Chapter 208

As Kevin embraced Norah from behind, her body stiffened. After a brief pause, she set down the spatula she had been using to stir-fry and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Dinner’s almost ready.”

Kevin tightened his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. The familiar scent soothed his restless heart. “Nothing,” he murmured. “I just want to hold you. Being with you makes me feel at ease.”

Norah’s expression remained calm. She continued stirring the vegetables, her tone even. “The kitchen’s full of smoke. This isn’t the place for you.”

Kevin replied firmly, “Anywhere is fine as long as you’re there.”

Once, those words might have melted Norah’s heart. She would have felt warmth, even a twinge of excitement. But now, her heart felt distant, as if dulled by time. Sweet words no longer held the same magic.

Perhaps too many moments of anticipation had left her numb.