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hotelsales.shop | In 2024, we provide cheaper travel hotels for seniors to enjoy a perfect vacation | LEARN_MORE | http://hotelsales.shop/?kw1=costcotravel&kw2=disco | 155622560959061 | Joanna Weber | https://facebook.com/61552362237096 | 0 | 1 | 396,398,636,635,385 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Joanna Weber | 120207680313370014 | hotelsales.shop | NONE | image | http://hotelsales.shop/?kw1=costcotravel&kw2=discount hotels near me&kw3=hotel deals&kw4=costco travel last minute deals&kw5=flight and hotel packages&kw6=aarp hotel discounts&kw7=hotel deals near me&kw8=cheap hotels near me under $50&kw9=costco hotel deals&sub1={{clickid}}&sub2={{ad.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&network=facebook&site={{placement}}&pxfb[id]=168391119684021&pxfb[ec]=Purchase&adtitle=Senior Hotel Deals | 2024-04-28 06:48 | https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439980066_1143511320020051_2345806541319940772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yRZ5LAXrKPMAb6npmMz&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD92MWd6JvotWPPyfbctphM62lmQ7nHsC8lHniS9EupzA&oe=6634A1B7 | person_profile | 0 | Joanna Weber | https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440336218_1171501734208293_1777704842263269816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PzTI3yRT5DsAb5tutex&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAZv6ErU0qMas4Hf0b31OOev4wHV1U6LDrHiRTzIGo-MA&oe=6634B18A | 0 | 3 | Joanna Weber | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Leer el siguiente cap铆tulo馃憠 | Despu茅s del divorcio, regres贸 como una dise帽adora superior, piloto de carreras de 茅lite, curandera famosa y hacker genial, impresionando a todos y haciendo que su exmarido se arrepintiera amargamente.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa | 104384282357850 | Romantic Novel City | https://facebook.com/100083790041265 | 3,553 | 2 | 741,093,748,107,412 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 120208012459540477 | fbweb.manobook.com | NONE | image | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa125_6-0407-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=961225&accid=271604469031469 | 2024-04-22 21:52 | https://scontent.fosu2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438717093_3633193813587730_483253309587720872_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vo0EySKomOUAb4lGnkY&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-2.fna&oh=00_AfCoiScopJqn3WSnnlIQwM3hs0dgaYvuvM5PfOtxFDjPKQ&oe=6634B1B5 | person_profile | 0 | Romantic Novel City | https://scontent.fosu2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438697340_889611126269375_2213691377803521774_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VeJrrhy_tvgAb6fzWGl&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-2.fna&oh=00_AfDp7iMip80RD3t4eE1ZMzVX86QYFvKZx7aUouCgbvWaAw&oe=66349C87 | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel City | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-26 02:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 968591024757275 | Continuer la lecture | Chapitre1 Divorce<br /> Dans la chambre 脿 la lumi猫re tamis茅e, un homme et une femme install茅s sur un lit spacieux se livraient 脿 des moments d'affection.<br /> 芦 Imagine que Norah nous surprenne ici, dans son lit. Crois-tu qu'elle serait furieuse au point de pleurer ? 禄, a dit la femme d'un ton enjou茅.<br /> 芦 Ce n'est pas son lit. Apr猫s toutes ces ann茅es, je n'ai jamais partag茅 le moindre contact avec elle. Elle dort toujours dans la chambre d'amis d'脿 c么t茅 禄, a r茅pondu l'homme en ricanant.<br /> 芦 Derek, tu es si bon avec moi... 禄<br /> <br /> Les doux murmures des deux se sont m锚l茅s 脿 leur respiration lourde.<br /> <br /> Au-dessus du lit, le mur immacul茅 茅tait orn茅 d'une photo de mariage repr茅sentant une jeune mari茅e dont l'expression 茅tait empreinte d'une douce joie.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s un moment, leur intimit茅 a cess茅.<br /> <br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, une jeune femme qui se trouvait 脿 la porte s'est couvert la bouche de ses mains, des larmes coulant sur son visage en les entendant.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter a mis son short pour aller chercher un verre d'eau. Il a 茅t茅 surpris de trouver Norah Wilson assise silencieusement dans le salon. Il se demandait quand celle-ci 茅tait revenue et ce qu'elle avait pu entendre.<br /> <br /> 芦 Est-ce que tu as tout entendu ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek apr猫s s'锚tre install茅 sur le canap茅 du salon avec un verre d'eau.<br /> <br /> Les su莽ons laissaient entrevoir la minceur de Derek, mais il ne se souciait pas de savoir si Norah les voyait ou ce qu'elle pouvait ressentir. Il s'est content茅 de boire une gorg茅e d'eau.<br /> <br /> 芦 Il est temps que tu signes ceci. 禄 Derek a sorti un document d'un tiroir et l'a jet茅 sur la table. 芦 Puisque tu as peut-锚tre d茅j脿 tout entendu, il est inutile de faire tra卯ner les choses. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a timidement pris le document, son regard pos茅 rapidement sur les mots 芦 Accord de divorce 禄 sur la premi猫re page. Elle l'a feuillet茅 jusqu'脿 la fin, notant la signature flamboyante de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> 芦 R茅vise-le. Si tu veux ajouter des conditions, fais-le-moi savoir. Sinon, signe-le 禄, a ordonn茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Se penchant en arri猫re, Derek a allum茅 une cigarette, la fum茅e masquant son attitude d茅tach茅e.<br /> <br /> Depuis son mariage dans la famille Carter, Norah 茅tait d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek, esp茅rant un avenir rempli de bonheur.<br /> <br /> Elle se souvenait du gar莽on qui l'avait prot茅g茅e dans une temp锚te de neige et elle souhaitait toujours rester 脿 ses c么t茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Tu ne peux pas faire une autre tentative pour nous ? 禄 La t锚te baiss茅e et la voix rauque 脿 cause des larmes, la frange lisse de Norah tombait sur le bord sombre de ses lunettes, soulignant son air triste.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, tu fais vraiment piti茅. Tu savais ce qui s'茅tait pass茅 entre Madeline et moi. Alors pourquoi tu t'accroches 脿 锚tre ma femme ? Ne sois pas si mesquine. 禄 L'impatience de Derek s'est manifest茅e lorsqu'il a tap茅 des cendres dans le plateau et a ajout茅 : 芦 Notre mariage n'a jamais 茅t茅 plus qu'un arrangement pratique. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a senti son c艙ur se briser, se rendant compte que Madeline Powell 茅tait celle que Derek aimait vraiment. Elle l'a enfin compris.<br /> <br /> Des ann茅es auparavant, lorsque Madeline 茅tait partie 脿 l'茅tranger, Derek l'avait poursuivie, mais il avait 茅t茅 victime d'un tragique accident de voiture qui l'avait laiss茅 inconscient. Derek devait 茅pouser Luna Wilson, de la famille Wilson. Cependant, Luna s'茅tait mise 脿 fr茅quenter un autre homme et avait eu un enfant, incitant les Wilson 脿 proposer Norah comme 茅pouse de substitution. Norah avait donc pris la place de Luna pour devenir la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah s'茅tait consacr茅e aux soins de Derek, coupant presque tous les liens avec sa vie ant茅rieure pour lui. Elle avait abandonn茅 ses passions, y compris le design, la course automobile, la chirurgie m茅dicale et le codage, pour se concentrer uniquement sur lui.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma il y a un an, Norah 茅tait toujours 脿 ses c么t茅s pour s'occuper de lui sans rel芒che. Pourtant, Derek semblait touch茅 par la tendresse de Madeline lorsqu'elle est revenue de l'茅tranger.<br /> <br /> Malgr茅 deux ans de mariage et de soins, Norah a d没 admettre qu'elle n'avait pas r茅ussi 脿 gagner une place dans le c艙ur de Derek.<br /> <br /> Ne recevant aucune r茅ponse de Norah, Derek n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de froncer les sourcils, 茅tudiant la jeune femme assise en face de lui.<br /> <br /> Norah 茅tait ind茅niablement s茅duisante, m锚me avec sa frange 茅paisse et ses grosses lunettes encadrant son visage, mais elle n茅gligeait souvent son apparence, paraissant d茅braill茅e. Elle avait une personnalit茅 tr猫s r茅serv茅e.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma, Norah 茅tait 脿 ses c么t茅s vingt-quatre heures sur vingt-quatre, mais il ne ressentait aucun lien affectif avec elle. Au lieu de cela, il la trouvait terriblement ennuyeuse.<br /> <br /> Les soins et l'attention constants, l'aspect banal et la routine de la vie 茅taient aussi ennuyeux que de l'eau plate. Derek trouvait tout cela extr锚mement barbant.<br /> <br /> Il reconnaissait le r么le de Norah en tant que femme au foyer de la famille Carter au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es, mais il n'avait jamais pens茅 qu'elle 茅tait digne d'锚tre son 茅pouse.<br /> <br /> Tout en 茅teignant une autre cigarette, Derek a dit avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je suis au courant de tes difficult茅s avec la famille Wilson. Apr猫s le divorce, je te donnerai trois villas et trente millions. Tu pourras prendre n'importe quelle voiture au garage. Cela devrait te garantir une vie confortable 脿 l'avenir 禄, a propos茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Celui-ci n'oublierait jamais les soins prodigu茅s par Norah lorsqu'il 茅tait clou茅 au lit et sa compagnie lors de ses exercices de r茅cup茅ration apr猫s son r茅veil du coma.<br /> <br /> Bien qu'il n'茅prouve aucune affection pour Norah, Derek 茅tait pr锚t 脿 lui offrir un r猫glement g茅n茅reux pour ses ann茅es de d茅vouement. En effet, elle lui avait consacr茅 les deux ann茅es enti猫res de sa vie.