Chapter 64
Abby, completely unaware of the sudden tension, leaned forward and gave Nora a small, affectionate kiss on the cheek.
“Bye–bye, Auntie,” she said sweetly.
Nora smiled, returning the soft gesture. She bid Cole and Abby farewell, then turned to follow Leo out of the lodge.
What she didn’t notice was the way Cole’s eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.
As they walked, Leo glanced at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
“How do I feel like Cole was looking at me with suspicion?” he mused aloud.
Nora arched a brow. “Really? What’s he got to scrutinize you for?”
Leo let out a soft chuckle. “Could it be that he saw me getting too close to you and thought our relationship was too ambiguous?”
Nora’s smile faltered slightly.
Leo’s words were teasing, but a part of her didn’t find them amusing.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered. “That’s not it.”
Leo watched her closely. “You sound awfully sure about that.”
Nora’s gaze flickered ahead. “They want Arnold and Linda together more than anything.”
Leo didn’t argue. Instead, he looked at her with something close to quiet understanding.
Then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped to something softer.
“You should pay more attention to the men around you, Nora.”
She turned her head slightly, caught off guard by his tone.
For a second, she saw something in his eyes–concern, maybe even a hint of protectiveness.
But before she could say anything, Leo simply smiled, his usual playful demeanor returning.
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Chapter 64
“Come on,” he said, tilting his head toward the main road. “Let’s get out of here.”
And just like that, the moment passed.
Yet, as they walked away from the hot spring lodge, Nora couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted–something subtle, something unspoken.
By mid–afternoon, as steam curled from the hot springs and the soft murmur of guests filled the lodge, Nora prepared to leave. She had spent enough time here, and though the warm water had soothed her body, her mind remained restless.
Just as she was about to call for a car, her phone buzzed. It was Arnold’s grandmother.
“Nora, dear,” the old lady’s warm yet commanding voice came through. “You must come to Lancelot Manor for dinner tonight.”
Nora hesitated. “Grandma, I-”
Before she could politely decline, the woman continued, “You’re at Hot Springs Lodge, aren’t you? Perfect. I’ll have Arnold pick you up and bring you along.”
Nora opened her mouth to protest, but the line went dead.
She sighed, staring at the phone. The invitation had turned into an order, leaving her no choice but to
wait.
Minutes turned into an hour. The lodge’s grand clock chimed softly, marking the passage of time.
But no one came.
Not Arnold. Not Alex. Not even a simple call or message explaining their delay.
Nora’s fingers drummed lightly on the wooden table in the lounge. A small part of her wasn’t surprised. She had been stood up by Arnold before, but she had thought–just for a moment–that maybe today would be different.
She checked her phone. No missed calls. No texts.
A wry smile curled on her lips. So much for that.
Even Alex, who had slipped away earlier, hadn’t bothered to check in.
Realizing she had waited long enough, she decided to arrange for a car herself.
Just as she was about to make the request at the front desk, Leo appeared, hands tucked casually into his pockets. His sharp, handsome features were set with mild amusement.
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After Heft Aloha father and a famil
Chapter 64
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“Lancelot Manor,” she replied.
Leo raised an eyebrow. “Alone?”
She shrugged. “No one’s coming. Might as well go by myself.”
Leo scoffed. “Absolutely not. I’ll drive you.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret
I still don’t see the regret from her husband and son No divorce yet I would like to see Nora and Cole hooking up together...
neverending story.....repeated same story lines....boring...
What a bad spot for the book to come to an end, I truly do hope there is more to come would be sad to not have a ending to this story........
This page has repeated same story lines that was already said.......
Iam kinda wondering if the writer may speak another language??? Cause iam noting that some of the words kind of seem like another language I could be wrong but every page has a spelling mistake it's making it hard to understand most of what is happening in the book....
Iam loving this book so far but it would have been much better if someone had prof read it 1st there is alot of spelling mistakes some of which I knew what was meant but some I have no clue at all....
Is there any more...