Chapter 88

“I’m okay,” she murmured, though her face tightened in pain.

“You’re not okay,” Cole stated firmly. Without hesitation, he scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her toward the resort’s medical station.

Nora flushed, caught between mild embarrassment and gratitude. “I can walk, you know.”

“Not with that ankle,” he countered, his jaw set in determination.

Once they arrived, the resort’s doctor examined her injury. “It’s just a mild sprain,” he concluded. “Nothing serious, but she should rest it for a bit.”

Cole exhaled in relief, but he still seemed unsettled. “You should be more careful,” he muttered, crossing his arms as he watched Nora flex her ankle carefully.

“She was protecting me,” Abby interjected softly, looking guilty.

Cole ruffled her hair. “And that’s why we need to make sure she doesn’t get hurt next time.”

After resting, they returned to the slopes for a little longer before heading to a cozy restaurant nearby. The warmth of the indoor fireplace was a stark contrast to the cold outside. They ordered a variety of dishes, and as they ate, exhaustion finally caught up with Abby.

She yawned, her eyelids drooping, and before long, she was nodding off in her chair. Cole smiled faintly and adjusted her scarf, making sure she was warm.

“She really likes you,” he said, glancing at Nora.

Nora smiled, gently stroking Abby’s hair. “She’s a sweet kid.”

As they stepped outside, ready to part ways, Abby clung to Nora’s hand. “Can we play again next time?” she asked sleepily.

Nora knelt down, cupping the little girl’s cheek. “Of course, we can,” she promised.

her against his shoulder. He watched as Nora walked away,

secret he needs

still groggy but curious, turned her head and looked up at him. “Uncle Cole, what’s the secret?”

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Chapter 88

“It’s a special little secret, just between the three of us,” he said, his tone playful but

piqued. “What is

“From now on, when you see Nora, call her ‘Auntie‘ instead

in

chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Because it’s

quite understand the reason behind it, Abby loved the idea

she was part

nodded. “Okay! I won’t tell anyone!”

hair affectionately. “Good

to shop for new clothes. She strolled through the elegant halls lined

she wasn’t expecting to

store, she instinctively slowed her pace when she

He wasn’t alone.

stood Alex,

four of them inside, along with

looked absolutely delighted, her expression

when she was just a

day, Clark had thrown them out, his voice cold and

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Chapter 88

the scene unfold with that same triumphant grin, was Jenna.

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