Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 4:

Norah offered a smile. “You sure have a way with words, Joanna.”

Joanna asked curiously, “I never understood. Didn’t you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?”

Norah’s response was icy as she answered, “I just caught Madeline and Derek together in bed.”

Joanna couldn’t help but laugh. “Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She’s barely back and already with someone else’s husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas.”

“Well, I have to say, you and Derek were so lovable. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to Derek, who didn’t reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?”

As Joanna went on, Norah’s mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. Norah had only heard about her through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing—presumably the type Derek was drawn to.

Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline’s supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek’s eye. But being a replacement never quite measured up.

Plus, Madeline wasn’t at all the person Norah had imagined.

Norah replied with little enthusiasm, “You’d understand if you ever felt love’s sting yourself.”

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Joanna’s brow furrowed. “Norah, I don’t want to lose myself to love. I’d rather stay sharp and be there for you.”

Carter family, we barely see each

herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life

now that you’re divorced, are you going to the race at

flatly refused. “I haven’t raced in two years.

was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. “Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he’s

who were enthusiasts of modified racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted crowds that

code names during the race. A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could

Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, “Well, I guess there’s no harm

at the mention of “divorce.” He asked, “You’re divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn’t know what he’s lost. I bet he’ll regret letting go of someone as precious as you.

to Aaron as she asked, “Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your

acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She’s known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I’ve been the only one to

got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up! I need to look stunning tonight,

I’ll

their entrance at the

beaming with joy amidst the scent of alcohol and smoke lingering in the air. The second floor offered a quieter

hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her

attention in the past two years, always dressed in those formal

feel suffocated? It’s so good to see you back in your element.

her body gradually heated up. Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up, donning stylish

sister Kathy often criticized her for being showy. They claimed that with Derek bedridden, she had no business

Norah dialed back on her grooming and dedicated herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family,