Chapter 39 Who Stole the Bracelet
Though her entire body throbbed with soreness, an unusual sense of rejuvenation enveloped her. The recollection of the fervent night shared with Steve surged back, the awareness of her complete bare body before him causing her cheeks to flush and her heart to race uncontrollably.
She covered her face with her hands as she lay in bed, trying to regain her composure. Once calm, she reached for her phone on the nightstand. As soon as she lit up the screen, a new message notification popped up. Curious, Nora tapped on the voicemail.
The instant she played it, a familiar male voice spilled out from the phone:
"Don't get it twisted. The moment she betrayed me four years ago was the moment she was dead to me. I feel nothing but disgust for her. There’s no emotion whatsoever. The reason I slept with her the other night was merely to shame her, to show her that she's nothing but a woman for any man's taking. Regardless of who it is or what status they have, they could have her!"
It was Isaac's voice.
Even just listening to the recording, Nora could picture the contempt on his face as he spoke those words. Her heart ached. Isaac had been with her just to humiliate her. He had thought so little of her.
Her lips quivered as she bit them, her body shaking uncontrollably. The slight ease she had felt from Steve's affection vanished in an instant.
"Isaac, you're so cruel. A few words from you are all it takes to make me wish I were dead. But I don't hate you; I owe it to you. I won't be around much longer anyway, so keep on hating me. It's easier to watch someone you despise die than someone you care about."
Despite her anguish, Nora mustered a bitter smile and suppressed her emotions.
Just then, her phone started to ring. It was Edmund calling. She quickly picked up.
"Grandpa, is something wrong?" Nora asked respectfully, though her voice was heavy.
She hadn't confronted Edmund directly about the incident, but it had left her upset. If Edmund hadn't taken it upon himself to drug her and Isaac, she wouldn't have had to hear those ugly words from Isaac.
"Nora, I was wrong about the other night. I apologize. Please don't be mad at me," Edmund's voice sounded old and pleading.
"Could you promise me something then? Please don't do anything like that again," Nora replied calmly.
"I know what you were trying to do, but it only backfires. It makes Isaac hate me more and adds to his troubles."
"Alright, I promise I'll find another way!" Edmund hastily assured.
"Please don't meddle with my past with Isaac anymore. I already have a boyfriend. Even if Isaac forgave me, I wouldn't get back together with him," Nora stated earnestly.
She had less than three months to live.
There was no way she could reunite with Isaac.
No matter what Grandpa did, it’s just impossible.
Edmund fell silent in an instant.
Several seconds passed before he spoke again. "Let's not talk about that right now. I called because I wanted to discuss something important with you."
"What is it?" Nora asked, puzzled.
Edmund explained, "The annual charity gala is coming up. Your grandma and I aren't well enough to attend, so I'd like you to go in my stead."
"Isn't Isaac going?" Nora inquired.
"Isaac will be there, but there will be both male and female guests. It would be inappropriate for Isaac to attend to the women, so I was hoping you could accompany him and help host the female guests," Edmund detailed.
"I'm divorced from Isaac now; that might be awkward," Nora responded.
"What's so awkward about it? I wouldn't ask if it weren't necessary. Are you telling me you can't even help me out because now that you and Isaac are no longer together?" Edmund cut her off with a wistful tone.
Nora's lips pressed tightly together. She was still reluctant to agree.
She knew what Edmund was scheming.
He wanted to create an opportunity for her to spend time with Isaac in hopes of a reconciliation.
But it was futile.
Isaac resented her; seeing her would only intensify his distaste.
She, in particular, had no desire to reconcile with Isaac.
"If you don't want to help, then forget it. I won't ask again. I'll have your grandma attend in her wheelchair," Edmund sighed with resignation.
Nora's heart softened at that moment. Once again, she went against her own wishes and agreed, "Fine, I'll do it. But this is the last time."
Edmund's mood visibly brightened, "Good. I won't force you to go to charity galas anymore."
But there were other parties and events.
Somehow, he would always find a way to bring Nora and Isaac together.
"I'll have someone send over your entry plaque later."
"Okay, thanks. Goodbye."
Nora hung up the phone and let out a reluctant sigh.
"Yet another evening facing Isaac... I just hope he doesn't humiliate me in front of everyone."
She gathered herself and headed to her shop.
No sooner had she opened the door than someone delivered the entry plaque from Edmund.
With the gala just two days away, time was of the essence.
Without a dress in hand, Nora exhaled a helpless sigh. She closed the store she'd just opened, and hailed a cab to the nearest mall to purchase a gown.
Nora picked a store at random. After casually browsing, she settled on a sleek black dress. Just as she was about to ask the sales associate to pack it up, a shrill voice pierced the air from behind.
"I'll take that dress she's holding!"
Nora frowned as she turned around to confront the familiar face. "Nora, what a coincidence to run into you again. Did you find out I was shopping here today and come to annoy me on purpose?"
Kalista's eyes darkened with malice as she glared at Nora, her words laced with venom. Nora retorted with a snort, "Interestingly, I should be asking you that. This place is close to my shop, so it makes sense for me to come here. But you... Are you traveling all this way just to follow me?"
Kalista snapped back, "Do you think you're important enough for me to track? Oh, come on."
Nora raised an eyebrow, a realization dawning, "Ah, it's coming back to me now. You got banned from Century Square, didn't you? That's why you're stuck shopping here."
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