Chapter 247

Nora was already worried about Una, and Daniel’s words only made her feel
worse.
Staring straight ahead, she spoke quietly, “If they want to get married, let them. Why should Una be the one to leave?”
Though she said this, Nora knew the real reason Una had decided to leave Fairvale almost certainly had to do with Hans coming back.
Daniel watched the traffic light change, his brow furrowed in thought. “If she stays here, Hans will make her a target.”
Nora remembered the way Una looked at Hans-a look of love so deep it had turned into heartbreak.
“What… exactly is between them?” she asked, needing to know. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on
Daniel’s voice was low. “Una lived with the Cooper family for a while. She and Hans had feelings for each other.”
Nora had suspected as much.
“Hans’s parents’ death is connected to her,” Daniel added, not giving details, just enough for Nora to understand how dangerous it was for Una to stay in Fairvale. “Hans’s parents died?” Nora was surprised. “That day, in the private room
“That was David. Monica is his daughter,” Daniel explained. “The Cooper family doesn’t want Una around.”
It all clicked for Nora. With the Coopers returning to Fairvale, Una’s situation would only get harder.
Daniel’s suggestion was, in truth, for Una’s own good.
Nora felt a flicker of gratitude and her tone softened.
“She was already planning to leave.”
Daniel nodded. “It’s the smart thing to do.”
They pulled up to North Manor.
Daniel got out and opened the car door for her, waiting as Nora stepped onto the driveway.
He made no move to come inside.
Nora didn’t invite him, either.
She slipped off her shoes in the entryway and headed toward the living room- only to freeze in place.
There, in front of the tall windows, stood the wedding dress she had just tried on earlier. In the golden light of sunset, the dress shimmered, its train and hem spread over a bed of rose petals.
It looked like something out of a woman’s most beautiful dream.
At some point, Daniel had come inside. He slipped his arms around her from behind, his voice gentle and intimate.
“It’s a dress made just for you.”
He’d arranged for Will to deliver it, and Will had managed to get it there ahead of them.
Nora gazed at the dress, her eyes stinging.
It was too late.
She hadn’t had any of this when she loved him most, and now, she didn’t want it anymore.
“I don’t need it,” she said, pulling away from Daniel’s embrace. “You should go.” Daniel lowered his eyes, all emotion receding into calm acceptance.
“All right.”
He let her go and truly left without another word.
Nora stood there for a moment, dazed, then asked the housekeeper to put the wedding dress away.
Her thoughts turned to Una, and she called to check if she’d gotten home safely.
Una’s voice was hoarse, her eyes obviously red and swollen from crying.
She forced a laugh. “Yeah, I’m home.”
Nora hesitated, then asked about Hans. “Do you still care about him?”
Una was silent for a long time before answering quietly, “It’s over between us. Besides, things between us are so messy-some things can’t be forgiven.”
Nora understood she was talking about Hans’s parents.
She didn’t know how to ask any more.
Una wiped her eyes and tried to sound cheerful. “I’m leaving tomorrow, Nora. Will you drive me to the station?”
Nora was surprised, but it made sense. Leaving sooner was for the best.
“Of course, I’ll take you.”
“Sorry, Nora-leaving you here all on your own.”
Nora teased, “Don’t worry, Ms. Lawson. I’ll come crash your place one day.”
They both laughed, and for a moment, the sadness faded.
Una brought up the wedding dress. “Eleanor tried to give me a hard time about it, but you really put her in her place.”