<br /> <br /> Pendant que Derek croisait les bras, Norah a aper莽u un petit tatouage sur la clavicule de l'homme, aggravant son angoisse. Il portait les initiales MP pour Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> La patience de Derek s'est 茅puis茅e. 芦 Vu les circonstances, je te laisse un jour pour y r茅fl茅chir. Si les conditions ne te conviennent pas, n'h茅site pas 脿 proposer des modifications, mais ne va pas trop loin. Tu sais que je n'ai toujours pas beaucoup de patience... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas besoin d'y r茅fl茅chir. 禄 En prenant le stylo sur la table, Norah a 茅crit son nom sur les papiers du divorce. 芦 Je vais faire mes bagages et partir bient么t. Je ne vous d茅rangerai plus 脿 tous les deux. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a approuv茅 d'un signe de t锚te. 芦 C'est bon 脿 entendre. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek appr茅ciait la fa莽on dont Norah se conformait toujours, un peu comme une domestique qui ne contestait jamais ses d茅cisions. Comme aujourd'hui, par exemple. Elle aurait pu faire du grabuge, mais elle s'est content茅e de garder la paix.<br /> <br /> Pour Derek, le comportement de Norah 茅tait trop terne. Il avait peur que le fait de c么toyer quelqu'un d'aussi banal ne finisse par d茅teindre sur lui. Apr猫s tout, l'amour n'茅tait pas quelque chose qui pouvait 锚tre forc茅.<br /> <br /> Alors que Derek s'appr锚tait 脿 dire quelque chose apr猫s avoir parcouru l'accord, Madeline, v锚tue d'une chemise blanche, est sortie 茅l茅gamment.<br /> <br /> Sa chemise couvrait 脿 peine ses cuisses, et seuls quelques boutons 茅taient relev茅s, exposant beaucoup de peau.<br /> <br /> Ses cheveux 茅taient humides, ce qui faisait que la chemise collait l茅g猫rement 脿 sa peau, ajoutant un aspect s茅duisant 脿 son apparence.<br /> <br /> En entendant le mouvement, Norah s'est retourn茅e pour voir Madeline portant ce qu'elle a imm茅diatement reconnu comme 茅tant la chemise de Derek, qu'elle avait choisie pour lui.<br /> <br /> Leurs regards se sont crois茅s et Madeline a adress茅 脿 Norah un sourire suffisant et moqueur.<br /> <br /> Mais lorsque le regard de Derek a suivi, Madeline a rapidement masqu茅 son sourire.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, nous nous rencontrons enfin. Je suis Madeline Powell. 禄 Avec gr芒ce, Madeline s'est approch茅e de Derek et a pris place 脿 ses c么t茅s. S'appuyant sur son 茅paule, elle a dit : 芦 J'ai entendu Derek parler souvent de toi. Je suis ravie de te rencontrer. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux, sans rien r茅pondre.<br /> <br /> Madeline a ensuite donn茅 un coup de coude 脿 Derek pour l'amuser. 芦 J'ai entendu dire que tu offrais trois villas 脿 Norah. Tu ne savais pas que je voulais la villa pr猫s du lac ? Pourquoi lui as-tu promis cela ? Est-ce que tu ne m'aimes plus ? 禄<br /> <br /> Derek, toujours aussi indulgent 脿 l'茅gard des demandes de Madeline, s'est retourn茅 vers Norah. 芦 Je vais te donner une autre villa. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a regard茅 Derek 脿 travers ses lunettes. 芦 Mais tu n'as pas dit que celle-l脿 m'茅tait destin茅e ? 禄<br /> <br /> La moue de Madeline s'est intensifi茅e. 芦 Derek... 禄<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek a laiss茅 transpara卯tre une pointe d'agacement. 芦 Norah, n'as-tu pas compris ce que je viens de dire ? Consid猫re 莽a comme une faveur. Si tu n'es pas d'accord avec les changements, tu pars sans rien. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre2 Lui donner une le莽on<br /> 芦 Norah, j'ai jet茅 mon d茅volu sur cette villa au bord du lac. Choisis quelque chose d'autre pour toi. J'ai r锚v茅 qu'elle devienne ma nouvelle maison avec Derek 禄, a avou茅 Madeline, en se blottissant plus 茅troitement dans les bras de Derek. 芦 C'est mon r锚ve depuis longtemps. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a ressenti une vague de nostalgie 脿 ses mots.<br /> <br /> Norah a laiss茅 茅chapper un petit rire en entendant cela.<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a te fait rire ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek, confus. Il trouvait 茅trange qu'elle sourie, surtout apr猫s ce qu'il venait de dire.<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est blottie contre Derek, l'encolure ouverte de sa chemise r茅v茅lant une grande partie de sa peau douce. En tournoyant distraitement une m猫che de ses cheveux, elle a capt茅 l'attention de Derek, qui a aussit么t pos茅 la main sur l'茅paule de celle-ci.<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 glaciale. 芦 Je ris en pensant 脿 quel point j'ai 茅t茅 stupide. 禄<br /> <br /> Sans h茅siter, Norah a pris le verre d'eau de Derek sur la table et l'a vers茅 sur ce dernier et Madeline. La soudaine cascade d'eau les a laiss茅s sous le choc.<br /> <br /> Derek, outr茅, a cri茅 : 芦 Norah, es-tu devenue folle ? 禄<br /> <br /> Debout, Norah a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 M. Carter, je pensais que tu 茅tais un homme de parole. Puisque tu as donn茅 ta parole, tiens-la. Sinon, admets que tu es un escroc. 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline, habitu茅e 脿 l'indulgence de Derek, avait un temp茅rament f茅roce. Elle avait simplement l'habitude de feindre la vuln茅rabilit茅 et la soumission pour obtenir l'affection des hommes.<br /> <br /> Furieuse, Madeline s'est lev茅e et a bouscul茅 Norah avec force. 芦 Nous avons 茅t茅 trop indulgents avec toi. Tu crois que tu peux nous parler ainsi ? Pour qui te prends-tu ? Comment oses-tu nous manquer de respect, 脿 Derek et 脿 moi ? 禄<br /> <br /> Elle s'est ensuite r茅fugi茅e 脿 nouveau dans les bras de Derek. 芦 Derek, Norah a d茅pass茅 les bornes. Tu dois lui donner une le莽on. 禄<br /> <br /> Regardant Derek pitoyablement, elle a implor茅 : 芦 Regarde, mes cheveux et mes v锚tements sont tremp茅s. 禄<br /> <br /> Sa chemise blanche tremp茅e lui collait 脿 la peau, mettant en valeur sa silhouette 茅l茅gante.<br /> <br /> Norah les a regard茅s calmement, comme si elle assistait 脿 un num茅ro de cirque.<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas demand茅 ces villas et ces propri茅t茅s. La famille Carter est assez riche, mais elle h茅site encore pour de si petites choses. Je comprends. Tu consid猫res que je ne le m茅rite pas 禄, a dit Norah, le ton plein d'autod茅rision et d'amertume. Cependant, Derek a senti un changement profond dans l'attitude de Norah.<br /> <br /> Derek a serr茅 la m芒choire, essuyant l'eau de son visage avant de se tourner vers Madeline. 芦 Il y a de nombreuses villas 脿 mon nom. Choisis-en d'autres et elles t'appartiendront. 禄<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la col猫re de Madeline 脿 l'茅gard de Norah couvait. 脌 part Derek, personne n'avait os茅 lui manquer de respect de cette fa莽on. L'id茅e que Norah, l'ex-femme ind茅sirable de Derek, se comporte ainsi 茅tait insupportable.<br /> <br /> Madeline a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, exigeant : 芦 Alors, vas-tu me c茅der cette villa ou non ? 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah 茅tait cat茅gorique. 芦 Non. 禄<br /> <br /> Clac ! Le bruit d'une gifle a retenti lorsque Madeline a frapp茅 Norah avec force.<br /> <br /> 芦 Comment oses-tu ? Sans la gr芒ce de Derek, tu es juste une personne sans importance dans la famille Wilson. Tu n'es qu'une b芒tarde ! 禄, s'est emport茅e Madeline.<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek s'est assombri bri猫vement avant qu'il ne retrouve son calme, conseillant 脿 Madeline : 芦 Ne t'茅nerve pas pour elle. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah s'est touch茅 la joue, grima莽ant 脿 cause de la br没lure de la gifle. Elle a go没t茅 le sang et a lanc茅 un regard 脿 Madeline, marmonnant : 芦 Tu manques de savoir-vivre... 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est r茅fugi茅e dans l'茅treinte de Derek en se vantant : 芦 J'ai Derek 脿 mes c么t茅s. Et toi ? Tu n'es rien d'autre qu'une vagabonde abandonn茅e... Ah ! Norah ! 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lanc茅 un vase, qui s'est 茅cras茅 contre le sol pr猫s du canap茅, se brisant en morceaux avec un bruit sec.<br /> <br /> 芦 Si tu as envie d'aboyer ainsi, ne te g锚ne pas 禄, a r茅torqu茅 Norah en s'approchant. Elle a pris Madeline par les cheveux, l'obligeant 脿 lever les yeux vers elle avant de la gifler f茅rocement.<br /> <br /> Le cri de Madeline emplissait la pi猫ce. 芦 Derek ! 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a r茅prim茅 sa rage, estimant que Norah avait d茅pass茅 les bornes aujourd'hui.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s avoir rel芒ch茅 Madeline, Norah s'est retir茅e, disant avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je vous laisse tous les deux. Je vous souhaite de trouver la joie, d'avoir beaucoup d'enfants et de partager un lien qui durera toute votre vie. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a ensuite quitt茅 la r茅sidence de Derek, laissant derri猫re elle le bruit des sanglots de Madeline.<br /> <br /> M锚me lorsque la porte a claqu茅, Madeline, toujours furieuse, s'est plainte 脿 Derek : 芦 Comment ose-t-elle ? Elle nous a vers茅 d'eau et m'a gifl茅e. Il faut que tu lui donnes une le莽on... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a suffit ! 禄, l'a interrompue Derek. Se massant les tempes, Derek a adouci sa voix. 芦 Nous avons sign茅 l'accord de divorce. Je ne veux plus 锚tre m锚l茅 脿 elle. Madeline, j'exaucerai tes souhaits. Calme-toi, s'il te pla卯t. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec une moue, Madeline s'est blottie dans les bras de Derek, exprimant sa frustration : 芦 Le comportement de Norah 脿 ton 茅gard m'茅nerve. Tu as toujours dit qu'elle 茅tait docile, mais elle n'茅tait pas du tout comme 莽a. Elle semblait si agressive. