When There Is Nothing Left But Love

It seemed that Nora Stovall was the new identity Nathaniel had arranged for the former Ms. Oberick. I realized that Nora was determined to conjure a relationship with me.

Outwardly, Ashton and I appeared unaffected by her announcement, treating it as a terrible joke.

Audrey, however, took Nora’s words seriously. “You’re twins with Mommy? Is it like Greg and me? Greg is a boy, and I’m a girl, so we look different. Do you look the same because you’re both girls?”

Before I could clear things up, Nora cut me off. “That’s right! You’re such a smart girl, Audrey!” She smiled so brightly that her eyes had narrowed into slits. Nora added, “You and your brother can call me Aunt Nora from now on!”

I could not explain why, but Nora’s face that so perfectly mirrored mine suddenly became a glaring sight.

I would not have minded the children calling her Aunt Nora in the past when she was still a kind person. Now that she was notorious for her greed and ambition, I could not find it in me to allow my children to acknowledge such a relative.

How should I explain this to the kids, though?

Thankfully, Ashton spoke up and freed me from my dilemma.

somewhat sternly,

“Yes, Daddy.”

without blinking, “Was what Uncle Nathaniel said true? Are you struggling with

that he was

he no longer needed Nathaniel’s help, and

drag the children into this, yet I remained silent. I was aware this would be the wrong time

their way of solving things,

was for naught. Gregory had lived with Ashton for many years, and he was well aware of

With that, Gregory turned to Nathaniel next and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Nathaniel. I can solve those problems alone now, and I shan’t need

was Gregory putting up a tough front or caving out of fear toward Ashton, I was relieved that he had not made the wrong choice despite

satisfaction flashed through his gaze. He stared

and replied to Ashton, “What about Nora and Letty’s long-awaited reunion? We were so excited to introduce you to some of our friends. Staying a while longer won’t hurt anyone. Why, Scarlett, don’t you

last sentence, and his weird tone