Ch. 532: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 532
Chapter 532
Norah’s words left Pharaoh with no choice but to let her go. Still, he repeated what he’d told her before: “You should use what you’re given. Don’t feel awkward about it. There’s nothing else I can offer you.”
Pharaoh wanted to give her more—his time, his love, the kind of father-daughter bond they’d missed out on. But after so many years apart, even if Norah accepted him, they could never have the kind of relationship that ordinary fathers and daughters share. So, he settled for what he could give: material support. Money, at least, was something he could provide, and Norah could use it however she wanted.
“I know. I don’t blame you,” Norah said, smiling at him. “I’ll visit when I can, and you’re welcome to come to the capital too.”
There was no resentment between them. The past was the past. But the reality of their situation—the years lost, the distance between them—was stark. Still, Norah had made peace with it.
A glimmer of hope lit up Pharaoh’s eyes. “Really?”
His only wish now was to rebuild his relationship with Norah, to be a proper father to her. If she’d allow him to visit the capital, he could be there for her, help take care of Cooper, and maybe, just maybe, close the gap between them.
“Really,” Norah assured him, her voice soft. “You’re my dad, and you’re Cooper’s grandpa. Of course, you can come.”
She could see the change in him, the effort he was making.
“Okay,” Pharaoh said, nodding. “I’ll come once I’ve wrapped up some business here. I’ll call you before you board your flight.”
“Sounds good.”
Pharaoh hugged Norah tightly. Later, he stood and watched as Norah, Kevin, and Cooper—a family of three—walked away.
Meanwhile, Freyja was growing restless. Stuck in bed with no end in sight, she was fed up. The moment she tried to get up, Baimo was there, striding over to stop her.
“Freyja, are you out of your mind?” he snapped. “Your injuries aren’t healed yet. What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m not crazy,” Freyja shot back, though her voice was calm. “I’ve been lying in bed for so long, I just wanted to get up and move around. Trust me, I know my body.”
She wasn’t about to throw away this chance. Baimo was finally showing concern for her, and she wasn’t going to let that slip away.
“If you want to get up, I’ll help you,” Baimo said, his tone still sharp but softer now. “But don’t do it alone. Unless you’re trying to make things worse. Remember your wounds.”
After scolding her, he quickly found a wheelchair and helped her into it. “Tell me where you want to go. I’ll take you. Just don’t be reckless. For this month, at least, I’ll take care of you.”
It seemed Baimo had accepted his role as her “boyfriend” for the time being.
Freyja’s heart raced, but she kept her excitement in check. “I just thought… maybe we could go out for a walk, grab something to eat. I feel like I can handle it. Or maybe we could even go to Norah’s place…”
She was already thinking ahead. If they could move to the capital, there’d be more opportunities to grow closer. She refused to believe that, over time, Baimo wouldn’t develop feelings for her.
But before she could finish, Baimo cut her off, his voice rising in frustration. “Are you serious? You’re in no condition to travel. Do you even realize how reckless that is?”
Freyja’s injuries made long-distance travel impossible. But despite his anger, Freyja felt a warmth in her chest. Baimo’s harshness came from concern. He didn’t want her to push herself too hard. And if he cared enough to be this protective, maybe, just maybe, she could find a place in his heart.
“Fine,” Freyja said, lowering her head but unable to hide her smile. “If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”
Baimo pursed his lips, about to say something, but Freyja looked up at him, her eyes full of hope. “Then can we at least go out and buy something? If you’re worried, you don’t have to spend a dime. I’ll cover it.”
She was willing to spend whatever it took, as long as Baimo agreed.
Baimo stared at her, surprised. “Since when do women spend money on men?”
“We’re different, aren’t we?” Freyja replied, her tone light. “It’s just a souvenir. Who pays doesn’t matter.”
She knew Baimo wouldn’t spend money on her, but if he wouldn’t, she’d do it herself. She wasn’t about to let pride get in the way.
“Forget about that for now,” Baimo said, his voice low. “I’ll take you out for a walk, but no food. In your condition, you need to be careful.”
“Okay,” Freyja agreed, though she couldn’t hide her disappointment.
Baimo pushed her wheelchair outside, and they quickly drew attention. Baimo, who was rarely seen with anyone, let alone a woman, was now with Freyja. People whispered, some envious, others jealous.
“How did someone like Freyja win Baimo’s favor?” one person muttered. “He’s never been seen with anyone before.”
“Maybe she’s just a shield,” another suggested. “I don’t buy it. This came out of nowhere.”
“Does it even matter?” a third chimed in. “As long as they’re happy. But still, holding onto that position is important.”
“Not just important—crucial! But what can we do? We’re not in their league.”
The gossip didn’t reach Baimo’s ears, but Freyja heard every word. Some of the comments were even harsher, and they stung. She wanted to be with Baimo, no matter what. She accepted him completely, unconditionally.
Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. She stood up from her wheelchair and snapped at the crowd.
“What kind of person Baimo is isn’t for you to judge. If you’re so brave, say it to his face! Oh, wait—you wouldn’t dare.”
Her voice rose, sharp and defiant. “And what’s it to you if Baimo’s with me? Are you jealous because he didn’t choose you? Is that why you’re spreading rumors?”
She glared at them, wishing she weren’t confined to a wheelchair. If she could, she’d have slapped every one of them for their petty gossip.
What she didn’t know was that Baimo had already heard everything.