Chapter 131 Gripped by Guilt
"Come on, Nathan. It's obvious Miss Adkins is into you," Nora said with a knowing smile.
"It's not me. And I don't even know who it is. I suspect she’s dating someone." Nathan replied, his face darkening.
Up until now, women had been the ones fighting over him, and he had never experienced the sour taste of jealousy. It felt like a lump in his chest, an uncomfortable sensation.
Was she dating Samuel already? A wave of discomfort washed over Nora, her sense of crisis intensifying. Unlike Nathan, she didn't let her worries show and instead covered her lips with a chuckle.
"Why are you laughing?" Nathan felt even more irritated by her laughter.
"I'm chuckling at how people say women jump to conclusions when men can be just the same. Even you, the bachelor of the year, aren't immune to falling for someone. Shouldn't I find some wicked pleasure in this?"
"I'm not jumping to conclusions. Didn't you see her hurry out? I asked if she was rushing for a date since she likes someone, and she didn't deny it."
"Ah, men. Since when does silence equal consent? That logic is flawed. Knowing Miss Adkins as I do, I bet she's just shy."
"You're thinking too much," Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"We've grown up together; when have I ever been wrong?" Nora looked into Nathan's eyes.
"Point taken," he had to admit. Nora was among the smartest women he knew, with sharp instincts to boot.
"See? So when I say Miss Adkins has a thing for you, you can trust that. But if you don't make a move soon, I can't promise that she won't be swept off her feet by someone else."
At that, Nathan felt a sense of urgency. "I want to confess my feelings, but look at me. I'm not exactly in prime condition."
"What's the state of your body got to do with the heart? This is the first time you've been smitten. If you miss out on her, you'll regret it for life. Don't hesitate any longer; just tell her."
Nora's encouragement injected Nathan with a surge of energy. "Yeah, I'll find the right moment within the next few days to talk to her."
"Do you want my help planning it?"
"I think this is something I should do myself."
"As you wish. But remember, women know what women want. And right now, your priority is getting better. Leave the rest to me; you can count on it."
Seeing how confident Nora was, Nathan nodded, "Alright, I appreciate it."
...
Elsewhere.
The hospital was bustling even in the evening, and Layla had to wait for several elevators before finally finding an empty one.
"Miss Adkins, wait up," Nora called out, catching up with her.
Layla hurried into the elevator, pressing the close button with urgency, but Nora managed to slip in just in time.
Layla released the button and stepped back.
"Did you not hear me asking you to wait?" Nora asked with a playful smile. Could Layla really outrun her?
"Sorry, I was lost in thought."
"Thinking about Mr. Marley, maybe?"
"..."
"Miss Adkins, I get the feeling you're avoiding me," Nora observed.
Stung by the accusation, Layla's face flushed and she stumbled over her words, "No, that's not it... I mean, you're reading too much into it."
"Hmm, I hope I am. Because I consider you a friend. I have many friends, but only a few I truly connect with. For some reason, from the moment I met you, I felt a special bond and wanted to be good friends," Nora said earnestly, a genuine smile gracing her face.
Layla swallowed hard, unsure how to continue the conversation.
"What's wrong? Don't you want to be my friend?"
"Of course, it's not that. It's just... we run in different circles. I fear we won't have much in common to talk about."
"Well, I’ll be involved in my mother's company's project full-time, so we'll be seeing a lot more of each other. Won't that give us something in common?"
Layla offered a wry smile, silently wishing she could vanish into a crack in the elevator wall.
"You still haven't given me your number."
Reluctantly, Layla recited her cellphone number.
"I’ll add you on social media. Accept my request, and let's keep in touch," Nora said, her smile poised and polite, curving perfectly.
Nora's perfume was rich and sophisticated, filling Layla's senses and leaving her feeling somewhat inferior.
She had always believed that people should not be compared to each other, but a woman like Nora was the dream of many. Anyone standing before her couldn't help but feel a sense of inadequacy.
Even with Samuel's love reassuring her, Layla couldn't help doubting whether she could truly 'win' over a woman as perfect as Nora.
In fairytales, the prince and princess live happily ever after, with everyone's blessings. No one knows about the women the prince met before the princess because they were just cannon fodder.
And Layla... she might just be that cannon fodder.
"What are you thinking about?" Nora's voice cut through her thoughts.
Just then, the elevator reached the floor, and Layla shook her head, "It's nothing."
She stepped out of the elevator quickly.
Outside the hospital.
"Isn't that Samuel's car?" Nora glanced at the Cayenne parked not too far away. "I'm gonna go say hi."
"Don't." In a sudden panic, Layla yanked her back. Looking over her shoulder, Nora realized Layla's reaction was a bit too strong and quickly let go, asking stiffly, "Hey, could you give me a ride to the nearby bus stop?"
"Sure, but I’ll say hi first. Why don't you come with me?"
"I’m kind of in a rush," Layla said, feigning urgency.
Nora couldn't help but chuckle to herself.
What’s the matter? Feeling guilty? Making up excuses?
She had always prided herself on being a good judge of character, but she had initially misread Layla, thinking she was the naive type. Turns out, she's nothing but a crafty mistress.
However, if Layla didn't have something special about her, how could she have captured the hearts of two men?
It wasn't time to expose her yet. Nora said with a light smile, "Alright then, I’ll take you."
"Thanks." Layla sighed in relief, casting one final glance at the Cayenne before entering Nora's Porsche.
"Where to? I can just drop you off."
"No, just let me off at the bus stop up ahead," Layla quickly replied.
"It's no trouble, I don't have plans tonight anyway."
"I've got a shopping date with a friend, right by the bus stop at the mall," Layla said, hands sweating and swallowing hard.
"Alright, some other time then." Nora pulled over near the bus stop and called out to Layla, who was hurrying to get out, "Make sure to look over the project proposal I sent you; I’ll get in touch in the next couple of days. We’ve got some busy times ahead, and I’m looking forward to our collaboration."
Layla didn't dare linger and quickened her pace.
She hid behind a statue, waiting until Nora's Porsche drove away before she could relax and head back to the hospital.
Little did she know, the Porsche made a U-turn at the next corner and came back, watching her quickly slip into the Cayenne.
Inside the Porsche, Nora's face was clouded with darkness.
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