Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 203

Down in the living room, Nora sat curled up on the sofa, nursing a cup of hot tea while her eyes kept darting toward the staircase.

Liam had been up there for almost half an hour. She couldn't help but wonder what he and Hudson were discussing behind closed doors.

She took a sip of her tea. The temperature was perfect. It was a dark, robust blend that Hudson favored, hitting the palate with a bitter edge before mellowing into a lingering sweetness.

Honestly, it wasn't her favorite. It was too intense, the astringency sharp and the aftertaste slow to develop. To anyone unaccustomed to it, it just tasted harsh.

But Hudson loved it.

After trying it a few times, she was slowly starting to acquire the taste.

Just then, her cell phone buzzed. The caller ID flashed Xavier's name.

"Happy belated wedding, Nora," Xavier's casual, slacker drawl echoed through the speaker.

Nora's lips curved into a fond smile. "Thanks, Xavi."

"So... Hudson isn't giving you a hard time, is he?"

"Don't worry, he treats me perfectly well."

Nora laughed softly. "You're just a kid. Don't stress yourself out over my marriage."

"Who are you calling a kid? I'm fifteen!"

Xavier grumbled defensively. "I just don't want you getting screwed over. Jade was constantly running her mouth about how Hudson was terminally ill and on his deathbed. I was worried..."

"Those were just baseless rumors."

"Good."

Xavier let out a heavy sigh of relief. "If he ever steps out of line, you tell me. I'll kick his ass for you."

Nora couldn't hold back a genuine laugh. "You think you could take him in a fight?"

"...I'd go down swinging."

"Alright, alright, enough about me. How are things at school? Are you settling in?"

There was a fleeting beat of silence on the other end of the line.

"Everything's great. You know me, I'm universally loved. There isn't a crowd I can't win over."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Stop overthinking it and just focus on your own life."

Nora had a nagging feeling that something was off. She was about to press him further when Xavier abruptly shifted gears.

"By the way, I should tell you. Jade is back in town."

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