Chapter 19 Letting Go Is Truly Helping Him
Steve regained his composure rapidly.
With a nonchalant tone, he explained, "The place isn't big. One look as I walked in, and the layout was obvious. Anyone with common sense could figure out where the lounge and restroom are. As for recognizing your stuff, that's even simpler. We've met twice before, and each time, you've been in shades of teal, your accessories all matching, simple and elegant designs. The other towel in the restroom and the clothes in the closet are completely different style. It’s easy to distinguish."
The doubts instantly evaporated from Nora's mind.
Her taste was, indeed, night and day from Sophia's.
She favored cool colors and understated designs.
Sophia, however, was all about sweet, girly pinks—everything had to be pink.
Even to a stranger, the differences between their personal items were blatantly clear after one glance at their styles.
Steve was a male escort; pleasing clients required sharp observation—a skill he evidently had in spades.
"Your attention to detail is impressive," Nora said, managing an awkward smile.
Sensing the topic might lead somewhere dicey, Steve quickly changed the subject.
With a mischievous tilt of his smile, he teased, "It's getting late. Do you need some help winding down before bed?"
A blush crept onto Nora's cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance flickering in her eyes as she glared at him.
"We're a couple now; it's normal for us to have some intimate conversations before sleep. No need to be shy; just tell me what you want," Steve said, a suggestive lilt in his voice. "After all, you're spending a fair penny on me; I should offer some valuable services."
In her head, Nora mused, Are those services only valuable in bed?
She bit her lip, her face flushed as she replied, "I'm injured right now; I can't handle your kind of 'value.' Let's wait until I'm healed."
Steve flashed a mischievous smile. "Alright, I'll jot down the debts of the past few days. Once you're back to speed, I'll repay you with interest."
"Don't worry. I'm not going to let you off easy. You've spent a fortune to be with me, and I'll make sure it's worth every penny."
Nora fell silent, her cheeks flushed, heart racing.
Deciding not to pursue the conversation, Nora pulled up the covers, enfolding her head within their sanctuary. Steve chuckled softly, pulling the covers down, and settled in beside her, offering her his arm as a pillow. It was a gesture so innately familiar to Nora that she snuggled in without resistance. She burrowed into his embrace, finding a cozy nook for her head, and closed her eyes in contentment. His chest was solid and warm, a perfect echo of a memory she cherished.
Once upon a time, when her relationship with Isaac was still golden, he had held her just like this every night. But after that incident, his love turned to detestation. Despite their eventual marriage, throughout those three years of union, he never held her like before, never shared a bed with her for a whole night.
Memories soured her mood, and she subconsciously inched closer to Steve. His warmth soon lulled her into a deep slumber that lasted until noon the next day.
When she awoke, Steve had already left her side. The exact time of his departure was a mystery. Nora got up, freshened up in the bathroom, and changed into a new outfit. She noticed the gallery was still closed, which was unusual. Typically, Sophia would open up by ten. It was already twelve, and Sophia hadn't arrived.
Could something have happened to her? Concerned, Nora reached for her phone to call Sophia. Right then, a message from Sophia pinged on WhatsApp.
"Nora, I went to the hospital for a check-up and found out I'm pregnant. Cole proposed as soon as he heard the news. We've just registered at the city hall and plan to have the wedding next month. Before that, I couldn't fit into a beautiful wedding dress. I won't be able to come to the gallery for a while. If you have time, could you keep an eye on it? Otherwise, maybe you should hire someone."
The message was followed by a photo of the newly engaged couple.
Nora gazed at the message from Sophia, a tinge of melancholy setting in. Was Sophia pregnant?
Cole Jennings, Sophia's boyfriend of seven years, was getting ready to pop the question.
Nora knew Cole. To put it mildly, she wasn't his biggest fan.
Back when Cole had first started dating Sophia, he'd sent Nora a text in the dead of night asking if she was up for some thrill—an indiscretion she did not forget.
At the time, she was still with Isaac, and their relationship was rock solid.
After showing the inappropriate message to Isaac, he ended up giving Cole a piece of his mind—and his fists.
Cole had claimed that a friend hijacked his phone while he wasn't looking and sent the text.
Despite his explanation, Nora's impression of Cole was sour, and their acquaintance was strained.
But Sophia chose to believe him, and Nora held her peace.
Now that Sophia was expecting Cole's baby, all she could offer was her best wishes.
She hoped it had all been a gross misunderstanding.
"Congratulations! Just focus yourself on the baby and the wedding plans. I've got everything covered at the studio," she reassured Sophia.
It was for the best, she mused.
Seeing her best friend married before her time was up would be one less regret to bear.
Nora put up a "Help Wanted" sign in the studio window, then locked up to browse the mall for a fitting wedding gift for Sophia.
She headed to Century Square, the most prestigious mall in Aridonia, and entered a renowned jewelry store to pick out a present.
Once she explained what she was looking for, a vivacious sales associate eagerly presented a stunning jewelry set that included a hair accessory, earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet.
"Designed by the internationally acclaimed Master Boly, every piece is handcrafted with meticulous detail, and the set is bedazzled with 999 diamonds. It’s perfect for a wedding! This exclusive design is one-of-a-kind in each country, imbued with exceptional symbolism. The sole set reserved for our nation just arrived half an hour ago, right in this store! I bet the elite of Aridonia would be buzzing here the moment they hear about it. If you're interested, you better make your decision quickly! Someone could swoop in any minute and buy it right off the display!"
Nora was captivated by the sales pitch.
The set was gorgeous, its design ethereally beautiful.
"How much for this set?" Nora inquired.
The sales associate replied with a smile, "This jewelry set is priced at 9.99 million dollars."
Nora hesitated for a moment; 9.99 million dollars was not a sum to take lightly.
However, she thought to herself that with only three months left to live, what was the point in saving money for a future she wouldn't have?
"Go ahead and ring it up. I'll take it," she said, sliding her credit card across the counter to the sales associate.
"Of course, ma'am," the sales associate began, but before she could finish, a voice from behind interrupted.
"I heard Master Boly's new piece 'The One' is here. Wrap it up for me; I'm going to wear it for my wedding."
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