Chapter 399 I Can't Help It That I Love Him
Nora had suspected as much, yet hearing it from her friend's lips still managed to elicit a mild shock.
"Really? You two are planning to get married so soon? Congratulations, Jenny!"
"Thank you," Jenny chuckled.
"So, when do you plan to hold the wedding after obtaining the certificate? I must prepare a grand gift for you," Nora teased.
There was a brief pause before Jenny replied, "Nora, we've decided to postpone the wedding for now. Edric's mother, you see, she doesn't quite accept me."
Nora hadn't anticipated this revelation. The smile that had been playing on her lips vanished. "Edric's mother doesn't approve of you, so you're planning to obtain the certificate in secret?"
Jenny was quick to clarify, "It's not exactly like that. Edric assured me he would handle everything. We will secure the certificate first, then he will find someone to pick a good day for the wedding. But after thinking about it, I declined."
She paused, then continued, "I have no objections to obtaining the certificate first. But as for the wedding, I want his mother to fully accept me before we proceed.
"I wish for our wedding to be graced with the blessings of both our parents. I don't want to see his parents attending out of obligation or causing discomfort to my own parents. It would place Edric and me in an untenable position."
Nora's brows furrowed at her friend's words.
After a moment, she said sympathetically, "Jenny, aren't you sacrificing too much?"
Jenny chuckled lightly, "What other choice do I have? I can't help it that I love him."
For the sake of her loved one, she was willing to compromise.
Pity flickered in Nora's eyes. As an observer, all she could do at this point was offer her blessings and hold her peace.
Her tone lightened, "Alright, you're giving me goosebumps now."
"Who was it that promised a generous gift? I remember," Jenny teased, changing the subject.
Nora laughed, "Why the rush? Your wedding isn't happening anytime soon, so my money can earn more interest in the bank."
"Perhaps you and Aaron will beat us to the altar, and I'll be the one to foot the bill first!"
"I'm not like you, breaking promises. I vowed to steer clear of men, yet you went and got a marriage certificate on the sly."
"Please, Nora, don't be jealous. You're still the one I hold dearest in my heart!"
Their conversation ended on a light note, punctuated by laughter and good-natured ribbing.
Nora gazed at the warm sunlight streaming through the window, her heart filled with silent blessings for her friend.
This was Jenny's choice, and for the man she loved, she chose to endure.
As long as Edric treated her well.
After all, their future was theirs to shape, a shared journey of love and companionship. Jenny was a gentle and sweet girl, and Nora was certain that, given time, the Jiang family would come to see her for who she truly was and accept her.
As the evening descended, Nora and a handful of children shared a meal with Ryan at the hospital. After dinner, Nora shepherded the children back home.
The quartet of children exhibited signs of fatigue during the journey, their lack of an afternoon nap catching up with them. Millie, in particular, succumbed to sleep in the car.
Upon reaching the villa, Nora chose not to disturb the slumbering child, instead gently lifting her from the vehicle.
Stepping into the villa, Nora's gaze fell upon the children. The sight of three children now expanded to four brought a smile to her face.
The addition of another member to the family promised a future filled with even more life and laughter.
"Darlings, head upstairs and prepare for bed," Nora instructed the trio of children, their eyes heavy with sleep.
"Yes, Mommy," they chorused in response.
Alex, assuming the role of the older brother, led the way upstairs, with Billy and Samantha trailing behind him.
Half-asleep, Millie stirred at the sound of their departure. One eye reluctantly fluttered open, and upon seeing Billy ascending the stairs, a wave of anxiety washed over her.
"Billy, don't go," she pleaded.
Nora gently patted her and whispered soothingly, "Good girl, Billy is just going upstairs to prepare for bed. Auntie Nora Nora is going to treat your illness now."
To fully purge the poison from her system, Millie would need treatment and medication. This was a task Nora had been waiting to tackle with a clear mind and peaceful surroundings.
Millie's eyes widened in fear. "Auntie Nora Nora, when you treat me, will it be like when you treated Ryan? Will you poke me with a long needle?"
Nora carried her upstairs and smiled. "Millie, don't be afraid. Look, Ryan wasn't scared at all, right?"
Little Millie pouted. "But getting a shot will be very painful."
Nora comforted her softly, "Trust Auntie Nora Nora, I won't give you shots so that it won't be very painful."
"Really?" Millie asked, her voice small.
"Really," Nora affirmed.
Pushing open the door to a bedroom, Nora smiled. "Millie, let's first see how the children's room that your Uncle Gordon prepared for you looks, okay?"
Earlier in the day, Aaron had informed her that he had arranged for a children's room to be set up for Millie. Nora's eyes softened at the thought of his considerate gesture.
The room was decorated in a princess theme, much like her daughter's room.
"Millie, do you like it?" Nora asked.
Millie nodded, "Yes."
"Then, Auntie Nora will help you take a bath first, okay?" Nora suggested gently.
"Okay," Millie agreed.
Nora patted her head and instructed her to wait while she searched the wardrobe for suitable clothes. The wardrobe was filled with clothes perfect for a little girl like Millie. Nora selected a clean set and then led Millie to the bathroom.
After a warm bath, Nora tucked Millie into the small bed and began her treatment. Initially, the little girl was scared, but she relaxed after the first injection. Despite a slight swelling, the shot was not painful.
Once all the injections were administered, Nora saw Millie relax and smiled. "Auntie Nora didn't lie to you; it doesn't hurt, right?"
Millie nodded, her gaze fixed on Nora. The warm yellow light of the night bathed Nora's beautiful face.
In the quiet of the night, thoughts often wander. Millie looked at Nora's gentle smile and was reminded of her mother. Her lips quivered, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Auntie Nora, I miss my Mommy."
Nora's heart ached at the sight of her. She kissed her cheek and said, "Good girl, don't cry. From now on, I will be your Mommy."
Millie looked at her, and after a while, she called out in a baby voice, "Mommy."
Nora ran her fingers through Millie's curly hair, her face full of affection.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Billy walked in with light steps.
"Mommy, is Millie asleep?" he asked.
Hearing his voice, Millie brightened up.
"Billy, I'm treating her, so she hasn't slept yet!" Nora explained.
Billy approached and noticed the needles on Millie's body. He quickly praised, "Millie, you're so brave."
Millie grinned with a hint of pride in her eyes.
Nora smiled at Billy, "You came just in time. Stay here and keep Millie company. Mommy will go down and brew some medicine."
"Okay, Mommy," Billy obediently replied.
Nora descended the stairs and retrieved a few herbs stored in the basement, then began brewing the medicine.
Before long, Aaron returned home. He wrapped his arms around Nora from behind and planted a kiss on her hair.
"Brewing medicine?" he asked.
"Yes," Nora confirmed.
Aaron turned her around and gently stroked her hair, his gaze deep and meaningful. Nora, having spent a significant amount of time with him, understood his silent communication.
His gaze held a proposal - to adopt Millie and marry her.
Nora fell silent for a moment before raising a finger, "One year."
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