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek s'est souvenu de Norah attrapant la tasse et versant l'eau, du regard froid qu'elle avait lanc茅 脿 Madeline lorsqu'elle l'avait gifl茅e. C'茅tait une facette de Norah qu'il n'avait jamais vue auparavant. 脌 ce moment-l脿, il s'est rendu compte qu'il ne la connaissait pas bien. L'impression qu'il avait eue de Norah n'茅tait qu'une femme docile.<br /> <br /> En partant, Norah a trouv茅 une berline noire qui l'attendait 脿 la porte. Le chauffeur, avec respect, a dit : 芦 Mme Norah Carter, Mme Juliana Carter veut vous voir. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu et incertaine de ce qu'elle allait faire, Norah est entr茅e dans le v茅hicule sans r茅fl茅chir.<br /> <br /> La voiture s'est lentement arr锚t茅e devant une grande villa. Il s'agissait du Manoir Carter, la r茅sidence des grands-parents de Derek.<br /> <br /> 芦 Mme Norah Carter... 禄, a salu茅 le majordome, guidant Norah qui 茅tait apparemment pr茅occup茅e 脿 l'int茅rieur.<br /> <br /> Le majordome semblait vouloir poursuivre la conversation, mais il a finalement choisi de rester silencieux. 芦 Mme Juliana Carter m'a dit qu'elle ne vous avait pas vue depuis un moment. Le d卯ner n'est pas encore servi. Vous pourriez parler avec elle avant. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux et n'a pas r茅pondu. Elle avait l'impression que Juliana essayait de la convaincre de reconsid茅rer le divorce.<br /> <br /> Le manoir, habituellement calme et habit茅 uniquement par les grands-parents de Derek, 茅tait anim茅 lorsque Juliana Carter, la grand-m猫re de Derek, a remarqu茅 l'arriv茅e de Norah et l'a chaleureusement invit茅e en disant : 芦 Norah, viens ici et assieds-toi. 禄<br /> <br /> En s'installant, Norah a salu茅 Juliana avec un sourire, malgr茅 l'agitation qui r茅gnait en elle.<br /> <br /> En prenant la main de la jeune femme, Juliana a exprim茅 son inqui茅tude : 芦 Cela fait longtemps que tu n'es pas venue me rendre visite. Comment 莽a se passe avec Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a devin茅 que Juliana la testait. Elle se doutait bien que la vieille dame n'茅tait pas au courant du retour de Madeline dans le pays.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu d'une voix paisible : 芦 Derek pense que nous devrions divorcer. Eh bien, je viens de signer l'accord de divorce, pour laisser la place 脿 Madeline. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Juliana 茅tait vive. 芦 Madeline ? C'est elle qui a provoqu茅 l'accident de voiture de Derek. Comment ose-t-elle entrer 脿 nouveau dans sa vie ? Ne t'inqui猫te pas. C'est toi que je pr茅f猫re plut么t que cette femme. Alors, y a-t-il une chance que tu reconsid猫res le divorce ? 禄<br /> <br /> La pr茅occupation de Juliana a rendu Norah m茅lancolique. Pendant deux ans, elle a 茅t茅 profond茅ment amoureuse de Derek, mais en vain.<br /> <br /> 芦 Le divorce ? C'est peut-锚tre mieux ainsi ! 禄 Sharon Carter, la m猫re de Derek, s'est approch茅e avec un sourire en coin, sa pr茅sence d茅gageant sophistication et charme tandis qu'elle se d茅pla莽ait avec une gr芒ce captivante.<br /> <br /> Juliana, t茅moin de son comportement, est devenue furieuse. 芦 Marche convenablement ! Pourquoi marches-tu ainsi ? Tu n'as pas de bonnes mani猫res. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu par la r茅primande, Sharon a chang茅 d'expression et s'est sentie mal 脿 l'aise. Jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 Norah qui s'est assise 脿 c么t茅 de Juliana, elle a dit d'un ton glacial : 芦 Heureusement qu'ils sont divorc茅s. 脌 l'origine, Derek devait se marier avec Luna Wilson, la fille a卯n茅e de la famille Wilson. Devinez quoi ? Luna a eu une liaison honteuse avec quelqu'un d'autre et s'est retrouv茅e enceinte.<br /> <br /> Depuis que je vis 脿 Glophia, je n'ai jamais entendu dire que la famille Wilson avait une autre fille. Je me demande bien d'o霉 vient cette fille ill茅gitime... En jouant le r么le de l'茅pouse de Derek ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, cette femme n'a-t-elle pas assez profit茅 de la richesse et de la prosp茅rit茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre3 Le changement de Norah<br /> Norah a pris la main de Juliana, son expression illumin茅e d'un sourire, semblant ignorer les commentaires acerbes de Sharon. 芦 Tu sembles tousser un peu. Je connais une soupe qui t'aidera 脿 calmer la toux. Je donnerai la recette au majordome plus tard. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, qui avait toujours appr茅ci茅 la docilit茅 et la gentillesse de Norah, a r茅pondu chaleureusement : 芦 Tu es un ange, Norah. Eh bien, je suis vieille et ma sant茅 d茅cline avec l'芒ge. Ma ch茅rie, tu es la seule 脿 te soucier autant de mon bien-锚tre. 禄<br /> <br /> Se sentant ignor茅e, le visage de Sharon est devenu p芒le et elle a raill茅 : 芦 Oh, arr锚te ! Maintenant que l'accord de divorce est sign茅, tu n'as plus besoin de jouer la com茅die. Crois-tu honn锚tement que rester proche de Juliana te donnera le droit de continuer 脿 profiter de la famille Carter ? 禄<br /> <br /> Avant que Norah ne puisse r茅pondre, Juliana s'est interpos茅e : 芦 Norah a toujours 茅t茅 gentille avec nous tous depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille. Elle 茅tait aux c么t茅s de Derek pendant son coma, s'occupant de lui avec diligence. Sans parler du fait qu'elle nous a toujours trait茅s avec respect, toi et moi. Pourquoi es-tu si ingrate maintenant, apr猫s tout ce qu'elle a fait pour notre famille ces deux derni猫res ann茅es ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Juliana ! Norah n'est rien d'autre qu'une b芒tarde de la famille Wilson. Pourquoi continues-tu 脿 la d茅fendre ? 禄 Sharon a tap茅 du pied.<br /> <br /> Sharon a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, en insistant : 芦 Ai-je dit quelque chose de mal ? Comment cette salope m茅rite-t-elle d'锚tre la femme de Derek ? Si ton mari et toi n'aviez pas insist茅 pour qu'elle 茅pouse Derek, je n'aurais jamais accept茅 cette femme. De plus, elle profite de la fortune de la famille Carter depuis le mariage. C'est normal qu'elle nous traite avec respect.<br /> <br /> Pourquoi donnes-tu l'impression qu'elle a fait quelque chose de formidable ? De plus, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille il y a deux ans. Tu veux des arri猫re-petits-enfants, n'est-ce pas ? Je parie que Derek a divorc茅 脿 cause de cela. 禄<br /> <br /> L'expression de Juliana est devenue s茅v猫re. 芦 Sharon, fais attention 脿 ce que tu dis. Comment peux-tu dire de telles absurdit茅s ? 禄<br /> <br /> M锚me si elle 茅tait d茅concert茅e par l'expression s茅v猫re de Juliana, Sharon a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 Je ne fais qu'茅noncer des faits. Heureusement, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant, car cela aurait pu compliquer le divorce. N'importe lequel de ses enfants serait aussi malvenu. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, visiblement troubl茅e par les propos de Sharon mais serrant la main de Norah de mani猫re rassurante, a conseill茅 : 芦 Ignore-la, Norah. Elle est grossi猫re et impertinente. S'il te pla卯t, je te conseille vivement de ne pas te pr茅cipiter dans le divorce. Tant que je serai en vie, je ne reconna卯trai que toi comme la femme de Derek. Mon mari et moi t'appr茅cions beaucoup. Ne t'inqui猫te pas de la r茅action de Derek. Concentre-toi sur la bonne entente avec Derek et sur une vie de couple 茅panouie. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon, les yeux remplis de frustration, a demand茅 : 芦 Juliana, qu'est-ce qui ne va pas chez toi ? Pourquoi toi et ton mari d茅fendez-vous toujours Norah ? bon sang ! Norah, ne te ridiculise pas, c'est fini entre toi et Drek. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lev茅 les yeux vers Juliana, des larmes y brillant.<br /> <br /> Juliana, gardant son calme, a affirm茅 : 芦 Arr锚te tes b锚tises, Sharon. Tu n'as pas ton mot 脿 dire concernant le mariage de Derek. Reste en dehors de cette affaire. Et nous devons 锚tre reconnaissants 脿 Norah. Si tu continues 脿 dire des b锚tises, sors de ma vue. Maintenant ! 禄<br /> <br /> 脌 ces mots, le visage de Sharon est devenu rouge de col猫re et d'embarras, et elle s'est pinc茅 les l猫vres pour retenir toute autre objection.<br /> <br /> Juliana s'est 脿 nouveau tourn茅e vers Norah et a demand茅 : 芦 Qu'en penses-tu, Norah ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a rencontr茅 le regard de la vieille dame, des larmes roulant sur ses joues alors qu'elle luttait pour parler. 芦 Je... Je te remercie, Juliana. Mais aujourd'hui, j'ai surpris Madeline et Derek en train de faire l'amour au lit... De plus, l'indiff茅rence de Derek 脿 mon 茅gard m'a fait comprendre qu'il ne servait 脿 rien de continuer ce mariage. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana est devenue p芒le comme la mort, son visage pliss茅 d'inqui茅tude lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 C'est la faute de Derek. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana a tenu fermement les mains de Norah, lui offrant du r茅confort : 芦 Tu as endur茅 茅norm茅ment de choses au cours de ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est rest茅e silencieuse, et un bref silence s'est install茅 dans le salon.<br /> <br /> La seconde suivante, la voix forte de Sharon a rompu le silence. 芦 Madeline, cette garce, est de retour ? bon sang ! Juliana, je vais sortir maintenant. Je dois faire payer cette garce. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon s'est empress茅e de prendre son sac et de sortir du salon.<br /> <br /> Norah a essuy茅 ses larmes et a souri de soulagement en disant : 芦 Je vais bien. C'est vrai. 禄<br /> <br /> Le c艙ur lourd, Juliana a r茅pondu : 芦 Eh bien, je n'insisterai pas plus. Norah, s'il te pla卯t, rends-moi visite une fois que tu en auras l'occasion. Je me contenterais que tu viennes de temps en temps me tenir compagnie. 