The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 23

She thought of every argument sparked by Giselle's provocations. Giselle perfectly timed her visits to align with Gideon's return. She would intentionally antagonize Nora, then flawlessly switch to a terrified, victimized expression the moment he walked through the door.

Gideon never listened to Nora's side of the story. He would just shield Giselle, glaring at Nora with a murderous intensity.

"Nora, when will you stop? Giselle suffered enough as a child; why do you always have to target her?"

Anytime they clashed, regardless of the cause or who was at fault, Nora was always the one blamed, the one forced to back down and apologize.

Last spring, Nora had spent half a year carefully cultivating a rare orchid, logging the humidity and temperature daily, intending to give it as a birthday gift to an elder in her family.

When Giselle came over looking for Gideon, she liked the antique porcelain pot and just started yanking the orchid out by the roots. Nora had rushed forward to stop her.

Giselle had snapped, grabbed the pot, and smashed it onto the floor.

Staring at the ruined soil and torn leaves, Nora had pointed at the door and yelled at her to get the hell out.

Gideon had walked in right at that moment. Ignoring the mess, he went straight to the "terrified" Giselle and pulled her behind him.

He had pulled out his checkbook, signed a blank check, and shoved it at Nora.

His voice reeked of blatant favoritism. "It's just a plant. Fill in whatever number you want, and consider it paid for."

Once, Nora's car had broken down on the highway. The emergency lines were busy, and the tow company said the storm was too heavy; they wouldn't arrive for at least four hours.

Sitting alone in the freezing car, Nora pulled out her phone and called Gideon.

It rang endlessly before he finally picked up.

"My car broke down on the highway. I'm scared; can you come get me?" Her voice shook.

"Send me your location. Stay in the car; I'm on my way."

He had given her a firm promise.

Nora hung up, wrapping her arms tightly around herself, waiting anxiously in the vehicle.

"She's my sister."

His tone was frigid. "Taking care of her is my duty. You have no right to dictate how the Hayes family operates."

Every single time she tried to voice her frustration at this twisted dynamic or complained about Giselle's bullying, Gideon would shut her down with a condescending tone and the same rehearsed excuses.

"She suffered so much when she was young. The family and I owe her. I failed her."

"She's a good kid; I just spoiled her. You're older, so stop stooping to her level."

"Nora, she is my sister, and that will never change."

His sister.

Staring at the divorce papers, Nora let out a bitter laugh. What kind of sister controlled every single emotion of a married man? What kind of sister compelled a man to ignore his bleeding, injured wife without a second thought?