Chapter 364 Unable to Achieve Self-sufficiency
As Nora's tone began to soften, Aaron leaned in to place a gentle, reverent kiss on her forehead. "Wait for me in bed," he murmured, his words hanging in the air with an ambiguous undertone.
Nora's brow furrowed slightly in response. "I've already told you, I'm on my period," she reminded him, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation.
A light chuckle escaped Aaron's lips as he reached out to tenderly pinch her smooth cheek. "Nora, your mind always jumps to the worst conclusions. Can't we just chat without the expectation of anything more?" he teased, his fingers lingering on her skin.
Nora's throat tightened at his playful gaze, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "So, are you going to let go?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Instead of complying, Aaron pressed himself even closer to her. "Nora, your clothes are wet. Shall we wash them together again?" His voice was low, laced with a hint of temptation that sent a shiver down Nora's spine.
Blushing furiously, Nora pushed him away with a huff. "Get lost!" she spat, her eyes flashing with indignation.
Aaron merely laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about we both get lost... in the bathtub together?" he suggested, his grin widening at her flustered reaction.
With a final glare, Nora pushed past him and quickly exited the bathroom. The sound of the door closing behind her was met with Aaron's light laughter, which gradually faded as his thoughts turned serious. He knew he needed to increase security for the children, to prevent any future incidents from occurring.
That night, everyone fell into their usual routines, though an air of unease hung heavy in the atmosphere.
The following morning, after a quiet breakfast, Jacob announced his decision to take the children back home. Despite their reluctance, the children obediently followed his instructions.
Nora watched her three precious children with a heavy heart, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She longed to keep them with her, but the sight of Jacob's affection for them, akin to that of a doting grandfather, made her hold her tongue.
After a moment of internal struggle, Nora turned to Alex with a determined expression. "Alex, you can't always live at your Great-grandfather's house. Your Great-grandmother misses you too," she reminded him, her voice firm. After all, she and Aaron weren't married yet. No one knew what would happen in the future.
Alex stared at her for a moment before nodding. "I understand. I'll spend more time with Great-grandmother," he promised, his words causing Jacob's brows to furrow in displeasure.
Jacob couldn't understand why everyone seemed intent on taking the children away from him. Even his own grandson, Aaron, was falling short of his expectations.
With a sigh, Jacob turned his attention to Aaron. "Aaron, you need to stop burying yourself in work. Take care of Nora, and yourself too," he admonished, his disappointment clear.
Jacob was frustrated that Nora had yet to conceive a child. If she were to have a child with Aaron, they would have to marry, and he could finally settle the children into the Gordon family without any opposition.
Aaron understood Jacob's implication and raised an eyebrow in amusement. He knew he was being accused of inadequacy, but he also knew that he and Nora both wanted a child. However, they needed Nora's cooperation, and even then, he couldn't handle everything on his own.
"I understand," Aaron agreed, before accompanying Nora to send Jacob and the children off to the airport.
As they were leaving, Samantha turned to Nora with a question. "Mommy, are you going to visit Ryan in the hospital today?"
Nora nodded, her voice soft. "Yes, Mommy needs to stay here and help him recover," she explained.
Samantha seemed satisfied with her answer and reached into her school bag to pull out a neatly folded piece of paper. "Can you give this to him for me?" she asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.
Nora was taken aback, but she opened the paper to reveal a drawing Samantha had made. It was a little messy, but the image of a boy sitting in front of a piano was clear. Samantha clearly had some talent for drawing.
"Of course, I'll give it to him," Nora promised, her heart swelling with pride for her daughter.
"Tell Ryan he's a hero and that I hope he gets better soon so he can play with us again," Samantha added, her voice filled with childish sincerity.
Nora smiled and ruffled Samantha's hair. "I'll pass on the message," she assured her.
As their car pulled away, Aaron accompanied Nora to the hospital to visit Ryan. Outside the ward, they found Fabio deep in conversation with Andrew. In an attempt to make amends, Fabio had offered a valuable piece of land recently acquired by the Turner family and promised to cover all of Ryan's treatment and rehabilitation costs.
The pallor of Andrew's face was unsettling. "Fabio," he began, his voice laced with an undercurrent of hostility, "as you're well aware, the Woodhouse family is far from impoverished. I suggest your brother take better care of his precious offspring, lest the boy come to harm one day."
Fabio responded with a disarming smile. "My nephew could certainly benefit from learning some manners. He shouldn't be allowed to believe that his father's wealth grants him carte blanche." His words were a clear indication that he had no intention of meddling in the affairs of the Woodhouse family. In fact, he seemed almost eager to see the consequences of their actions unfold.
Andrew cast a sidelong glance at Fabio, his stern expression softening slightly. It was at this moment that Aaron and Nora made their entrance. Andrew's demeanor shifted instantly, becoming warm and welcoming. "Mr. Gordon, Nora, so glad you could join us," he greeted them.
Nora returned his smile, opening her mouth to address him as 'cousin', but the words wouldn't come. After all, she was not Emma's biological daughter, and the Woodhouse family were not her true in-laws. She shared no blood ties with Andrew.
"Please, continue your conversation," Nora interjected, "I'll go check on Ryan."
"Of course," Andrew replied, opening the door to the ward for her. As she disappeared inside, the trio of men outside resumed their business discussion.
Inside the ward, Nora found Ryan receiving an IV drip, while Mrs. Woodhouse sat by his bedside, reading aloud. "Nora, you've arrived," Mrs. Woodhouse exclaimed, rising swiftly to greet her.
"Mrs. Woodhouse," Nora acknowledged, her gaze shifting to Ryan. "Ryan, how are you feeling?" His eyes were tinged red, a clear sign of recent tears. The pain from his wound was likely intensifying as the anesthesia wore off. Despite this, the young boy managed a nod in response to her query.
Nora offered a comforting smile, settling down beside the bed to examine him. Ryan glanced at her, then towards the door, before confessing, " Aunt Nora, my hand really hurts."
Nora finished taking his pulse, reassuring him, "It's normal for your hand to hurt after surgery, but you're being very brave."
Ryan's response was unexpected. "If Alex, Billy, and Samantha could come to see me, then my wound wouldn't hurt anymore." His words were clearly leading to something.
Nora chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry, but they've had to return to Houston for school. They can't come to see you. However, Samantha did ask me to bring something for you."
Ryan's eyes lit up with anticipation. "What is it?"
Nora produced a drawing from her bag. Ryan snatched it up with his good hand. "Did Samantha draw this?"
"Yes, she did," Nora confirmed. "She also wanted me to tell you that you're a little hero, and she hopes you'll get better soon so you two can play together again." Nora relayed Samantha's heartfelt message to Ryan.
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