禄<br /> <br /> Les larmes se sont accumul茅es dans les yeux de Norah pendant que Juliana parlait. Cette vieille dame 茅tait sinc猫rement reconnaissante 脿 Norah, sachant l'importance de cette derni猫re dans le r茅tablissement de Derek apr猫s son coma.<br /> <br /> Norah a tendrement essuy茅 les larmes de Juliana, reconnaissant l'authentique gentillesse dont elle avait fait preuve. 芦 Je le ferai. Eh bien, je vais maintenant partir. S'il te pla卯t, demande 脿 la domestique de te pr茅parer la soupe. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est partie sans se retourner, ignorant la r茅solution dans les yeux de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Se tamponnant les yeux, Juliana a dit au majordome : 芦 Dis 脿 Derek et aux autres de rentrer au Manoir Carter demain 脿 midi. 禄<br /> <br /> Le majordome a r茅pondu : 芦 Compris. 禄<br /> <br /> Alors que Norah sortait du Manoir Carter, le chauffeur de la famille s'est approch茅 d'elle. 芦 Madame, o霉 voulez-vous aller ? 禄<br /> <br /> Le chauffeur est rest茅 poli, consid茅rant toujours Norah comme la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais avec la signature de l'accord de divorce, Norah a compris qu'elle avait rompu les liens avec la famille Carter.<br /> <br /> En jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, Norah a remarqu茅 un nouveau message.<br /> <br /> Il provenait de son amie, Joanna Andrews. 芦 Norah, es-tu libre ce soir pour me rejoindre au Club Glamour ? J'ai entendu dire que Madeline 茅tait revenue et que Derek lui organisait une f锚te de bienvenue ce soir. 脟a va 锚tre un v茅ritable 茅v茅nement. Allons-y aussi. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 courte. 芦 D'accord. 禄<br /> <br /> Le seul commentaire de Joanna 茅tait un point d'interrogation. Le consentement rapide de Norah l'a prise au d茅pourvu.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis officiellement divorc茅e. Je suis donc c茅libataire 脿 partir de maintenant. 禄<br /> <br /> La discussion est rest茅e silencieuse pendant un moment, puis la r茅ponse de Joanna est arriv茅e, pleine d'enthousiasme et de points d'exclamation. 芦 Norah, o霉 es-tu maintenant ? Je te rejoins tout de suite ! Donne-moi juste dix secondes, et j'y serai ! 禄<br /> <br /> Trouvant amusant l'enthousiasme de son amie, Norah lui a indiqu茅 une adresse dans le B芒timent Splendor et a demand茅 au chauffeur : 芦 S'il te pla卯t, emm猫ne-moi au B芒timent Splendor. 禄<br /> <br /> Le B芒timent Splendor 茅tait bien connu 脿 Glophia pour 锚tre un centre commercial de luxe, o霉 l'on trouvait des marques haut de gamme du monde entier.<br /> <br /> D猫s son arriv茅e, Norah a 茅t茅 chaleureusement accueillie. 芦 Noelle, je suis ravie de te voir. Tu es l脿 pour m'apporter les 茅bauches ? 禄<br /> <br /> La somptueuse garde-robe 茅tait remplie de magnifiques robes haute couture, chacune orn茅e de diamants 茅tincelants qui accrochaient la lumi猫re.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, le designer haute couture d'Asodence, s'est approch茅 th茅芒tralement de Norah, lui a pris le bras en disant : 芦 Je suis triste chaque fois que je te vois comme 莽a. Pourquoi tu caches ton beau visage ? Tu es la fleur la plus exquise, pr锚te 脿 s'茅panouir courageusement. 禄<br /> <br /> En clignant des yeux, Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis d'accord avec toi, Aaron. Peux-tu m'aider 脿 me refaire une beaut茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> S'attendant 脿 ce que Norah r茅plique, Aaron 茅tait sur le point de poursuivre la persuasion et s'est soudainement fig茅 aux mots de Norah. 芦 Attends une minute. Tu... Noelle, tu envisages vraiment une transformation ? Oh, mon Dieu ! Venir me voir a 茅t茅 la meilleure d茅cision que tu aies jamais prise. 禄<br /> <br /> Mettant de c么t茅 le sujet des projets de design, Aaron a guid茅 Norah jusqu'脿 un fauteuil de maquillage, en disant : 芦 Ne bouge pas. Je t'assure que tu te transformeras en une femme 茅blouissante lorsque je laisserai ta beaut茅 naturelle et ton charme irr茅sistible op茅rer leur magie. 禄<br /> <br /> Aaron a regard茅 la tenue simple et les cheveux 茅bouriff茅s de Norah, puis a commenc茅 maquiller avec impatience, son pinceau de maquillage 脿 la main.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Joanna est arriv茅e, Norah 茅tait encore en train de se faire maquiller.<br /> <br /> Joanna connaissait bien Aaron. Apr猫s l'avoir salu茅, elle s'est install茅e dans le fauteuil de maquillage voisin et a piqu茅 : 芦 F茅licitations, Norah, pour ton retour officiel 脿 ton c茅libat. Ta fid猫le admiratrice, Joanna, est 脿 ta disposition 脿 tout moment. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah a esquiss茅 un sourire. 芦 Tu me flattes, Joanna. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna a demand茅 avec curiosit茅 : 芦 H茅, tu n'as pas 茅prouv茅 de sentiments profonds pour Derek ? Qu'est-ce qui t'a amen茅e 脿 t'en sortir et 脿 cesser d'锚tre amoureuse ? 禄<br /> <br /> La voix de Norah 茅tait glaciale lorsqu'elle a r茅pondu : 芦 J'ai surpris Madeline et Derek au lit. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de rire. 芦 Madeline est-elle 脿 ce point impatiente ? Elle est 脿 peine revenue et elle s'est d茅j脿 retrouv茅e au lit avec le mari d'une autre. Je me demande 脿 quoi ressemblait sa vie 脿 l'茅tranger. Eh bien, je dois dire que toi et Derek 茅tiez tellement malades d'amour. Il 茅tait accroch茅 脿 son premier amour, et tu 茅tais d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek qui ne te rendait pas la pareille. Est-ce que l'amour rend les gens aveugles 脿 ce point ? 禄<br /> <br /> Au fur et 脿 mesure que Joanna continuait, l'esprit de Norah venait en foule. Aujourd'hui, c'茅tait la premi猫re fois qu'elle rencontrait Madeline.<br /> <br /> Norah avait seulement entendu parler de Madeline par l'interm茅diaire de Derek et du personnel de maison. Ils ont d茅crit Madeline comme 茅tant gentille, empathique, polie et facile 脿 vivre, probablement le genre de personne qui attirait Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah avait toujours fait des efforts pour s'occuper de Derek, adoptant les traits suppos茅s de Madeline et essayant m锚me de lui ressembler pour attirer l'attention de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais 锚tre une rempla莽ante n'a jamais 茅t茅 脿 la hauteur. De plus, Madeline ne ressemblait pas du tout 脿 la personne que Norah avait imagin茅e.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu avec peu d'enthousiasme : 芦 Tu comprendrais si tu avais d茅j脿 ressenti toi-m锚me la piq没re de l'amour. 禄<br /> <br /> Les sourcils de Joanna se sont fronc茅s. 芦 Norah, je ne veux pas me perdre dans l'amour. Je pr茅f猫re rester vive et 锚tre l脿 pour toi. Depuis que tu as int茅gr茅 la famille Carter, nous nous voyons 脿 peine. 禄<br /> <br /> Apr猫s son mariage, Norah a consacr茅 sa vie 脿 Derek et 脿 la famille Carter, laissant derri猫re elle sa vie pass茅e et ses amiti茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, maintenant que tu es divorc茅e, vas-tu 脿 la course 脿 la Montagne Krusa dans cinq jours ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Non 禄, a refus茅 fermement Norah. 芦 Je n'ai pas couru depuis deux ans. Je ne suis plus dans le coup. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna ne semblait pas convaincue. 芦 Pas dans le coup ? Trouve une meilleure excuse la prochaine fois. Dis-moi, Norah, tu as toujours l'espoir de te remettre avec ce salaud de Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna 茅tait sur le point de dire du mal de Derek, mais elle s'est reprise. 芦 Tu te souviens de la course d'il y a trois ans ? Nocturne 茅tait le seul 脿 pouvoir te suivre. Depuis ton abandon, il a remport茅 la premi猫re place 脿 la Course de Montagne Krusa ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. On s'attend 脿 ce qu'il participe 脿 nouveau cette ann茅e. Ne veux-tu pas le voir ? 禄<br /> <br /> La Course de Montagne Krusa 茅tait un 茅v茅nement clandestin exaltant, un rassemblement de l'茅lite jeune et riche de Glophia qui 茅tait passionn茅e par les courses de voitures modifi茅es. Cet 茅v茅nement 茅tait connu pour ses courses palpitantes et attirait un public amateur de sports extr锚mes.<br /> <br /> Pour prot茅ger la vie priv茅e des participants, chaque coureur recevait un masque de la part des organisateurs et utilisait un nom de code pendant la course.<br /> <br /> Un aspect unique de la course 茅tait que le vainqueur pouvait demander aux coureurs vaincus d'enlever leur masque.<br /> <br /> Norah se souvenait de la course passionnante d'il y a trois ans, o霉 Nocturne avait 茅chou茅 de justesse 脿 la premi猫re place, 脿 trois secondes pr猫s.<br /> <br /> L'excitation se lisait dans ses yeux lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 Eh bien, je suppose qu'il n'y a pas de mal 脿 aller le voir. 禄<br /> <br /> L'int茅r锚t d'Aaron a 茅t茅 茅veill茅 par la mention du 芦 divorce 禄. Il a demand茅 : 芦 Tu es divorc茅e, Noelle ? Cet homme ne se rend vraiment pas compte de ce qu'il a perdu. Je suis s没r qu'il regrettera d'avoir laiss茅 partir quelqu'un d'aussi pr茅cieux que toi. Quoi qu'il en soit, 脿 propos de ces projets de design... 禄<br /> <br /> L'attention de Joanna s'est report茅e sur Aaron et elle a demand茅 : 芦 Norah, tu travailles toujours sur des designs pour BelleVogue ? Ce n'est pas 茅tonnant qu'une partie de leur ligne de luxe ressemble 脿 tes cr茅ations. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec fiert茅, Aaron a dit : 芦 Noelle est une designer de mode exceptionnelle, reconnue par l'Association de la Haute Couture. Elle est connue dans le monde entier pour ses cr茅ations, qui atteignent des prix exorbitants. Heureusement, 茅tant proche de Noelle, j'ai 茅t茅 le seul 脿 obtenir quelques-unes de ses cr茅ations au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Roulant des yeux, Joanna a dit : 芦 Tout 莽a, c'est gr芒ce au talent de Norah. Qu'est-ce que cela a 脿 voir avec toi de toute fa莽on ? Allez, d茅p锚che-toi. Je dois 锚tre 茅blouissante ce soir, tout comme Norah. 