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.”

gⱯlnσν??s․cøm fuels your imagination

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

joined the Carter family, we barely see

and the Carter

you going to the race at

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

back with that bastard Derek?” Joanna 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 taken first place

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

the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could

the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. Excitement flickered in her eyes as

of “divorce.” He asked, “You’re divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn’t know what he’s lost. I bet he’ll

she asked, “Norah, are you still working on designs

top-notch fashion designer, 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 get

all because of Norah’s talent. What’s it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up! I need to look stunning tonight,

I’ll make sure

they made their entrance at the

their faces beaming with joy amidst the scent of alcohol and smoke

a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she

my Norah!” exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from her. “You’ve gathered so much attention in the past two years, always dressed in

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

As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to

her for being showy. They claimed that

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, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their