Chapter 291

Nora went back to her books, finding comfort in the quiet routine of her days. The autumn sun poured through the windows, casting everything in a soft, golden light. Life had settled into a gentle, peaceful rhythm.
But one night, while showering, a sudden cramp seized her leg. By the time she managed to dress and stumble out of the bathroom, her whole body was cold and trembling. Louis rushed her to the hospital, but even his quick action couldn’t stave off the fever that followed.
Pregnancy made everything more complicated-she had to be careful with medication. Louis, not daring to take any risks, brought her to Fairvale, where the best OB-GYN in the country, Ms. Temple, practiced at Chambers Hospital.
Ms. Temple examined Nora thoroughly and reassured them both: “Nothing serious. Just get some IV fluids and rest.”
Louis let out a long breath. “Good thing we came when we did.”
If anything had happened to the baby, Nora would have suffered most. He hesitated, then lowered his voice. “Have you thought about letting me take care of you?”
He remembered what Hans had said. Payne was growing up-he’d need to start school soon. A stable family was important, and, truthfully, Nora was the best person he could imagine sharing that with.
Nora stared at him, taken aback, unsure what he meant.
“I
“Your pregnancy’s further along now. You need someone to look after you. I don’t want anything to happen to the baby, and I know you don’t either.”
Nora was about to answer when she caught sight of a familiar figure standing in the doorway, and the words died in her throat. She fell silent, weighing her options. Finally, she nodded.
“All right. Let’s get married.”
Daniel wanted this child, and she wouldn’t stand in his way. But as for Payne, she was determined to keep custody.
When she looked back, the figure at the door was gone.
Nora turned away and changed her mind. “A marriage in name only.”
Louis blinked. “In name only?”
She explained, “To everyone else, we’ll say we’re husband and wife, but we won’t make it official. No paperwork, no legal ties.”
After all, no one was going to demand a marriage certificate just because they called each other husband and wife.
Louis was silent. Nora sighed. “I have no intention of marrying. Besides, Aurora loved you. She’s gone, and I never wanted to take her place.”
“As for me, I can always hire a nanny.”
Louis could remarry if he wished, but no matter the reason, it couldn’t be with her. He nodded. “I didn’t think it through.”
She knew he meant well, and she didn’t blame him. But she still needed to sort out custody of Payne.
She’d run away from the orphanage years ago, and Grandma Grace had taken her in. Now Grace was gone, and Nora was alone in the world. If Louis agreed, she wanted to transfer Payne’s registration over to her name.
Louis had already promised Nora custody, and he wasn’t the kind of man to go back on his word. Besides, he’d decided, whether or not he ever remembered Aurora, he would never remarry.
A marriage in name only would protect Payne’s rights and silence any gossip.
With that settled, Nora suggested they choose a date to make the announcement. Louis laughed gently. “No need to rush. Focus on getting better first.” “Okay.”
Downstairs, Daniel stood by the car, surrounded by a litter of crushed cigarette butts. Smoke curled between his fingers as he lit another, chain-smoking in quick, agitated drags.
The driver hovered nearby, nervous. “Mr. Chambers, you know this much smoking is bad for your health.”
Daniel’s eyes were bloodshot, but what did it matter? Nothing mattered anymore -not after what he’d overheard.
She was really going to marry Louis. Carrying his child, she would marry another man. For more chapters visıt.net
A sharp cough rattled his chest, and pain twisted across his face as he pressed a hand to his heart, struggling for breath.
The driver hurried to steady him. “Mr. Chambers-”
Daniel doubled over and climbed into the car. “Just drive,” he rasped. His voice was rough, broken. “Anywhere but North Manor. I don’t care where.”