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 D'accord, d'accord. D茅tends-toi, et je ferai en sorte que vous soyez toutes les deux splendides. 禄<br /> <br /> Une heure plus tard, elles ont fait leur entr茅e au Club Glamour.<br /> <br /> Sur la piste de danse, des lumi猫res vibrantes virevoltaient et illuminaient les murs et le sol. La musique 茅tait entra卯nante et les gens dansaient, le visage rayonnant de joie dans l'odeur d'alcool et de fum茅e qui flottait dans l'air.<br /> <br /> Le deuxi猫me 茅tage proposait une ambiance plus calme, o霉 Norah, qui se pr茅lassait seule sur un canap茅 en sirotant sa boisson, attirait les regards curieux. Norah portait une mini robe blanche argent茅e sans bretelles, ses cheveux ch芒tains l茅g猫rement boucl茅s tombaient en cascade dans son dos. La courbe 茅l茅gante de son cou brillait d'une lueur douce tandis qu'elle penchait la t锚te pour siroter sa boisson.<br /> <br /> 芦 Voil脿 ma Norah ! 禄, s'est exclam茅e Joanna, assise en face de Norah. 芦 Tu ne t'es pas jointe 脿 moi ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, toujours v锚tue de ces robes d茅mod茅es 脿 la r茅sidence des Carter. Ne te sentais-tu pas 茅touff茅e ? C'est si bon de te revoir dans ton 茅l茅ment. J'en suis tr猫s heureuse. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah sirotait silencieusement son verre, sans rien dire.<br /> <br /> Alors que le liquide br没lant glissait le long de sa gorge et dans son ventre, son corps se r茅chauffait peu 脿 peu.<br /> <br /> Bien que Norah se soit mari茅e dans la famille Carter et qu'elle ait pris soin de Derek tous les jours, elle aimait toujours porter des tenues 茅l茅gantes et un joli maquillage. Pourtant, Sharon et Kathy, la s艙ur de Derek, lui reprochaient souvent d'锚tre trop voyante. Selon elles, Derek 茅tant clou茅 au lit, elle n'avait pas 脿 s'habiller de fa莽on aussi 茅tincelante.<br /> <br /> Finalement, pour le bien de Derek, Norah avait r茅duit ses soins de toilette pour se consacrer enti猫rement 脿 lui, devenant son aide-soignante permanente.<br /> <br /> Mais cette 茅poque appartenait au pass茅. Lib茅r茅e de la famille Carter, Norah pouvait d茅sormais s'habiller comme elle le souhaitait, sans se soucier de leurs critiques.<br /> <br /> Joanna a jet茅 un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, puis a lev茅 les yeux. 芦 Norah, tu as pr茅vu de perturber la stupide f锚te de bienvenue de Derek pour cette salope tout 脿 l'heure ? Veux-tu que j'am猫ne quelques personnes pour faire une sc猫ne ? 禄<br /> <br /> Les yeux de Norah 茅taient fix茅s sur le liquide dor茅 qui tourbillonnait dans son verre alors qu'elle le d茅pla莽ait doucement. 芦 Nous ne sommes pas venues au Club Glamour pour Derek, n'est-ce pas ? Alors, qui est la personne que tu veux que je rencontre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna semblait surprise, puis a affich茅 un sourire malin. 芦 Norah, o霉 veux-tu en venir ? Nous sommes l脿 pour mettre le feu aux poudres ! 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Le Club Glamour appartient 脿 la famille Morris. Je pr茅f猫re ne pas me mettre dans leur dos 禄, a dit calmement Norah. 芦 Je sais que la stupide f锚te de Derek n'est qu'une excuse. Alors, dis-moi la v茅rit茅. Qui cherche 脿 me rencontrer par le biais de tes arrangements ? 禄<br /> <br /> Leur conversation a 茅t茅 coup茅e par une sonnerie de t茅l茅phone. Joanna a rapidement d茅croch茅, son visage changeant au fur et 脿 mesure de l'appel. Faisant signe qu'elle devait s'茅loigner, elle a murmur茅 : 芦 Je dois r茅pondre. Je reviens vite. 禄<br /> <br /> En voyant l'inqui茅tude sur le visage de Joanna, Norah a compris que celle-ci devait s'occuper de quelque chose d'urgent. Elle a donc acquiesc茅 et a pos茅 son verre, qui a l茅g猫rement tint茅 sur la table.<br /> <br /> Quels que soient les plans 茅labor茅s par l'interm茅diaire de Joanna, Norah 茅tait s没re que cette derni猫re ne se retournerait pas contre elle.<br /> <br /> 芦 H茅, ma jolie, tu es toute seule ? 脟a te d茅range si je me joins 脿 toi pour boire un verre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Pendant les deux ann茅es de son mariage, Norah aimait son mari de toute son 芒me et a esp茅r茅 lui rendre la pareille.<br /> Mais lorsque la premi猫re amour de Derek est revenue, ce dernier a demand茅 le divorce.<br /> Norah a sign茅 l'accord de divorce sans h茅siter.<br /> Bien qu'elle soit consid茅r茅e comme une femme d茅laiss茅e, peu de gens connaissaient ses v茅ritables talents.<br /> Elle 茅tait pilote de course, designer de renom, hacker talentueuse et docteure r茅put茅e.<br /> Regrettant sa d茅cision, Derek l'a suppli茅e de lui pardonner.<br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, un charmant PDG est soudain apparu, serrant Norah dans ses bras et disant 脿 Derek : 芦 Va-t'en, c'est ma femme ! 禄<br /> Norah a 茅t茅 choqu茅e et s'est exclam茅e : 芦 Qu'est-ce que tu as dit ? 禄<br /> <br /> Que se passe-t-il ensuite? <br /> Le nombre de chapitres affich茅s est limit茅. Appuyez sur le bouton ci-dessous pour installer notre application et lire les chapitres suivants. <br /> (Acc茅der automatiquement 脿 ce livre en ouvrant l'application)<br /> &7& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.kifflire.com/17678410-fb_contact-fra | 277708475430260 | Love Bible | https://facebook.com/61558417004295 | 175 | 1 | 459,980,506,510,497 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Love Bible | 120207870645600430 | fbweb.kifflire.com | NONE | video | https://fbweb.kifflire.com/17678410-fb_contact-fra125_8-0424-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=066827&accid=1415319349346365 | 2024-04-26 20:58 | https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438094582_884710783668922_8120034640599345889_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=udDb5tIo5m4Q7kNvgE2iX6t&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBZ134qdl2cLTH2JnhOkMHQ1n0dLJYYeMUB0Zg1u5mRjg&oe=6634C71E | person_profile | 0 | Love Bible | https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438095748_1384061118968427_8734454083633990746_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ewzW5sVmTzAQ7kNvgEh_3cZ&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDjSDIyQuaXbgJCRickaeccZ70ltQJwG6qY825pSNpl-Q&oe=6634A968 | 0 | 3 | Love Bible | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 1474664356797811 | Read next chapter | After the divorce, she made a spectacular comeback as a top designer, elite race car driver, renowned healer, and genius hacker, stunning everyone and leaving her scoundrel ex-husband full of regret!<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 1 | 1,080,791,576,337,737 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120210527308830596 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=414788011273594 | 2024-04-26 05:16 | https://scontent.fosu2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438100556_401573499389958_8801917017835472480_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=86AbsEkh5g8Ab4dj_7R&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-2.fna&oh=00_AfCbYtsg4dYJMb56-6foYQHwcMADbYwPA4PWaRFO1a-xbQ&oe=6634BAE8 | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent.fosu2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437574707_424636366866239_8591441219994588966_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3U2bnWOjOsIAb4CmVfC&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-1.fna&oh=00_AfC6GCPTlRGKsSnHghy0zZALPngxtbgGCgWMcXzcEBY7_w&oe=6634A8EC | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-26 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 251928927944146 | Continuer la lecture | Chapitre1 Divorce<br /> Dans la chambre 脿 la lumi猫re tamis茅e, un homme et une femme install茅s sur un lit spacieux se livraient 脿 des moments d'affection.<br /> 芦 Imagine que Norah nous surprenne ici, dans son lit. Crois-tu qu'elle serait furieuse au point de pleurer ? 禄, a dit la femme d'un ton enjou茅.<br /> 芦 Ce n'est pas son lit. Apr猫s toutes ces ann茅es, je n'ai jamais partag茅 le moindre contact avec elle. Elle dort toujours dans la chambre d'amis d'脿 c么t茅 禄, a r茅pondu l'homme en ricanant.<br /> 芦 Derek, tu es si bon avec moi... 禄<br /> <br /> Les doux murmures des deux se sont m锚l茅s 脿 leur respiration lourde.<br /> <br /> Au-dessus du lit, le mur immacul茅 茅tait orn茅 d'une photo de mariage repr茅sentant une jeune mari茅e dont l'expression 茅tait empreinte d'une douce joie.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s un moment, leur intimit茅 a cess茅.<br /> <br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, une jeune femme qui se trouvait 脿 la porte s'est couvert la bouche de ses mains, des larmes coulant sur son visage en les entendant.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter a mis son short pour aller chercher un verre d'eau. Il a 茅t茅 surpris de trouver Norah Wilson assise silencieusement dans le salon. Il se demandait quand celle-ci 茅tait revenue et ce qu'elle avait pu entendre.<br /> <br /> 芦 Est-ce que tu as tout entendu ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek apr猫s s'锚tre install茅 sur le canap茅 du salon avec un verre d'eau.<br /> <br /> Les su莽ons laissaient entrevoir la minceur de Derek, mais il ne se souciait pas de savoir si Norah les voyait ou ce qu'elle pouvait ressentir. Il s'est content茅 de boire une gorg茅e d'eau.<br /> <br /> 芦 Il est temps que tu signes ceci. 禄 Derek a sorti un document d'un tiroir et l'a jet茅 sur la table. 芦 Puisque tu as peut-锚tre d茅j脿 tout entendu, il est inutile de faire tra卯ner les choses. