Chapter 69 Forgot to Pick Up the Kids
"Nora, what's on your mind? Why the random question?"
Jenny noticed Nora's pensive expression and asked curiously.
"Nothing."
Nora snapped back to reality and changed the subject. "Jenny, how can I get Lucas to agree to a quickie divorce?"
Jenny blinked in surprise. "What do you mean? Nora, are you planning to divorce Lucas?"
Nora nodded and recounted her visit to Martha that day.
Jenny listened attentively, sighing heavily.
"I can't believe Martha was behind your mom's death. At least that wicked woman loves her daughter, thank goodness."
Nora agreed with a nod.
Jenny's eyes twinkled. "If you don't want to file for divorce, why not have someone influential pressure Lucas?"
Nora was taken aback. "Someone influential?"
"Yes, Nora, didn't you save Aaron's life? He's the powerholder at Gordon Enterprises. It'd be perfect to have him exert some pressure on Lucas."
Nora fell silent.
Has Aaron stepped up for her?
"I'm not sure about that."
"It's not a big deal."
Jenny said, "Nora, you saved his life. He owes you one for this little favor, right?"
Nora just smiled, not taking it seriously.
After a brief chat, they went their separate ways.
Nora returned to her research office and handed her completed data analysis to Howard. Her phone rang again.
This time, it was Jack.
Nora answered, "Jack, what's up?"
"Nora, you're at Central Hospital right now, right?"
"Yes."
"A buddy of mine had an acute stomach issue and passed out. They've brought him in, and I'm on my way. Can you check on him in surgery for me?"
Nora quickly agreed.
After hanging up, she stood up and explained the situation to Howard.
Before Howard could respond, Dr. Luna, seated nearby, said, "Off to see another patient? Nora, you're so busy, you shouldn't even be part of the research group."
Nora replied calmly, "The research project benefits from extensive clinical experience. I don't see any conflict."
Dr. Luna choked on her words, watching Nora's brisk departure with a narrowed gaze.
Nora had just mentioned Jack.
Was that a call from the Jack she knew?
In the operating room, Nora got to work. She identified herself and started preparing for the surgery.
Before long, Jack arrived.
"Nora."
"Jack, what's the deal with the patient?" Nora inquired.
"Her name's Sue and she's a female film director. She has a history of stomach issues, and she overindulged at lunch today—acute gastritis hit her hard."
As Jack briefed Nora on the patient's condition, they hurriedly completed the pre-op preparations.
Approaching the operating table, Nora quickly assessed the patient, deciding on a treatment plan efficiently.
Aaron had a morning meeting with a client, and thanks to Noe's reminder, he didn't participate in any more client schmoozing that afternoon. Instead, he handled business affairs in the office.
As dusk approached, Noe glanced at the clock. "Mr. Gordon, you promised to pick up Alex and the others this morning."
At that reminder, Aaron's eyebrows arched in recognition. "Okay, let's go."
The day had flown by. Suddenly, he found himself looking forward to the evening.
Just then, the bodyguard outside knocked on the door. "Mr. Gordon, the person Miss Hamilton recommended, is here."
"Okay," responded Aaron, gesturing for the bodyguard to let them in.
"Good day, Mr. Gordon," Ember greeted with respect.
"Prepare some of your specialties. Keep it light on salt and oil," Aaron instructed calmly.
"Yes, sir," Ember quickly complied.
"Let's go."
"Alright."
Noe pushed Aaron's wheelchair out the door. Along with the bodyguard, they helped Aaron into the car.
"Mr. Gordon, are we heading straight to the daycare?" Noe asked from the driver's seat.
Aaron considered for a moment. "Let's stop by the hospital first."
He preferred to do it with Nora if they were picking up the kids.
Noe drove to the hospital entrance.
"Mr. Gordon, should I give Nora a heads up?"
While Aaron glanced at the files on his computer, he gave a faint nod.
Noe dialed Nora's number but got no response.
"Mr. Gordon, Nora is not answering."
Aaron shifted his gaze from the computer and pulled out his phone. "I'll try."
The call connected, but there was still no answer.
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly. Knowing that Nora was with Howard's research team, he dialed Howard's number next.
The call was picked up swiftly.
"Aaron, what's the matter?"
"Howard, Nora's with your team, right?" Aaron queried.
"Yes."
"Is she around?"
"No, she got called out by Jack, and she hasn't returned yet."
Upon hearing this, Aaron's aura dipped slightly.
Called out during work hours?
And she hasn't been back since?
Was she working, or was this an excuse for a date with Jack?
“Mr. Gordon, is Nora okay?”
Noe, noting the change in Aaron's expression, worried that something had happened to Nora.
Aaron's face remanined stoic. He didn't answer Noe's question.
"To the daycare."
What a mom. She's too busy with dates to even remember to pick up her kids.
Noe didn't dare to say more and drove off to the daycare.
Soon, they arrived, and the kids came out, full of energy and excitement.
"Mr. Gordon, I'll go get Alex and the others," Noe said.
Aaron grunted an acknowledgment, his expression stern.
The three kids emerged from the daycare, looking around in anticipation. They didn't see their mom but spotted Noe.
"Noe!" they greeted him in unison.
"Mr. Gordon is here to pick you guys up."
Noe also fond of the three kids, smiled and pointed to a car not far away.
Alex frowned. "Noe, why didn't Mom come?"
Noe's eyes flickered slightly, "Your mom's tied up with something important, so she had us come to pick you up first."
He had no idea why Nora wasn't answering her phone or why she hadn't come to pick up the three kids.
But she must have been held up by something important.
The children asked no more questions and followed Noe to the car.
"Mr. Gordon, did you come to pick us up?"
Samantha was the most carefree, her face lit up with joy when she saw Aaron.
The chill surrounding Aaron softened slightly, and his eyes grew warm.
"Yeah, I always keep my promises."
"Mr. Gordon, we have homework to do with Mom today. Can you help if Mom's busy?"
Samantha batted her bright eyes, a hopeful expression on her face.
Aaron raised an eyebrow but didn't refuse, "Sure."
Alex looked at him. "Mr. Gordon, do you know what Mom is busy with?"
Busy with what?
Probably her date!
In the operating room.
Nora and Jack had finally finished their surgery on Sue.
"Nora, you worked hard."
Jack helped her out of the surgical gown with a gentle voice.
"It's nothing."
Nora smiled and took out her phone to check the time.
When she saw that it was approaching five o'clock, a flash of concern crossed her face.
"Shoot, I totally spaced on picking up the kids!"
This sudden realization hit her like a bucket of ice water, immediately turning up the dial on her stress levels. Living in suburban America meant her life revolved around routines, and this oversight was definitely not in the playbook. The clock on the dashboard only confirmed her fears; it was well past the time the school bus would have dropped them off.
With urgency, she grabbed her cell phone, fingers fumbling as she hit the speed dial for her best friend. "Hey, Jen, it's me. I messed up," she began as soon as the call connected. Frantic apologies poured out. "Can you do me a huge favor and check if the twins are at your place?"
On the other end, her friend was quick to reassure. "Relax, they're here. They figured you got held up at work or something."
Gratitude flooded through her. "You're a lifesaver. I'll be there in ten." Her voice held a mixture of apology and relief. Times like these made her grateful for a support network that understood the chaos of balancing a career and family life.
During the rest of the drive, she ruminated on the trials of modern parenting, vowing to set up more reliable reminders. Her kids, with their forgiving smiles and boundless energy, were her world, deserving better than the forgetfulness of an overworked mom.
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