come out and play with me," Samantha clung to him, her wishful eyes meeting his.
Aaron softened at the sight of her, his hands gently patting her head.
Samantha held out a paper airplane. " Mr. Thomas, do you know how to make these?"
Making paper airplanes was not something he had done before. But there was no way he'd admit that in front of Samantha, his little admirer. He couldn't tarnish his stellar image.
"Sure do."
"Then let's make them together!"
"Alright."
Aaron spent some time playing with Samantha. Later, he casually suggested, "Samantha, bring me your phone, I want to catch up on the news for a bit."
"Okie dokie!"
Samantha fetched the phone with a bounce in her step and handed it to Aaron. As soon as she was out of sight, he tapped out a message to Noe.
"Track Nora’s whereabouts and ensure she’s protected discreetly."
He couldn’t afford to let anything happen to her. He needed her too much.
Meanwhile, Nora drove to the Bloom Hotel and stopped outside the suite that Lucas had specified. After knocking, the door swung open to reveal Lucas in a white robe, a wide smile plastered across his face.
Already finished with his bath, just waiting for her, it seemed.
She scoffed internally at the thought but kept her face expressionless. "Nora, you made it. Come on in," he beckoned, pulling her inside.
Nora took in the surroundings – a master bedroom with gentle music playing in the background. He didn't lack for mood setting.
"Nora, I've missed you like crazy," Lucas exclaimed, wrapping her in his arms and moving to kiss her urgently.
Nora, fighting the impulse to slap him, dodged his advances. "Wait a second."
"What's the matter?" Lucas asked, his gaze filled with burning desire as he looked at her delicate features.
"I haven't taken a shower yet," she said, feigning shyness, her eyes cast downward.
Lucas laughed and released her, "Then go freshen up; I'll be waiting."
"Okay."
Nora closed herself in the bathroom and leaned against the vanity, glancing at the time.
"Don't let her down, Becky!"
It wasn't long before the sound of urgent knocking echoed at the door.
"Open up, open up now, Lucas, I know you're in there!"
Inside, Lucas was mid-way through shedding his bathrobe when the sound of Becky's desperate voice froze him in his tracks. Rushing to the door, he peered out the peephole to see Becky—her face contorted in rage—as she hammered relentlessly against the door. With a frustrated furrow between his brows, Lucas reluctantly opened up.
"Becky, what are you doing here?"
Her gaze was piercing, her expression twisting with anger.
"And what about you? Didn't you say you had a business meeting with Mr. Jacob this afternoon? Why'd it end up in a hotel?"
Shifting uneasily, Lucas ushered her out the door, "Mr. Jacob asked me to meet him here. Cut it out, Becky, and get back home."
Shrugging off his hand, Becky shrieked, "Lucas, you're still lying to me! What meeting? You're here to hook up with Nora, aren't you?"
"No, it's not—"
"Nora, get out here now!"
Pushing past Lucas, Becky stormed inside, her fury palpable.
Nora, hearing the commotion from the bathroom, slowly cracked a smug smile and leisurely opened the door.
"Looking for me, Becky?"
Catching sight of Nora, Becky's face contorted grotesquely and she raised her hand, poised to strike.
"Nora, you little home wrecker, how dare you lure my husband!"
With quick reflexes, Nora caught Becky's wrist, holding it firmly. The commotion had drawn the attention of other guests who opened their doors to rubberneck at the unfolding drama.
Nora released Becky's wrist and, with a swift motion, slapped her.
"Your husband? Becky, who's the shameless one here? This is my marriage certificate. I'm Lucas's lawful wife, you got that?"
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