Chapter 72 Taking Care of the Kids and Problems
Relaxing in the living room, Nora settled into a chair, bathing in her children's earnest attentiveness.
"Mom, here's some water," Alex said, handing her a glass.
"Mom, have some sugar," offered Samantha.
"Mom, let me give you a massage," said Billy, his small hands ready to soothe her pain.
Their voices warmed Nora's heart, despite the ache in her belly.
She sipped some hot water and allowed a sugar cube to dissolve on her tongue, feeling relax.
Ruffling her children's hair and noticing Aaron's concerned gaze, her heart softened.
"Alright, stop crowding around me. I'm fine now," she said.
But Aaron couldn't ignore her pallor.
"You're exhausted. Skip healing me today. Have something to eat and get some early rest," he suggested.
Upon hearing his words, Nora insisted, "No way. Your treatment can't be delayed. I'm alright; just go eat."
Despite her apparent fragility, she radiated a resilient strength.
Her upbeat demeanor drew others to her.
Aaron's gaze held depth, "The taco soup is still cooking. Start with some soup to warm your stomach."
"Okay."
Nora had no objections and joined the kids at the dining table.
Ember and Noe brought the dishes to the table.
Nora gave Ember a small nod of thanks and then turned to Aaron.
"Thomas, what do I owe for Ember's help? I'll send it to you."
Aaron dismissed the offer. "Don't worry about it. I'll be eating too, consider it included."
Nora left it there.
She looked at the spread of dishes on the table, tempted but sticking with the soup.
She was afraid that overeating might upset her stomach even more.
After the meal, she went to the lab to fetch some stomach-warming herbs.
Her phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID; it was Becky.
Probably nagging her about divorcing Lucas.
Nora sighed and stepped out into the backyard to answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Nora, you said you'd divorce Lucas? Why the delay? My mom's already turned herself in; you can't back out!"
Becky's words tumbled out in a rush as soon as Nora answered.
"I'll do it, Becky. Don't worry."
"When's the hearing? Tell me!" Becky said anxiously.
"In the next couple of days. If he won't agree, I'll file myself."
After cutting Becky off without waiting for more complaints, Nora wondered.
Why should a woman rely on a man?
She wondered if Becky regretted her choices.
Sighing, Nora turned, catching Aaron watching her.
"What are you doing here? Something wrong?" she asked.
"What could be wrong with me? I'm just worried you might faint again," he replied.
His deep, ink-black eyes seemed to pull her in.
Feeling warmth inside, she looked away. "I'm not that fragile."
Aaron maneuvered his wheelchair closer to her.
"Are you divorcing Lucas?"
Nora hesitated. "I've signed, but he refuses to let go. He even demanded a hundred million for the psychic toll."
Hearing this, Aaron's eyes narrowed.
It was usually wives demanding cash in divorce, not the other way around.
Lucas likely tossed that figure to dissuade Nora.
With that thought, Aaron blurted out, "I'll handle it."
Nora blinked in surprise. "You?"
The words Jenny told her echoed in her mind, stirring her emotions.
"Don't want my involvement? Or thinking of reconciling to dodge the toll?" Aaron asked.
"How could that be?"
Nora looked at him, her gratitude genuine, "Thank you!"
She just felt indebted to him again, which was somewhat embarrassing.
"You've thanked me twice today already," Aaron said, a hint of unexpected pleasure in his voice.
Nora laughed. "Yeah, who knew saving a big shot would have so many perks?"
"This big shot's got skills beyond babysitting.
You've benefited," Aaron said seriously.
Nora couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Yes, I have."
As the sun set, and a warm yellow light shone from a lamp in the courtyard.
They looked at each other, sharing a silent, cozy moment.
Then Ember approached, "Mr. Gordon, the kitchen is all cleaned up, and the taro soup is ready. I'm off."
Aaron snapped back to reality, nodding faintly.
"Alright, you've done enough."
"That's what I'm here for."
Ember glanced at Nora, who thanked her too.
"Let's have some taro soup," Aaron suggested.
"Sure."
Outside.
Ember hopped into a car Suzy had sent.
Once settled, she dialed Suzy's number.
"Miss Hamilton, I've got the stuff."
"Good, I'll wait for you at the villa."
After the call, the driver took Ember to a villa complex called Star River Bay.
It was one of Houston's most upscale neighborhoods, developed by the Gordon Group.
Aaron owned a villa there.
The Hamiltons, not based in Houston but in pursuit of being close to Aaron, had the family invest in property within this exclusive area.
During their Houston stints, they'd use the villas.
"Miss Hamilton, this is for you."
Entering one of the villas, Ember handed a sealed plastic bag to Suzy.
Inside the bag were strands of a child's hair, which she had plucked from Samantha's head.
"Well done."
Suzy took the bag satisfactorily and instructed Ember, “Tell me everything you saw and heard today.”
How could she give up just because Aaron wanted to cut ties?
She had Ember spy for her.
And having Ember collect a few hairs from the child was to confirm something.
"Miss Hamilton, Mr. Gordon personally picked the kids up from school today, and he spent the whole afternoon playing with them," Ember recalled.
"Nora got home later and complained of a stomachache. Mr. Gordon seemed genuinely concerned for her, had me make taro soup for her, and even discussed sorting out her divorce. They seemed like a happy family of five."
Suzy's grip on the bag tightened involuntarily.
Had Aaron rejected her for Nora?
No! She was meant to be Aaron's wife!
"Keep watching them for me, Ember. Your loyalty won't go unrewarded."
Nora felt much better after dinner and the soothing effect of the herbs.
Once the children were settled in, she headed downstairs.
"Ready for the treatment."
Aaron noticed her improved color, though she still seemed pale.
"Are you sure you're up for this?"
"I'm fine."
Nora prepared to help Aaron into the restroom.
"Let Noe assist me; you focus on getting everything else ready," Aaron stopped her.
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