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.

and somewhat sternly, he said,

“Yes, Daddy.”

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

words implied that

science problems alone, he no longer

it rather inappropriate to drag the children into this, yet I remained silent. I

of solving things,

and he was well aware of his father’s expressions

guidance, Uncle Nathaniel. I can solve those problems alone now, and I shan’t need to trouble you again. I don’t have any

it was Gregory putting up a tough front or caving out of fear toward Ashton, I was

gaze. He stared

Letty’s long-awaited reunion? We were so excited to introduce you to some of our friends. Staying

his weird tone hinted that he was up to