Chapter 76

She had assumed Arnold would leave. That he would go to Linda.

But she was tired. Too tired to stay awake and see it happen.

So she closed her eyes and let sleep take her.

What she didn’t realize was that, when morning came, Arnold was still there.

The weekend passed in a blur. By Sunday afternoon, they were driving back from the hot spring resort.

The ride was mostly quiet, the steady hum of the car filling the silence.

Then, from the backseat, Alex leaned closer to Arnold, whispering, “Aunt Linda wasn’t in a good mood last night.”

Nora, who had been absentmindedly gazing out the window, glanced toward them but said nothing.

Alex continued, his voice slightly troubled. “She came to look for you in the middle of the night. But when she came back, she looked like she was about to cry.”

Nora waited for Arnold’s response.

But he only said, in his usual low, detached tone, “It’s nothing.”

That was iL

Nora turned her gaze back to the window.

She did. She didn’t want

ask. to ask.

Whatever had happened between Arnold and Linda last night wasn’t her concern. It wasn’t supposed to

matter.

When they arrived back in the city, Nora excused herself, saying she had things to take care of

Alex clung to her arm, reluctant to let go. “Come home early, okay?”

Home. The

tousling Alex’s hair. “I’ll try.”

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Chapter 76

Then she left.

passed, and Nora kept herself

interacted with Arnold, barely gave herself a moment to dwell on things that weren’t worth thinking

she flipped through her planner, her

Her grandmother’s birthday.

inhaled softly, tapping her fingers against the desk.

find

cue, Clara, one of her friends,

my hands on two tickets to the auction this weekend,” Clara said excitedly. “The guest list is full of important

that level meant there would be rare items–perhaps

she agreed. “I’ll go.”

was grand, an opulent hall filled with well–dressed

Clara sat toward the back, observing the scene.

clinking of glasses, the sharp scent of expensive perfume–everything about the

auction was about to begin, a stir ran through the

the hall, instantly drawing

and a

Arnold and Linda.

is ridiculous,” she murmured. “Arnold bringing Linda here, parading her around like

1911

Chapter 76

gaze fixed on the auction

gnawing at her–it was frustration. Linda was relentless, and with Arnold by her side,

spite her, Nora knew she might

been looking forward to this

collectibles–it was

support, the one person who had loved

wanted to give her

excitement was palpable. The grand hall was adorned with elegant chandeliers, and the soft murmur of guests discussing the upcoming bids filled the space.

them. I just want something timeless,” Nora mused, running her fingers

“Timeless and expensive, you mean.”

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