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, her figure illuminated by the golden

softly to Abby. “Uncle has a secret

at him. “Uncle Cole,

12:16

Chapter 88

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

piqued. “What is

call her ‘Auntie‘ instead of Aunt Nora,” and don’t mention her name when

furrowed in

brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Because it’s a game. A little secret between

didn’t quite understand the reason behind it, Abby loved the

special, like she was part of something

a bright smile, she nodded. “Okay!

ruffled her hair affectionately. “Good

Nora decided to visit the mall to shop for new clothes. She strolled through the elegant

wasn’t expecting to run into familiar

by a luxury jewelry store, she instinctively slowed her pace when

He wasn’t alone.

Alex, Linda, and

only the four of them inside, along with the store attendants who

delighted, her expression radiating smug

when she was just a little girl, standing outside her former home, her mother clutching her hand

had thrown them out, his voice

12:16

Chapter 88

behind him, watching the scene unfold with that same triumphant grin, was

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255