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a timidement pris le document, son regard pos茅 rapidement sur les mots 芦 Accord de divorce 禄 sur la premi猫re page. Elle l'a feuillet茅 jusqu'脿 la fin, notant la signature flamboyante de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> 芦 R茅vise-le. Si tu veux ajouter des conditions, fais-le-moi savoir. Sinon, signe-le 禄, a ordonn茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Se penchant en arri猫re, Derek a allum茅 une cigarette, la fum茅e masquant son attitude d茅tach茅e.<br /> <br /> Depuis son mariage dans la famille Carter, Norah 茅tait d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek, esp茅rant un avenir rempli de bonheur.<br /> <br /> Elle se souvenait du gar莽on qui l'avait prot茅g茅e dans une temp锚te de neige et elle souhaitait toujours rester 脿 ses c么t茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Tu ne peux pas faire une autre tentative pour nous ? 禄 La t锚te baiss茅e et la voix rauque 脿 cause des larmes, la frange lisse de Norah tombait sur le bord sombre de ses lunettes, soulignant son air triste.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, tu fais vraiment piti茅. Tu savais ce qui s'茅tait pass茅 entre Madeline et moi. Alors pourquoi tu t'accroches 脿 锚tre ma femme ? Ne sois pas si mesquine. 禄 L'impatience de Derek s'est manifest茅e lorsqu'il a tap茅 des cendres dans le plateau et a ajout茅 : 芦 Notre mariage n'a jamais 茅t茅 plus qu'un arrangement pratique. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a senti son c艙ur se briser, se rendant compte que Madeline Powell 茅tait celle que Derek aimait vraiment. Elle l'a enfin compris.<br /> <br /> Des ann茅es auparavant, lorsque Madeline 茅tait partie 脿 l'茅tranger, Derek l'avait poursuivie, mais il avait 茅t茅 victime d'un tragique accident de voiture qui l'avait laiss茅 inconscient. Derek devait 茅pouser Luna Wilson, de la famille Wilson. Cependant, Luna s'茅tait mise 脿 fr茅quenter un autre homme et avait eu un enfant, incitant les Wilson 脿 proposer Norah comme 茅pouse de substitution. Norah avait donc pris la place de Luna pour devenir la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah s'茅tait consacr茅e aux soins de Derek, coupant presque tous les liens avec sa vie ant茅rieure pour lui. Elle avait abandonn茅 ses passions, y compris le design, la course automobile, la chirurgie m茅dicale et le codage, pour se concentrer uniquement sur lui.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma il y a un an, Norah 茅tait toujours 脿 ses c么t茅s pour s'occuper de lui sans rel芒che. Pourtant, Derek semblait touch茅 par la tendresse de Madeline lorsqu'elle est revenue de l'茅tranger.<br /> <br /> Malgr茅 deux ans de mariage et de soins, Norah a d没 admettre qu'elle n'avait pas r茅ussi 脿 gagner une place dans le c艙ur de Derek.<br /> <br /> Ne recevant aucune r茅ponse de Norah, Derek n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de froncer les sourcils, 茅tudiant la jeune femme assise en face de lui.<br /> <br /> Norah 茅tait ind茅niablement s茅duisante, m锚me avec sa frange 茅paisse et ses grosses lunettes encadrant son visage, mais elle n茅gligeait souvent son apparence, paraissant d茅braill茅e. Elle avait une personnalit茅 tr猫s r茅serv茅e.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma, Norah 茅tait 脿 ses c么t茅s vingt-quatre heures sur vingt-quatre, mais il ne ressentait aucun lien affectif avec elle. Au lieu de cela, il la trouvait terriblement ennuyeuse.<br /> <br /> Les soins et l'attention constants, l'aspect banal et la routine de la vie 茅taient aussi ennuyeux que de l'eau plate. Derek trouvait tout cela extr锚mement barbant.<br /> <br /> Il reconnaissait le r么le de Norah en tant que femme au foyer de la famille Carter au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es, mais il n'avait jamais pens茅 qu'elle 茅tait digne d'锚tre son 茅pouse.<br /> <br /> Tout en 茅teignant une autre cigarette, Derek a dit avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je suis au courant de tes difficult茅s avec la famille Wilson. Apr猫s le divorce, je te donnerai trois villas et trente millions. Tu pourras prendre n'importe quelle voiture au garage. Cela devrait te garantir une vie confortable 脿 l'avenir 禄, a propos茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Celui-ci n'oublierait jamais les soins prodigu茅s par Norah lorsqu'il 茅tait clou茅 au lit et sa compagnie lors de ses exercices de r茅cup茅ration apr猫s son r茅veil du coma.<br /> <br /> Bien qu'il n'茅prouve aucune affection pour Norah, Derek 茅tait pr锚t 脿 lui offrir un r猫glement g茅n茅reux pour ses ann茅es de d茅vouement. En effet, elle lui avait consacr茅 les deux ann茅es enti猫res de sa vie.<br /> <br /> Pendant que Derek croisait les bras, Norah a aper莽u un petit tatouage sur la clavicule de l'homme, aggravant son angoisse. Il portait les initiales MP pour Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> La patience de Derek s'est 茅puis茅e. 芦 Vu les circonstances, je te laisse un jour pour y r茅fl茅chir. Si les conditions ne te conviennent pas, n'h茅site pas 脿 proposer des modifications, mais ne va pas trop loin. Tu sais que je n'ai toujours pas beaucoup de patience... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas besoin d'y r茅fl茅chir. 禄 En prenant le stylo sur la table, Norah a 茅crit son nom sur les papiers du divorce. 芦 Je vais faire mes bagages et partir bient么t. Je ne vous d茅rangerai plus 脿 tous les deux. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a approuv茅 d'un signe de t锚te. 芦 C'est bon 脿 entendre. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek appr茅ciait la fa莽on dont Norah se conformait toujours, un peu comme une domestique qui ne contestait jamais ses d茅cisions. Comme aujourd'hui, par exemple. Elle aurait pu faire du grabuge, mais elle s'est content茅e de garder la paix.<br /> <br /> Pour Derek, le comportement de Norah 茅tait trop terne. Il avait peur que le fait de c么toyer quelqu'un d'aussi banal ne finisse par d茅teindre sur lui. Apr猫s tout, l'amour n'茅tait pas quelque chose qui pouvait 锚tre forc茅.<br /> <br /> Alors que Derek s'appr锚tait 脿 dire quelque chose apr猫s avoir parcouru l'accord, Madeline, v锚tue d'une chemise blanche, est sortie 茅l茅gamment.<br /> <br /> Sa chemise couvrait 脿 peine ses cuisses, et seuls quelques boutons 茅taient relev茅s, exposant beaucoup de peau.<br /> <br /> Ses cheveux 茅taient humides, ce qui faisait que la chemise collait l茅g猫rement 脿 sa peau, ajoutant un aspect s茅duisant 脿 son apparence.<br /> <br /> En entendant le mouvement, Norah s'est retourn茅e pour voir Madeline portant ce qu'elle a imm茅diatement reconnu comme 茅tant la chemise de Derek, qu'elle avait choisie pour lui.<br /> <br /> Leurs regards se sont crois茅s et Madeline a adress茅 脿 Norah un sourire suffisant et moqueur.<br /> <br /> Mais lorsque le regard de Derek a suivi, Madeline a rapidement masqu茅 son sourire.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, nous nous rencontrons enfin. Je suis Madeline Powell. 禄 Avec gr芒ce, Madeline s'est approch茅e de Derek et a pris place 脿 ses c么t茅s. S'appuyant sur son 茅paule, elle a dit : 芦 J'ai entendu Derek parler souvent de toi. Je suis ravie de te rencontrer. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux, sans rien r茅pondre.<br /> <br /> Madeline a ensuite donn茅 un coup de coude 脿 Derek pour l'amuser. 芦 J'ai entendu dire que tu offrais trois villas 脿 Norah. Tu ne savais pas que je voulais la villa pr猫s du lac ? Pourquoi lui as-tu promis cela ? Est-ce que tu ne m'aimes plus ? 禄<br /> <br /> Derek, toujours aussi indulgent 脿 l'茅gard des demandes de Madeline, s'est retourn茅 vers Norah. 芦 Je vais te donner une autre villa. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a regard茅 Derek 脿 travers ses lunettes. 芦 Mais tu n'as pas dit que celle-l脿 m'茅tait destin茅e ? 禄<br /> <br /> La moue de Madeline s'est intensifi茅e. 芦 Derek... 禄<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek a laiss茅 transpara卯tre une pointe d'agacement. 芦 Norah, n'as-tu pas compris ce que je viens de dire ? Consid猫re 莽a comme une faveur. Si tu n'es pas d'accord avec les changements, tu pars sans rien. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre2 Lui donner une le莽on<br /> 芦 Norah, j'ai jet茅 mon d茅volu sur cette villa au bord du lac. Choisis quelque chose d'autre pour toi. J'ai r锚v茅 qu'elle devienne ma nouvelle maison avec Derek 禄, a avou茅 Madeline, en se blottissant plus 茅troitement dans les bras de Derek. 芦 C'est mon r锚ve depuis longtemps. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a ressenti une vague de nostalgie 脿 ses mots.<br /> <br /> Norah a laiss茅 茅chapper un petit rire en entendant cela.<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a te fait rire ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek, confus. Il trouvait 茅trange qu'elle sourie, surtout apr猫s ce qu'il venait de dire.<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est blottie contre Derek, l'encolure ouverte de sa chemise r茅v茅lant une grande partie de sa peau douce. En tournoyant distraitement une m猫che de ses cheveux, elle a capt茅 l'attention de Derek, qui a aussit么t pos茅 la main sur l'茅paule de celle-ci.<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 glaciale. 芦 Je ris en pensant 脿 quel point j'ai 茅t茅 stupide. 禄<br /> <br /> Sans h茅siter, Norah a pris le verre d'eau de Derek sur la table et l'a vers茅 sur ce dernier et Madeline. La soudaine cascade d'eau les a laiss茅s sous le choc.<br /> <br /> Derek, outr茅, a cri茅 : 芦 Norah, es-tu devenue folle ? 禄<br /> <br /> Debout, Norah a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 M. Carter, je pensais que tu 茅tais un homme de parole. Puisque tu as donn茅 ta parole, tiens-la. Sinon, admets que tu es un escroc. 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline, habitu茅e 脿 l'indulgence de Derek, avait un temp茅rament f茅roce. Elle avait simplement l'habitude de feindre la vuln茅rabilit茅 et la soumission pour obtenir l'affection des hommes.