Chapter 278

Daniel sat in the car, his expression cold and detached. No one could have guessed that just thirty minutes ago, he’d been in this very spot, drowning in agony.
Outside, a little boy and his parents strolled side by side, hand in hand. Payne bounced between Nora and Louis, his laughter ringing out as he skipped happily along.
Ahead of them, two young women slowed down, pulling out their phones to snap discreet photos, squealing under their breath.
“That family is ridiculously good-looking.”
“They look so happy together.”
Daniel’s heart felt like it had been torn to shreds.
As they drew closer, he pushed open the car door and stepped out, his hands
tucked into his pockets, posture straight and unyielding.
A faint smile played on his lips. “I came to drive you home.”
His eyes found Nora.
She glanced at him for barely a moment before looking away, showing no sign of guilt or unease.
Daniel’s smile faltered.
Payne wriggled free from his parents’ hands and dashed toward Daniel. “Mr. Chambers, we rode the Ferris wheel with Mom and Dad today!”
His voice was full of innocent pride.
Daniel ruffled the boy’s hair but said nothing.
Payne looked up at him, wide-eyed. “Mr. Chambers, can Dad come to your house and live with Mom too?”
Children didn’t understand the complicated tangle of adult relationships. Payne only knew he wanted to be with both parents, and since Mom lived at Mr. Chambers’ house, he needed Mr. Chambers to say yes.
Hope shone in his eyes.
A fresh ache ripped through Daniel, leaving him speechless.
Louis came over and scooped Payne into his arms, explaining patiently that he had to go away for work.
“Be good for Mr. Chambers, and take care of Mom, okay?”
Payne nodded solemnly. “I’ll listen to Mr. Chambers.”
“I’ll protect Mom and my little sister.”
Then he reached out to Daniel. “Mr. Chambers, hug?”
Daniel hesitated for a moment, then pulled him into a gentle embrace.
Louis gave a small wave and left.
Daniel settled Payne into the car, closed the door, and turned to Nora.
“Weren’t you supposed to be out for dinner?” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ
He clearly wanted an explanation, but Nora couldn’t be bothered to give one. She was free to do as she pleased.
She started to walk around to the other side of the car, but Daniel caught her wrist.
There was a chill in the arch of his brow, and his eyes, though calm, glimmered with a hint of frost.
“You’re not going to explain?” he asked quietly.
Nora’s lips curved in a cool, emotionless smile. “When you left Payne alone at the hospital for his follow-up, you didn’t offer me any explanation, did you?”
If he thought their relationship didn’t require accountability, then what right did he have to question her now?
He had no claim to her answers.
“There was an urgent meeting at work,” Daniel replied. “I had to leave in a hurry and left my phone in the exam room.”
He’d been in meetings all day.
Nora only offered a noncommittal “Mm,” her tone indifferent.
She didn’t care.
She didn’t need his explanations.
She pulled her wrist free and got in the car from the other side.
Daniel, his suit still carrying the faint scent of smoke, climbed into the passenger
seat.
The air inside the car was oppressively tense.
Will, at the wheel, barely dared to breathe.
From the rearview mirror, Daniel watched Nora. She sat with her head bowed,
cradling Payne in her arms, the gentle warmth of motherhood radiating from her.
Did she feel anything watching Louis walk away?
Daniel’s thoughts churned into a tangled mess.
They didn’t settle, even as they finally pulled up to North Manor.
Payne had dozed off in the back seat.
Nora reached to wake him, but Daniel stopped her, voice soft. “Let me.”
He carried Payne inside and handed him off to the housekeeper. “He’s still
recovering. Keep him away from crowded places.”
Nora didn’t argue. She headed upstairs to change.
She had just stepped into the bedroom and was about to close the door when Daniel slipped in behind her.