Chapter 53

Nora didn’t know what Cole meant.

She didn’t want to know either.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her posture stiff, her expression unreadable.

She expected to hear him call after her, maybe demand an explanation, but he didn’t.

He simply stood there, silent, watching her go

Something about Cole’s voice lingered in her mind. A strange familiarity.

Had she heard it recently? Maybe just the other day.

Before Nora could think of a clue, Clara came out of the restaurant and joined her arm in arm

“Come on, let’s go pick out something nice for my mom,” she said cheerfully.

Nora let out a breath and nodded. “Alright”

The two of them strolled through the brightly lit streets, weaving through weekend shoppers

The air smelled of freshly baked pastries from a nearby cafe, and soft instrumental music played from hidden speakers along the sidewalk.

It should have been a relaxing outing, but Nora couldn’t shake the lingering tension from her encounter with Cole

They stepped into an upscale jewelry store, its display cases gleaming under soft golden lights.

herself browsing the selections, her

Η

at the intricate designs without real

just

the time on her phone when a familiar, deep voice cut through the quirt

Her breath hitched.

there he

Her father.

she hadn’t seen in months, and one the certainly hadn’t

neatly combed silver–streaked hair making him look every bit the respected businessman he pretended

she saw was the man who had betrayed her without a

didn’t acknowledge hum. Instead, she turned

be ignored. He stepped forward, his tone overly casual. “It’s been a while. How have you been?

“How have I

sjung the tension glanced over but didn’t

forcing her

doque ?” she asked, giving

up

nodded. “Almost. Just let

12:00

Chapter 53

to leave, but Clark was quicker.

sidestepped into her path, effectively blocking

eyes scanning her face. “Can’t you at least have a simple conversation

itself was

marriage.

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