<br /> <br /> Furieuse, Madeline s'est lev茅e et a bouscul茅 Norah avec force. 芦 Nous avons 茅t茅 trop indulgents avec toi. Tu crois que tu peux nous parler ainsi ? Pour qui te prends-tu ? Comment oses-tu nous manquer de respect, 脿 Derek et 脿 moi ? 禄<br /> <br /> Elle s'est ensuite r茅fugi茅e 脿 nouveau dans les bras de Derek. 芦 Derek, Norah a d茅pass茅 les bornes. Tu dois lui donner une le莽on. 禄<br /> <br /> Regardant Derek pitoyablement, elle a implor茅 : 芦 Regarde, mes cheveux et mes v锚tements sont tremp茅s. 禄<br /> <br /> Sa chemise blanche tremp茅e lui collait 脿 la peau, mettant en valeur sa silhouette 茅l茅gante.<br /> <br /> Norah les a regard茅s calmement, comme si elle assistait 脿 un num茅ro de cirque.<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas demand茅 ces villas et ces propri茅t茅s. La famille Carter est assez riche, mais elle h茅site encore pour de si petites choses. Je comprends. Tu consid猫res que je ne le m茅rite pas 禄, a dit Norah, le ton plein d'autod茅rision et d'amertume. Cependant, Derek a senti un changement profond dans l'attitude de Norah.<br /> <br /> Derek a serr茅 la m芒choire, essuyant l'eau de son visage avant de se tourner vers Madeline. 芦 Il y a de nombreuses villas 脿 mon nom. Choisis-en d'autres et elles t'appartiendront. 禄<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la col猫re de Madeline 脿 l'茅gard de Norah couvait. 脌 part Derek, personne n'avait os茅 lui manquer de respect de cette fa莽on. L'id茅e que Norah, l'ex-femme ind茅sirable de Derek, se comporte ainsi 茅tait insupportable.<br /> <br /> Madeline a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, exigeant : 芦 Alors, vas-tu me c茅der cette villa ou non ? 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah 茅tait cat茅gorique. 芦 Non. 禄<br /> <br /> Clac ! Le bruit d'une gifle a retenti lorsque Madeline a frapp茅 Norah avec force.<br /> <br /> 芦 Comment oses-tu ? Sans la gr芒ce de Derek, tu es juste une personne sans importance dans la famille Wilson. Tu n'es qu'une b芒tarde ! 禄, s'est emport茅e Madeline.<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek s'est assombri bri猫vement avant qu'il ne retrouve son calme, conseillant 脿 Madeline : 芦 Ne t'茅nerve pas pour elle. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah s'est touch茅 la joue, grima莽ant 脿 cause de la br没lure de la gifle. Elle a go没t茅 le sang et a lanc茅 un regard 脿 Madeline, marmonnant : 芦 Tu manques de savoir-vivre... 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est r茅fugi茅e dans l'茅treinte de Derek en se vantant : 芦 J'ai Derek 脿 mes c么t茅s. Et toi ? Tu n'es rien d'autre qu'une vagabonde abandonn茅e... Ah ! Norah ! 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lanc茅 un vase, qui s'est 茅cras茅 contre le sol pr猫s du canap茅, se brisant en morceaux avec un bruit sec.<br /> <br /> 芦 Si tu as envie d'aboyer ainsi, ne te g锚ne pas 禄, a r茅torqu茅 Norah en s'approchant. Elle a pris Madeline par les cheveux, l'obligeant 脿 lever les yeux vers elle avant de la gifler f茅rocement.<br /> <br /> Le cri de Madeline emplissait la pi猫ce. 芦 Derek ! 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a r茅prim茅 sa rage, estimant que Norah avait d茅pass茅 les bornes aujourd'hui.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s avoir rel芒ch茅 Madeline, Norah s'est retir茅e, disant avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je vous laisse tous les deux. Je vous souhaite de trouver la joie, d'avoir beaucoup d'enfants et de partager un lien qui durera toute votre vie. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a ensuite quitt茅 la r茅sidence de Derek, laissant derri猫re elle le bruit des sanglots de Madeline.<br /> <br /> M锚me lorsque la porte a claqu茅, Madeline, toujours furieuse, s'est plainte 脿 Derek : 芦 Comment ose-t-elle ? Elle nous a vers茅 d'eau et m'a gifl茅e. Il faut que tu lui donnes une le莽on... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a suffit ! 禄, l'a interrompue Derek. Se massant les tempes, Derek a adouci sa voix. 芦 Nous avons sign茅 l'accord de divorce. Je ne veux plus 锚tre m锚l茅 脿 elle. Madeline, j'exaucerai tes souhaits. Calme-toi, s'il te pla卯t. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec une moue, Madeline s'est blottie dans les bras de Derek, exprimant sa frustration : 芦 Le comportement de Norah 脿 ton 茅gard m'茅nerve. Tu as toujours dit qu'elle 茅tait docile, mais elle n'茅tait pas du tout comme 莽a. Elle semblait si agressive. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek s'est souvenu de Norah attrapant la tasse et versant l'eau, du regard froid qu'elle avait lanc茅 脿 Madeline lorsqu'elle l'avait gifl茅e. C'茅tait une facette de Norah qu'il n'avait jamais vue auparavant. 脌 ce moment-l脿, il s'est rendu compte qu'il ne la connaissait pas bien. L'impression qu'il avait eue de Norah n'茅tait qu'une femme docile.<br /> <br /> En partant, Norah a trouv茅 une berline noire qui l'attendait 脿 la porte. Le chauffeur, avec respect, a dit : 芦 Mme Norah Carter, Mme Juliana Carter veut vous voir. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu et incertaine de ce qu'elle allait faire, Norah est entr茅e dans le v茅hicule sans r茅fl茅chir.<br /> <br /> La voiture s'est lentement arr锚t茅e devant une grande villa. Il s'agissait du Manoir Carter, la r茅sidence des grands-parents de Derek.<br /> <br /> 芦 Mme Norah Carter... 禄, a salu茅 le majordome, guidant Norah qui 茅tait apparemment pr茅occup茅e 脿 l'int茅rieur.<br /> <br /> Le majordome semblait vouloir poursuivre la conversation, mais il a finalement choisi de rester silencieux. 芦 Mme Juliana Carter m'a dit qu'elle ne vous avait pas vue depuis un moment. Le d卯ner n'est pas encore servi. Vous pourriez parler avec elle avant. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux et n'a pas r茅pondu. Elle avait l'impression que Juliana essayait de la convaincre de reconsid茅rer le divorce.<br /> <br /> Le manoir, habituellement calme et habit茅 uniquement par les grands-parents de Derek, 茅tait anim茅 lorsque Juliana Carter, la grand-m猫re de Derek, a remarqu茅 l'arriv茅e de Norah et l'a chaleureusement invit茅e en disant : 芦 Norah, viens ici et assieds-toi. 禄<br /> <br /> En s'installant, Norah a salu茅 Juliana avec un sourire, malgr茅 l'agitation qui r茅gnait en elle.<br /> <br /> En prenant la main de la jeune femme, Juliana a exprim茅 son inqui茅tude : 芦 Cela fait longtemps que tu n'es pas venue me rendre visite. Comment 莽a se passe avec Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a devin茅 que Juliana la testait. Elle se doutait bien que la vieille dame n'茅tait pas au courant du retour de Madeline dans le pays.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu d'une voix paisible : 芦 Derek pense que nous devrions divorcer. Eh bien, je viens de signer l'accord de divorce, pour laisser la place 脿 Madeline. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Juliana 茅tait vive. 芦 Madeline ? C'est elle qui a provoqu茅 l'accident de voiture de Derek. Comment ose-t-elle entrer 脿 nouveau dans sa vie ? Ne t'inqui猫te pas. C'est toi que je pr茅f猫re plut么t que cette femme. Alors, y a-t-il une chance que tu reconsid猫res le divorce ? 禄<br /> <br /> La pr茅occupation de Juliana a rendu Norah m茅lancolique. Pendant deux ans, elle a 茅t茅 profond茅ment amoureuse de Derek, mais en vain.<br /> <br /> 芦 Le divorce ? C'est peut-锚tre mieux ainsi ! 禄 Sharon Carter, la m猫re de Derek, s'est approch茅e avec un sourire en coin, sa pr茅sence d茅gageant sophistication et charme tandis qu'elle se d茅pla莽ait avec une gr芒ce captivante.<br /> <br /> Juliana, t茅moin de son comportement, est devenue furieuse. 芦 Marche convenablement ! Pourquoi marches-tu ainsi ? Tu n'as pas de bonnes mani猫res. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu par la r茅primande, Sharon a chang茅 d'expression et s'est sentie mal 脿 l'aise. Jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 Norah qui s'est assise 脿 c么t茅 de Juliana, elle a dit d'un ton glacial : 芦 Heureusement qu'ils sont divorc茅s. 脌 l'origine, Derek devait se marier avec Luna Wilson, la fille a卯n茅e de la famille Wilson. Devinez quoi ? Luna a eu une liaison honteuse avec quelqu'un d'autre et s'est retrouv茅e enceinte.<br /> <br /> Depuis que je vis 脿 Glophia, je n'ai jamais entendu dire que la famille Wilson avait une autre fille. Je me demande bien d'o霉 vient cette fille ill茅gitime... En jouant le r么le de l'茅pouse de Derek ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, cette femme n'a-t-elle pas assez profit茅 de la richesse et de la prosp茅rit茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre3 Le changement de Norah<br /> Norah a pris la main de Juliana, son expression illumin茅e d'un sourire, semblant ignorer les commentaires acerbes de Sharon. 芦 Tu sembles tousser un peu. Je connais une soupe qui t'aidera 脿 calmer la toux. Je donnerai la recette au majordome plus tard. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, qui avait toujours appr茅ci茅 la docilit茅 et la gentillesse de Norah, a r茅pondu chaleureusement : 芦 Tu es un ange, Norah. Eh bien, je suis vieille et ma sant茅 d茅cline avec l'芒ge. Ma ch茅rie, tu es la seule 脿 te soucier autant de mon bien-锚tre. 禄<br /> <br /> Se sentant ignor茅e, le visage de Sharon est devenu p芒le et elle a raill茅 : 芦 Oh, arr锚te ! Maintenant que l'accord de divorce est sign茅, tu n'as plus besoin de jouer la com茅die. Crois-tu honn锚tement que rester proche de Juliana te donnera le droit de continuer 脿 profiter de la famille Carter ? 