Chapter 32: Do you like married women?
"Mr. Thomas, can you tell a story?" Samantha wriggled and asked.
Aaron fell silent for a moment, “I’ve never told stories before.”
He could discuss financial news.
But telling stories just wasn't his thing.
"Can you sing a nursery rhyme?" she asked with beaming eyes full of hope.
Her brothers also waited, their gaze filled with similar anticipation.
After a brief hesitation, Aaron replied, “What would you like to hear? How about a lullaby?”
"That'd be great."
“Okay, now close your eyes.”
All three shut their eyes instantly.
Clearing his throat, Aaron softened his voice and began to sing a gentle lullaby.
Their eyelids fluttered until slowly coming to a rest.
Listening to the steady breathing of the three, Aaron knew they had drifted to sleep.
He exhaled softly and tucked them in tighter.
He never imagined that he, a high-powered executive at Gordon Corporation, would end up playing dad to three little munchkins!
Over at Central Hospital.
After a grueling five-hour surgery, Nora finally saved the patient.
She let out a deep sigh and told the medical staff, “The surgery is complete. If all goes well, he'll wake up by evening. I'll leave the rest in your hands.”
"Understood," the medical staff answered promptly.
Nora left the OR and made her way to the locker room.
The dean was there waiting for her.
Upon hearing that the patient was out of danger, the dean heaped praises upon her.
“Dr. Sun certainly lives up to her reputation. It would be great if she could give a lecture at the hospital sometime when she's available."
"You're too kind."
Nora chuckled softly as she removed her mask and discarded her surgical gown. Something crossed her mind, and she inquired, "The people waiting outside the OR, were they all family of the patient?"
"Not all of them," Dean pondered for a moment before adding, "Among them was Mrs. Smith from Prosperity Corporation. She's Mr. Wyatt's goddaughter from years back."
It had to be Martha.
Nora remembered how in her younger days, Martha tirelessly drummed up business for Charles.
The rumor mill had it that Charles secured his connection to Houston's bigwig, Mr. Wyatt, through her.
So, the scandal about Martha's fling with a young lover didn't make a dent?
After washing up, Nora exchanged a few pleasantries with Dean and then left the hospital.
No sooner had she stepped out than Martha appeared.
Upon catching a fleeting glimpse of Nora, Martha was momentarily taken aback.
Was that Nora?
What was she doing at the hospital?
"Mrs. Smith, Mr. Wyatt is out of danger now. You can breathe a sigh of relief," Dean said as he saw Martha approaching.
Martha expressed her gratitude repeatedly, "Thank you, Dean. We were so fortunate you brought Dr. Sun. Where is he? When Mr. Wyatt wakes up, we must properly thank him."
"Dr. Sun just left. He's quite the humble one, never accepting gifts from patients outside of her professional duties," Dean replied with a smile.
Just left?
Martha was stunned, her mind flashing back to Nora.
Could Nora be Dr. Sun?
No, that's impossible.
Martha dismissed the flicker of thought in her mind.
After thanking Dean once more, she hurried to Mr. Wyatt's room.
Thank heavens, her benefactor was saved.
Otherwise, she would've been in a real pickle!
Suburban abode.
Nora returned home.
Pushing the door open, she instinctively called out, "Kiddos, I'm back."
No replies greeted her.
Surprised, Nora decided first to peek into the ground floor bedroom.
It was dim inside, and there was Aaron, lying on the bed, frowning at her with a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet.
On each side of him, the three little ones were sleeping soundly.
Nora's eyes widened as she quickly approached, a look of astonishment dawning on her face.
"Thomas, why are they sleeping here with you?"
"The storm just hit, and the thunder scared the kids," Aaron explained.
“I see.”
Nora leaned in slightly, her gaze tenderly sweeping over the three little ones fast asleep, a hint of apology flickering across her softened expression.
No matter how bright and sensible her treasures were, they were still innocent children.
It had always been just her to comfort them, to soothe their fears. And for that, she felt they had been shortchanged.
"Thomas, thank you," Nora said softly, her eyes meeting Aaron's grateful gaze.
"Show some real appreciation then," Aaron looked at her with a playful challenge in his eyes. "Don't skimp on the sweets."
A laugh escaped Nora's lips. "Alright, message received."
At that moment, the trio began to stir awake.
"Mommy, you're back," Alex mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm here," Nora hummed, gently tousling both Alex and Billy's soft hair.
"Mommy," Samantha murmured groggily.
Nora's heart melted, and she opened her arms. "Awake now, want Mommy's hug?"
Samantha rubbed her eyes, glanced at Aaron, and reached out to grab his arm instead.
"No need, I want to sleep with Mr. Thomas a bit longer."
Nora was at a loss. Was her daughter drifting away from her?
"Samantha, your Mommy's feelings are easily hurt. If you don't give her a hug, I’m going to be the one in trouble."
Aaron playfully tousled Samantha's hair with his comment.
Nora choked back a retort, biting back a response as she called out, "Thomas!"
"You promised no withholding sweets," Aaron quipped confidently.
Nora almost burst into laughter, finding herself speechlessly amused.
"Mr. Thomas," Alex began, his gaze shifting between Nora and Aaron, "you gotta charm a lady."
Billy nodded in agreement. "Man, better learn from us if you don't wanna suffer."
The brothers exchanged knowing looks and chorused, "Mommy, we love you."
Wrapping an arm around each, Nora peppered their faces with kisses. "I love you both, too."
"Mommy, I love you, too, and Mr. Thomas," Samantha chimed in, her voice raising. "We're one big loving family."
Nora's eyes moved to Aaron, whose smile carried a silent communication.
One big family?
But soon, when she had fixed this man's troubles, he would surely leave. How would the children adjust to that?
A soft hunger rumble broke the moment.
Aaron snapped back to reality and asked, “Haven’t you eaten lunch yet?”
“Yeah, I just finished surgery on a patient,” Nora replied.
“What’s the hold up then? Go grab some food,” Aaron’s brows furrowed, concern inexplicably tugging at his heart.
But his expression and tone came off as commanding, making Nora feel like he was scolding her.
She glared at him. “Why so serious? Keep that up and I’ll throw you out!”
The tenderness in Aaron’s heart vanished in an instant.
She was clearly heartless!
Why should he even care about her?
After scrounging up something to eat in the kitchen, Nora got a call from the preschool about admissions.
They wanted her to bring her child for an interview tomorrow.
She quickly agreed and, after tidying up the kitchen, went to find her little trio.
“Kiddos, head upstairs with me. We’ve got a preschool interview tomorrow, and we need to practice so you don’t get stage fright.”
At her words, all three kids ran over to her.
“Mommy, will the teacher think I’m dumb?” Samantha tugged at Nora’s hand, a worried look on her face.
“Of course not. My Samantha is admired by all, right?” Nora said reassuringly as she picked her up.
“But the boys keep calling me dumb.”
“Alex, Billy, from now on don’t pick on your sister. Look after her at preschool, got it?”
“We got it.”
Aaron watched them go, a smile ticking at the corner of his lips. His hand went to his leg, the smile fading a touch.
When would his leg finally heal?
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