Ch. 274: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 274
Chapter 274
Kevin’s sharp eyes stayed fixed on Norah, scrutinizing her every move.
Feeling the weight of his gaze, Norah’s heartbeat quickened. Trying to sound composed, she asked, “Are you done swimming? If you are, can I leave now?”
Kevin’s eyes darkened. “You’re not lying to me, are you?”
A thread of tension wrapped around Norah’s chest, suffocating her. Still, she met his intense stare and forced out a steady response. “No.”
Kevin’s frown deepened, but after a moment, he let go of her hand. His voice dropped to a warning tone. “You lied to me once. I won’t allow it a second time.”
Norah remained silent, her expression unreadable. Their relationship had already reached a point where truth or lies hardly mattered. She had to look out for herself, even if that meant deceiving him.
Kevin didn’t push further. Instead, he gestured toward the changing room. “Go change. I had a fresh set of clothes prepared.”
Norah hesitated but eventually headed inside.
Shortly after, a female secretary entered with a set of loose, comfortable sportswear. “Ms. White, Mr. Edwards asked me to bring this to you.”
Still drenched, Norah grabbed a towel and began drying her hair. “Thanks. Just leave it here.”
The secretary lingered. “Would you like to take a shower first? It might feel more comfortable.”
Norah shook her head. “No need. I’ll just use a hairdryer.”
“Understood. I’ll bring one over.” The secretary left promptly.
Norah sat on the bench, her damp hair dripping as she contemplated the outfit Kevin had provided. The thought of him orchestrating even this felt suffocating.
She was halfway through removing her wet clothes when the door opened unexpectedly. Assuming it was the secretary, she said without turning, “Just leave the hairdryer on the table. I’ll finish changing first.”
The hum of the hairdryer started behind her, followed by a warm breeze ruffling her damp hair.
But something felt off. The fingers brushing through her strands were rough, deliberate, and distinctly familiar.
Norah froze. Turning her head, she found Kevin standing behind her, holding the hairdryer and focusing intently on her hair.
Her breath hitched.
Kevin’s long fingers combed through her hair gently as he asked, “Is this temperature okay?”
The soft light in the changing room illuminated his chiseled features, making his usually sharp expression appear almost tender. His sportswear, identical to the one he’d given her, seemed to soften his aura.
For a fleeting moment, she thought she caught a glimmer of affection in his eyes.
But then reality hit her like a cold wave. Men like Kevin were masters of manipulation.
Snapping out of it, she avoided his gaze. “I can manage on my own.”
She reached for the hairdryer, but Kevin effortlessly raised it out of her reach. “Go change first.”
Norah’s eyes flicked toward the sportswear he’d prepared, the matching design unsettling her. Kevin’s tone turned cold. “Don’t make me force you.”
His meaning was clear—if she resisted, he wouldn’t hesitate to strip her himself.
Grudgingly, Norah grabbed the clothes and entered the dressing room.
While she changed, Kevin’s phone buzzed. Stepping out, he answered it, his voice sharp and commanding. “Start digging into the man named Anthony. Focus on the military.”
The person on the other end hesitated. “Again? Did you uncover anything last time?”
Kevin’s tone grew firmer. “Start there. Maybe Norah’s lying, but leave no stone unturned. I want to find this Anthony.”
“What’s got you so worked up?”
Kevin’s jaw tightened, his free hand clenching into a fist. After a pause, he admitted, “I’m worried she’s being deceived.”
The other end laughed lightly. “She’s a grown woman, Kevin. She knows what she’s doing.”
“Does she?” Kevin sneered. “You think it’s normal to blindly trust someone you barely know? If she’s being tricked, I won’t stand by and let it happen.”
The voice on the line softened. “I get it. But Kevin, don’t you think you’re overreacting?”
Kevin’s expression darkened as he looked out the window, his thoughts swirling. “She’s inexperienced when it comes to men. Someone could easily manipulate her with a few sweet words. It’s not impossible.”
After ending the call, Kevin returned to the changing room just as Norah stepped out in her new outfit.
Her hair was still damp, but she avoided looking at him. Grabbing the hairdryer, she muttered, “I’ll handle this myself.”
Kevin didn’t argue. “Fine. I have work to take care of. We’ll finish this conversation another time.”
Norah nodded curtly, keeping her focus on the hairdryer as he left the room.
As she walked out of the building, she was startled by a familiar voice.
“Norah!”
Turning, she saw Emani standing near the entrance, her expression a mix of shock and excitement.
Emani’s eyes darted between Norah and Kevin, who had just exited the elevator. Seeing them both in matching sportswear, she gasped. “Oh my God, Norah! Is this really happening? He’s your husband?!”
Emani’s voice was shrill with excitement. “You weren’t lying. You’re really married to Kevin Edwards! I can’t believe this!”
Kevin’s mood visibly lifted at the acknowledgment. He nodded politely at Emani and said to Norah, “I’ll arrange a ride for you.” Without waiting for a response, he stepped into the elevator.
As soon as he was gone, Emani grabbed Norah’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?! You’re married to him! Do you know how lucky you are?!”
Norah sighed. “Don’t tell anyone. We’re getting divorced.”
Emani’s face fell. “What? Why? He’s rich, handsome, and clearly crazy about you! Do you know how hard it is to find someone like him in this city?”
Norah gave her a tired look. “It’s not as perfect as it looks from the outside.”
Emani frowned, but before she could push further, Norah’s phone buzzed with a notification.
“Looks like we’re covering the catwalk show,” Norah said after reading the message.
“What? Now?” Emani asked.
“Yeah, the assigned reporter got into an accident. We’re closest, so we’re being sent in.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
The two hurried to the venue, where the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. They quickly found their places alongside the photographer and got to work, diving headfirst into their next assignment.