The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 74

Nora knew exactly where he was spending his time.

Given the absolute circus Giselle and Nathan had caused at the mall, the main family estate had to be in an uproar. Giselle was undoubtedly playing the victim, requiring Gideon's full, undivided attention to soothe her shattered nerves. With his prized girl in tears, he naturally had zero time for the trophy wife he kept locked in a secondary house.

On the rare mornings their paths crossed at breakfast, the only sound was the sharp clinking of silverware against porcelain.

"Heading to the office?"

Gideon asked casually, sipping his black coffee without tearing his eyes away from the financial news on his tablet.

"Yeah."

Nora choked down a bite of toast and mumbled her reply.

They maintained a perfectly sterile equilibrium, living entirely separate lives under one roof. Nora buried every ounce of her soul into her blueprints, never uttering a word about divorce or the other woman.

That fragile peace held until Thursday night.

Racing a deadline, Nora had completely carpeted the coffee table in crumpled sketches. Reviewing a massive email thread from Paris, she eventually passed out right on the couch.

Deep in the night, a scratchy thirst dragged her from her sleep.

She blinked blearily. Only a single dim reading lamp illuminated the room. Pushing herself up, she realized a plush cashmere throw had been draped over her shoulders.

Nora froze.

She was absolutely certain she hadn't brought a blanket downstairs.

The distinct, sharp scent of cedarwood and cold rain clung to the fabric.

It was Gideon's signature scent.

"Mrs. Gable," he called out abruptly.

The housekeeper materialized instantly. "Yes, Boss?"

"Bring out a bowl of the hot soup from the kitchen."

His voice remained as hard as ever as he stared straight at the mahogany table.

Moments later, the woman set a steaming bowl directly in front of Nora.

Taking a drag of his coffee, Gideon spoke without looking at her. "Eat. I'm not dealing with you getting sick and causing a scene for my family."

Staring at the fragrant broth, Nora's hand paused in mid-air.