Chapter 30 Don't Covet What You Can't Have
The next morning, Nora went to the police station to withdraw her charge.
Journalists had been staking out the police station entrance.
When they saw Nora, the person involved in the case, they swarmed her immediately.
"Miss Foster, could you share your thoughts on the incident where you almost lost your life?"
"Are you acquainted with the person who pushed you? Was there any bad blood between you?"
"It's been rumored that someone from the first-rate Porter family is backing the person who pushed you. What's your family's background?"
"Do you know which member of the the Porter Family is helping her?"
Once the reporters had finished their barrage of questions, Nora slowly began to speak.
But she didn't follow their lead. Instead, she delivered the answer she had prepared in advance.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm the person involved in the recent widely discussed car accident. Regarding the incident where I was maliciously pushed onto the road, there's more to the story. Before the incident, she and I had an argument. It's clear to everyone that she was aggressive and about to attack me because of some unfortunate things I did previously. During our altercation, I misspoke, insulting and cursing her family, which is why she lost her composure."
As Isaac desired, she not only dropped the case but also cleared Kalista's name in front of the media, restoring her reputation.
It was her way of repaying Kalista for saving Isaac years ago.
Yet, her forgiveness for Kalista would only extend this one time.
Years ago, when Kalista saved Isaac's life—the very life that hung in the balance because of her—she could have never predicted almost being the one to end it. They were square now.
Though Nora didn't answer the journalists' questions directly, the interview posted online still sparked a heated debate.
"She started the trash-talking? Well, she got what she deserved!"
"If anyone cursed my family, I'd fight back with everything I've got!"
"Some people deserve to get hit by a car!"
"Pretty face, but a heart that's not so pretty!"
"Hey, what if the woman who got pushed was bought by the Porters? Isn't the pusher under their protection?"
"I bet she's been bought by the Porter family. Why else would she come forward to admit something that makes her look bad?"
The web was ablaze with people slamming Nora, saying she got what was coming to her.
Others thought she was either threatened or bribed by the Porters.
As for the online comments, Nora was blissfully unaware.
After giving her statement, she slipped away from the swarm of journalists and quietly made her way down an alley, hoping to hail a cab.
A luxury car she recognized pulled up beside her.
The rear window rolled down, revealing Isaac's handsome features.
"Get in. I'll take you home," he said, his voice returning to its usual reserved coolness.
"No, thanks."
"You want the reporters to corner you again for another round of questioning?" Isaac cut her off.
Reluctantly, Nora got into the car.
"Just drop me off at my shop," she said, her tone indifferent.
The car rolled on in silence.
Neither Nora nor Isaac spoke.
Not until they stopped in front of her shop did Isaac finally break the silence.
"What I said last night still stands. You drop the charges, help clear Kalista's name, and you get one request from me—anything you want, I'll try to make it happen."
Nora let out a faint laugh. "No need. I didn't drop the case for a favor. Consider it the final period in our story. Isaac, I've shed three years of blood for her, and now I've spared her again, partly for you. We're even now. From here on out, we owe each other nothing. I hope you stay out of my life. I wish you and her all the best. Take care," she said, mustering grace amid the ache in her heart.
Isaac narrowed his eyes, a heaviness settling over him. "Do you really want Kalista and me to be happy?"
Nora met his gaze, her clear eyes brimming with sincerity. "More than anyone, I want you to be happy. Even though I don't like Kalista, and I can't vouch for her character, she at least loves you wholeheartedly, and you love her back. I truly hope you find happiness."
She had only three months to live; a future with him was never meant to be.
So, she genuinely hoped to see him happy before she passed away.
Originally, she harbored some resentment toward him.
But that resentment vanished in an instant after learning that when he had chased after her years ago, he had gotten into a car accident. Severely injured, he hadn't sought help for himself but had instead called her—only to be met with her cruel words.
What remained was only a deep sense of guilt and apology towards him.
Isaac's lips were pressed together, silhouetted by his stern face.
Seeing he wouldn't speak, Nora opened the car door and stepped out.
She had just unlocked her shop, about to flip the 'Open' sign, when Edmund gave her a call.
Nora answered the phone in a hurry. "Grandpa, what's up? Is everything okay?"
"Why can't I call you if there's nothing urgent?" Edmund feigned annoyance.
"Of course, that's not what I meant. I misspoke, Grandpa. Please don't be upset!" Nora quickly apologized.
Edmund had always been good to her; even after her divorce from Isaac, she couldn't bring herself to drift apart from her grandfather.
"If you want to make it up to me, come over for dinner tonight, and I'll forgive you!"
"Is that really okay? I'm divorced from Isaac."
"Just because you're divorced from Isaac doesn't mean you stop recognizing me as your grandpa, does it?"
"No, that's not what I meant. Alright, I'll come over tonight."
She hung up and closed the shop door.
She needed to buy a gift to bring to the Porter family estate for her grandfather that evening.
At six o'clock, Nora arrived at the Porter family residence, gifts in hand.
Katie wasn't home, which was a relief to Nora.
Katie had never really warmed to her, and she preferred to avoid any contact if possible.
And then there was Steve, Nora's new boyfriend, who had once been in the good graces of Katie. This made dealing with Katie all the more complicated for Nora.
Thinking about Steve's past with Katie, Nora couldn't help but give her grandfather a look mixed with sympathy.
When Nora arrived, Edmund's face lit up with joy. He eagerly invited her to accompany him to the garden for a game of chess.
They only returned to the villa when it was time for dinner.
Back at the villa, Nora noticed a tall, distinguished-looking man standing in the living room.
Isaac.
Why was he here too?
She glanced at the beaming Edmund and immediately grasped his intentions.
The old man had purposefully brought her and Isaac together.
Was Grandpa trying to play matchmaker with her and Isaac?
It was futile, though.
Even if she still loved Isaac and he was willing to give her another chance, it wouldn't matter. Her time was running out; she only had three months left to live. She and Isaac were destined for no happy ending.
Isaac seemed surprised to see Nora too.
He probably hadn't expected her to be there either.
"Isaac, you're here as well? It's been ages since either of you came to keep me company. Come, sit down, and join me for a proper meal!" Edmund's face was a map of smiles.
Nora didn't want to dampen her grandfather's spirits, so she silently helped him into the dining room.
Isaac seemed to share her sentiments and remained quiet as well.
The three of them sat at the dining table, with Edmund cheerfully chatting away.
Nora occasionally contributed a few words.
Isaac remained silent throughout the meal.
After dinner, Nora planned to sit with Edmund for a short while before finding an excuse to leave. She no longer belonged to the Porter family; it wouldn't be right to linger.
But suddenly, her head felt incredibly heavy, and her body seemed drained of strength.
Just as she tried to speak, her words were cut off, and she collapsed onto the couch.
Her body burned with an intense heat.
Nora squirmed in discomfort.
She noticed a wall of heat beside her, scorching to the touch.
For reasons unknown, she didn't find the sensation unpleasant; instead, she felt an instinctive pull toward the searing wall.
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