Ch. 267: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 267

Chapter 267

Jace hesitated for a brief moment as he stood in the doorway, but eventually, he stepped inside, his long legs carrying him into Norah’s apartment.

Gloria made herself at home, tossing her bag onto the couch before plopping down comfortably. Meanwhile, Norah headed to the kitchen to prepare three bowls of noodles.

Jace stood near the door, his sharp brown eyes scanning the room. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he quietly observed.

Seeing him lingering, Gloria gestured toward the seating area. “Why are you just standing there? Come and sit.”

Jace nodded politely and walked over. Gloria poured him a cup of tea, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she studied him.

He was undeniably handsome, with a refined air that made him seem mysterious. Gloria’s interest was piqued.

“What do you do for a living?” she asked, sipping her tea. “And, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

“I’m a doctor,” Jace replied simply, his voice soft but direct. He didn’t elaborate and instead lifted the cup of tea she’d poured.

Gloria’s gaze landed on the string of beads adorning his wrist. “That’s an interesting bracelet,” she commented. “Are you Buddhist?”

Jace’s lips curved faintly as he responded, “No, I’m not. I just like wearing it.”

Sensing that he wasn’t eager to share more about himself, Gloria decided to let it go. Not everyone was as open as she was.

Leaving Jace in the living room, Gloria wandered into the kitchen to join Norah. She leaned against the counter and teased, “I’m sorry to make you work so hard first thing in the morning. You’re pregnant, for goodness’ sake! Let me help.”

Norah shook her head firmly. “It’s fine. Cooking noodles isn’t hard, and I do this for myself all the time. Go sit down—I’ve got it.”

Reluctantly, Gloria stepped back but couldn’t resist striking up a conversation. “So, has Kevin been in touch with you?”

“Yes,” Norah admitted.

Gloria frowned. “Really? He’s still coming around after everything? That doesn’t seem like the typical behavior of a high-powered CEO.”

Norah didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she focused on finishing the noodles.

“When’s the divorce happening?” Gloria pressed.

Norah sighed. “I haven’t had time to deal with it yet. I meant to, but other things came up. It just… hasn’t been brought up again.”

“Well, you’ve dragged it out long enough,” Gloria said pointedly. “The longer this drags on, the harder it’ll be to let go.”

By then, Norah had finished cooking and carried the bowls out to the table. Jace, still seated on the couch, looked up expectantly.

“Come eat,” she called.

As they sat down, Gloria’s attention shifted to the strawberries on the table. “What kind of strawberries are these? They’re so dark, almost black. I’ve never seen anything like them.”

“They’re from Jace,” Norah explained.

“Well, they look fancy,” Gloria said, glancing at him. “I guess they suit you.”

Jace smiled slightly but said nothing.

“Can I try one?” Gloria asked.

“Go ahead,” Norah replied.

Gloria popped a strawberry into her mouth and immediately lit up. “Oh wow, these are amazing! So sweet and fragrant. Norah, you have to try one.”

Norah hesitated, but after a moment, she took one for herself. The flavor burst on her tongue—sweet with just a hint of tartness.

“They’re incredible,” she admitted, reaching for another. “This is probably the best strawberry I’ve ever tasted.”

Jace seemed pleased. “If you like them, I’ll bring more when the next batch is ready.”

Norah shook her head. “That’s really not necessary. Don’t go out of your way.”

“It’s no trouble,” Jace said casually. “I don’t eat much fruit, and they’d just go to waste otherwise.”

Gloria studied him carefully, her brows furrowing slightly. There was something about the way Jace looked at Norah—like he was genuinely invested in her.

“Eat up before the noodles get cold,” Norah interrupted.

The three of them ate together, but Jace took his time, savoring each bite. His deliberate pace gave Norah and Gloria time to clear their bowls before he was even halfway done.

As Norah gathered the empty dishes, Gloria followed her into the kitchen. She leaned close and whispered, “Does he like you?”

Norah nearly choked. “What? No! That’s ridiculous. We’ve only met three times, and we barely talk.”

“Still,” Gloria mused, “it’s a little suspicious. He seems… attentive. Like he’s been paying attention to what you like.”

Norah frowned. “It’s just a coincidence. It has to be.”

“Maybe,” Gloria conceded. “But having someone care about you isn’t a bad thing. Better that than someone trying to hurt you.”

Norah’s expression darkened. “How do you know he doesn’t mean me harm?”

Gloria shrugged. “I just don’t get that vibe from him. If anything, it seems like he’s been trying to win you over for a while now.”

Norah hesitated. “I’ve had these strange dreams lately,” she admitted. “Dreams of being locked in a dark room. There was a boy there with me. He’d tell me stories to comfort me, but every time I tried to see his face, I’d wake up.”

“Do you think it was him?” Gloria asked.

“The voice is similar,” Norah said softly. “But if it’s just a dream, why does it feel so… real?”

Gloria placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. Dreams are just dreams. They don’t mean anything.”

At that moment, Jace appeared in the kitchen doorway, holding his empty bowl. “I’m done. The noodles were great. Thanks.”

He handed the bowl to Norah with a small smile, his warm brown eyes lingering on her for just a moment too long.