Chapter 56: Fighting for Her
Samantha nudged Nora inside and chuckled at Aaron, who was engrossed in his tablet.
"Mr. Thomas, Mommy's bed is all wet and she's got nowhere to sleep tonight. She has to sleep here," she said, then scampered off on her little legs, leaving Nora dumbfounded.
Aaron peered at Nora from the bed with an inquisitive look.
"How'd your bed get wet?"
Nora massaged her forehead, suspecting that it was the handiwork of a certain child.
"Never mind that, get some sleep."
Those three little rascals, she thought, she needed to go upstairs and sort this out with them!
Reaching the kids' room, she twisted the doorknob, only to find it locked from the inside.
These troublemakers!
"Open up!" she demanded.
"Mommy, we're already in bed. You should head downstairs and sleep! Goodnight," Samantha's voice cooed from within.
Nora took a deep breath, barely suppressing the urge to spank her daughter.
Nora considered retrieving the spare key to unlock the door but then thought better of it.
The kids' beds were singles and Samantha was a restless sleeper; sharing with her would indeed be a tight squeeze.
But if she didn't share with her daughter, where would she sleep tonight?
In the children's room, Alex furrowed his brow at Billy and Samantha.
"What are you two up to?"
"Alex, we're trying to get Mommy and Mr. Thomas together," Samantha giggled.
"That's not right," Alex protested.
"It is right. Billy agrees with me! Two against one, we win," Samantha roped Billy into her scheme.
Billy grinned sheepishly and said, "Alex, Samantha, it doesn't really matter what we think. It all comes down to Mommy's choice."
"Anyway, I like Mr. Thomas. Next time, Alex, you've got to get Mommy and him together," Samantha chimed in cheerfully.
Alex picked up on what Samantha was implying and asked, "Billy, did you spill the water on Mommy's bed?"
Billy became flustered, "Samantha, didn't I tell you not to say it was me?"
Samantha blinked her big innocent eyes and said with feigned innocence, "Billy, I didn't say it was you."
Samantha didn't say it directly, but her words were enough for Alex to figure it out!
He regretted it, why did he give in and help his naive little sister?
Would Mommy be mad at him if she found out?
Downstairs in the living room.
Aaron was still pondering the recent events.
Suddenly, his tablet signaled an incoming video call.
He glanced at the screen, his expression softening.
It was a call from Grandpa.
"Grandpa."
"Aaron, finally got a hold of you," the voice came through.
Elder Gordon appeared on the screen, his silver hair quite noticeable.
"Sorry, Grandpa, I didn't mean to worry you," Aaron spoke with gentle respect.
Elder Gordon waved his hand slightly, "It's alright, as long as you're safe. Noe tells me you're planning to make an appearance. Will you visit the company tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Elder Gordon sighed, "Look at the state of the company without you. How could I entrust such a massive family business to them?"
Disappointment and sternness flickered in the old man's eyes.
Aaron remained silent.
Grandpa had always been a visionary, an outstanding entrepreneur.
Under his stewardship, the Gordon Corporation had achieved numerous miracles.
It had always been a leading force in Houston.
That's why he had such high hopes for the company to maintain its momentum.
"So I hear the doctor who saved you is quite skilled?" Elder Gordon grumbled before swiftly changing the subject.
Aaron nodded, "Yes, if it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be here talking to you now."
"Hmm, be sure to thank her properly. Whatever she asks for, just give it to her," Elder Gordon instructed firmly.
"I will," Aaron assured with a nod.
Just then, two figures appeared on camera.
Elder Gordon continued, "Aaron, your parents are here. Have a word with them, will you?"
Aaron's expression turned neutral at the sight of the two figures on the screen.
"Dad, Mom."
"Son, I heard everything from Noe, thank God you're still alive. "
A teary-eyed Mary squeezed into the camera's view, "Where are you now? I will send someone to pick you up right away."
"No need, I'm still undergoing treatment, and I'd rather not be disturbed," Aaron replied calmly.
"Why won't you come home for treatment, son? We have a top-notch medical team. Who else could be better?" Mary insisted.
"Mom, I'm doing fine here."
"Fine? Noe told me your leg is broken. It's been over a month, don't let some quack miss the optimal window for treatment," Mary said, her face filled with concern.
From the side, Caden's voice cut in, clearly annoyed, "Enough already. The kid's grown up, he can handle his own affairs."
Hearing this, Mary shot him a glare, "No matter how old he is, he's still my son. Am I supposed to stay calm when he's in trouble? Not like you. Do you even care about him?"
"Mary, when have you seen me not worried? What's that got to do with my hobbies?" Caden retorted.
“Caden, you've never really cared about your son, with your head always in your hobbies," Mary accused.
Silence fell.
The arguing parents sparked a flash of irritation in Aaron's eyes.
"Dad, Mom, I'm tired. I need to rest."
At that, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon finally stopped their bickering.
"Aaron, rest well. We'll talk tomorrow," Caden said, his tone softening as he addressed his son.
Mary shot him a look before turning to Aaron, "Son, be sure to stay safe."
"Yeah, goodbye."
With no further dialogue, Aaron ended the call.
He recalled the days when his parents respected each other.
Until one day, his mother discovered his father, a man of arts and letters, had another woman...
Aaron closed his eyes and tossed the tablet aside.
Outside, Nora, with a blanket in hand, overheard parts of the conversation.
She waited for complete silence before knocking and entering.
"Thomas, I'm crashing here tonight."
Aaron arched an eyebrow, "Sharing my bed?"
Nora shot him a look and threw the blanket on the couch.
"In your dreams."
She was just here to catch some sleep on his triple-seater couch.
Observing her, Aaron mused, "Nora, that couch is kind of soft. It might hurt your back if you sleep on it too long. I wouldn't mind if you borrowed my bed."
"I do mind," she retorted while arranging the couch.
Aaron's lips curved into a teasing smile, "Don't worry, I'm a gentleman."
Nora stood up and faced him, "Really? How about tonight you take the couch and I'll take the bed?"
His eyebrows lifted at her playful challenge, a smirk forming, "Well, I suppose that could work."
Nora let out a faint scoff and stretched out on the couch.
"You're a patient. A bad night's sleep could mess up my treatment plan, so let's not complicate things," she declared.
Aaron chuckled, his gaze lingering on her.
Her long hair cascaded over the deep green fabric of the couch, with a cream-colored throw blanket draped across her.
Her petite hands were demurely placed on her chest, rising and falling with her breath.
In the soft glow of the light, her fair and delicate face was strikingly beautiful, captivating Aaron's attention.