Mr. Norman, She's Out of Your League Now novel Chapter 43

Kayden lingered nearby as Charlotte fumed, terrified she might stop coming to treat Brian's eyes—or worse, that he might never see her again.

Without a second thought, he hurried over, tugged at the hem of her clothes, and offered a soft, coaxing voice. "Ma'am, please don't be mad about what just happened. Don't let them get to you.

"You're so beautiful—you're like a fairy! And fairies are the most forgiving. If you stay angry, you might get wrinkles, you know?"

The sweetness in his voice melted some of Charlotte's anger, especially when she remembered how fiercely Kayden had defended her.

Her heart softened, and she gave a weary smile. "You really do have a silver tongue, Kayden."

Kayden grinned and continued, "I'm telling you the truth, Ma'am. You're the most beautiful lady I've ever seen! That's why I won't let anyone talk badly about you!"

His voice trailed off, with his earlier frustration still flickering behind his eyes. He looked genuinely upset, and that earnestness made it impossible for Charlotte to stay angry.

She reached out and gently pinched his soft, chubby cheek. "Don't worry. I'm not going to stoop to the level of a mad dog. But honestly, I'm a little surprised… I thought that woman was your mother."

"No way!" Kayden's response was immediate and fierce. "She's not!"

Lydia didn't even come close to deserving the title of mother. How could she ever be his mother?

She played the part in front of others, all smiles and sweetness, but when it was just the two of them, Kayden could see the bitterness lurking in her eyes.

Her kindness was nothing but a mask. And she loved to remind him—over and over—that even if she had children of her own someday, she'd still treat him like her own.

Did she really think he was stupid enough to believe that? The more he thought about it, the more disgusted he felt.