禄<br /> <br /> Avant que Norah ne puisse r茅pondre, Juliana s'est interpos茅e : 芦 Norah a toujours 茅t茅 gentille avec nous tous depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille. Elle 茅tait aux c么t茅s de Derek pendant son coma, s'occupant de lui avec diligence. Sans parler du fait qu'elle nous a toujours trait茅s avec respect, toi et moi. Pourquoi es-tu si ingrate maintenant, apr猫s tout ce qu'elle a fait pour notre famille ces deux derni猫res ann茅es ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Juliana ! Norah n'est rien d'autre qu'une b芒tarde de la famille Wilson. Pourquoi continues-tu 脿 la d茅fendre ? 禄 Sharon a tap茅 du pied.<br /> <br /> Sharon a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, en insistant : 芦 Ai-je dit quelque chose de mal ? Comment cette salope m茅rite-t-elle d'锚tre la femme de Derek ? Si ton mari et toi n'aviez pas insist茅 pour qu'elle 茅pouse Derek, je n'aurais jamais accept茅 cette femme. De plus, elle profite de la fortune de la famille Carter depuis le mariage. C'est normal qu'elle nous traite avec respect.<br /> <br /> Pourquoi donnes-tu l'impression qu'elle a fait quelque chose de formidable ? De plus, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille il y a deux ans. Tu veux des arri猫re-petits-enfants, n'est-ce pas ? Je parie que Derek a divorc茅 脿 cause de cela. 禄<br /> <br /> L'expression de Juliana est devenue s茅v猫re. 芦 Sharon, fais attention 脿 ce que tu dis. Comment peux-tu dire de telles absurdit茅s ? 禄<br /> <br /> M锚me si elle 茅tait d茅concert茅e par l'expression s茅v猫re de Juliana, Sharon a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 Je ne fais qu'茅noncer des faits. Heureusement, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant, car cela aurait pu compliquer le divorce. N'importe lequel de ses enfants serait aussi malvenu. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, visiblement troubl茅e par les propos de Sharon mais serrant la main de Norah de mani猫re rassurante, a conseill茅 : 芦 Ignore-la, Norah. Elle est grossi猫re et impertinente. S'il te pla卯t, je te conseille vivement de ne pas te pr茅cipiter dans le divorce. Tant que je serai en vie, je ne reconna卯trai que toi comme la femme de Derek. Mon mari et moi t'appr茅cions beaucoup. Ne t'inqui猫te pas de la r茅action de Derek. Concentre-toi sur la bonne entente avec Derek et sur une vie de couple 茅panouie. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon, les yeux remplis de frustration, a demand茅 : 芦 Juliana, qu'est-ce qui ne va pas chez toi ? Pourquoi toi et ton mari d茅fendez-vous toujours Norah ? bon sang ! Norah, ne te ridiculise pas, c'est fini entre toi et Drek. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lev茅 les yeux vers Juliana, des larmes y brillant.<br /> <br /> Juliana, gardant son calme, a affirm茅 : 芦 Arr锚te tes b锚tises, Sharon. Tu n'as pas ton mot 脿 dire concernant le mariage de Derek. Reste en dehors de cette affaire. Et nous devons 锚tre reconnaissants 脿 Norah. Si tu continues 脿 dire des b锚tises, sors de ma vue. Maintenant ! 禄<br /> <br /> 脌 ces mots, le visage de Sharon est devenu rouge de col猫re et d'embarras, et elle s'est pinc茅 les l猫vres pour retenir toute autre objection.<br /> <br /> Juliana s'est 脿 nouveau tourn茅e vers Norah et a demand茅 : 芦 Qu'en penses-tu, Norah ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a rencontr茅 le regard de la vieille dame, des larmes roulant sur ses joues alors qu'elle luttait pour parler. 芦 Je... Je te remercie, Juliana. Mais aujourd'hui, j'ai surpris Madeline et Derek en train de faire l'amour au lit... De plus, l'indiff茅rence de Derek 脿 mon 茅gard m'a fait comprendre qu'il ne servait 脿 rien de continuer ce mariage. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana est devenue p芒le comme la mort, son visage pliss茅 d'inqui茅tude lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 C'est la faute de Derek. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana a tenu fermement les mains de Norah, lui offrant du r茅confort : 芦 Tu as endur茅 茅norm茅ment de choses au cours de ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est rest茅e silencieuse, et un bref silence s'est install茅 dans le salon.<br /> <br /> La seconde suivante, la voix forte de Sharon a rompu le silence. 芦 Madeline, cette garce, est de retour ? bon sang ! Juliana, je vais sortir maintenant. Je dois faire payer cette garce. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon s'est empress茅e de prendre son sac et de sortir du salon.<br /> <br /> Norah a essuy茅 ses larmes et a souri de soulagement en disant : 芦 Je vais bien. C'est vrai. 禄<br /> <br /> Le c艙ur lourd, Juliana a r茅pondu : 芦 Eh bien, je n'insisterai pas plus. Norah, s'il te pla卯t, rends-moi visite une fois que tu en auras l'occasion. Je me contenterais que tu viennes de temps en temps me tenir compagnie. 禄<br /> <br /> Les larmes se sont accumul茅es dans les yeux de Norah pendant que Juliana parlait. Cette vieille dame 茅tait sinc猫rement reconnaissante 脿 Norah, sachant l'importance de cette derni猫re dans le r茅tablissement de Derek apr猫s son coma.<br /> <br /> Norah a tendrement essuy茅 les larmes de Juliana, reconnaissant l'authentique gentillesse dont elle avait fait preuve. 芦 Je le ferai. Eh bien, je vais maintenant partir. S'il te pla卯t, demande 脿 la domestique de te pr茅parer la soupe. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est partie sans se retourner, ignorant la r茅solution dans les yeux de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Se tamponnant les yeux, Juliana a dit au majordome : 芦 Dis 脿 Derek et aux autres de rentrer au Manoir Carter demain 脿 midi. 禄<br /> <br /> Le majordome a r茅pondu : 芦 Compris. 禄<br /> <br /> Alors que Norah sortait du Manoir Carter, le chauffeur de la famille s'est approch茅 d'elle. 芦 Madame, o霉 voulez-vous aller ? 禄<br /> <br /> Le chauffeur est rest茅 poli, consid茅rant toujours Norah comme la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais avec la signature de l'accord de divorce, Norah a compris qu'elle avait rompu les liens avec la famille Carter.<br /> <br /> En jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, Norah a remarqu茅 un nouveau message.<br /> <br /> Il provenait de son amie, Joanna Andrews. 芦 Norah, es-tu libre ce soir pour me rejoindre au Club Glamour ? J'ai entendu dire que Madeline 茅tait revenue et que Derek lui organisait une f锚te de bienvenue ce soir. 脟a va 锚tre un v茅ritable 茅v茅nement. Allons-y aussi. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 courte. 芦 D'accord. 禄<br /> <br /> Le seul commentaire de Joanna 茅tait un point d'interrogation. Le consentement rapide de Norah l'a prise au d茅pourvu.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis officiellement divorc茅e. Je suis donc c茅libataire 脿 partir de maintenant. 禄<br /> <br /> La discussion est rest茅e silencieuse pendant un moment, puis la r茅ponse de Joanna est arriv茅e, pleine d'enthousiasme et de points d'exclamation. 芦 Norah, o霉 es-tu maintenant ? Je te rejoins tout de suite ! Donne-moi juste dix secondes, et j'y serai ! 禄<br /> <br /> Trouvant amusant l'enthousiasme de son amie, Norah lui a indiqu茅 une adresse dans le B芒timent Splendor et a demand茅 au chauffeur : 芦 S'il te pla卯t, emm猫ne-moi au B芒timent Splendor. 禄<br /> <br /> Le B芒timent Splendor 茅tait bien connu 脿 Glophia pour 锚tre un centre commercial de luxe, o霉 l'on trouvait des marques haut de gamme du monde entier.<br /> <br /> D猫s son arriv茅e, Norah a 茅t茅 chaleureusement accueillie. 芦 Noelle, je suis ravie de te voir. Tu es l脿 pour m'apporter les 茅bauches ? 禄<br /> <br /> La somptueuse garde-robe 茅tait remplie de magnifiques robes haute couture, chacune orn茅e de diamants 茅tincelants qui accrochaient la lumi猫re.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, le designer haute couture d'Asodence, s'est approch茅 th茅芒tralement de Norah, lui a pris le bras en disant : 芦 Je suis triste chaque fois que je te vois comme 莽a. Pourquoi tu caches ton beau visage ? Tu es la fleur la plus exquise, pr锚te 脿 s'茅panouir courageusement. 禄<br /> <br /> En clignant des yeux, Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis d'accord avec toi, Aaron. Peux-tu m'aider 脿 me refaire une beaut茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> S'attendant 脿 ce que Norah r茅plique, Aaron 茅tait sur le point de poursuivre la persuasion et s'est soudainement fig茅 aux mots de Norah. 芦 Attends une minute. Tu... Noelle, tu envisages vraiment une transformation ? Oh, mon Dieu ! Venir me voir a 茅t茅 la meilleure d茅cision que tu aies jamais prise. 禄<br /> <br /> Mettant de c么t茅 le sujet des projets de design, Aaron a guid茅 Norah jusqu'脿 un fauteuil de maquillage, en disant : 芦 Ne bouge pas. Je t'assure que tu te transformeras en une femme 茅blouissante lorsque je laisserai ta beaut茅 naturelle et ton charme irr茅sistible op茅rer leur magie. 禄<br /> <br /> Aaron a regard茅 la tenue simple et les cheveux 茅bouriff茅s de Norah, puis a commenc茅 maquiller avec impatience, son pinceau de maquillage 脿 la main.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Joanna est arriv茅e, Norah 茅tait encore en train de se faire maquiller.<br /> <br /> Joanna connaissait bien Aaron. Apr猫s l'avoir salu茅, elle s'est install茅e dans le fauteuil de maquillage voisin et a piqu茅 : 芦 F茅licitations, Norah, pour ton retour officiel 脿 ton c茅libat. Ta fid猫le admiratrice, Joanna, est 脿 ta disposition 脿 tout moment. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah a esquiss茅 un sourire. 芦 Tu me flattes, Joanna. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna a demand茅 avec curiosit茅 : 芦 H茅, tu n'as pas 茅prouv茅 de sentiments profonds pour Derek ? Qu'est-ce qui t'a amen茅e 脿 t'en sortir et 脿 cesser d'锚tre amoureuse ? 禄<br /> <br /> La voix de Norah 茅tait glaciale lorsqu'elle a r茅pondu : 芦 J'ai surpris Madeline et Derek au lit. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de rire. 芦 Madeline est-elle 脿 ce point impatiente ? Elle est 脿 peine revenue et elle s'est d茅j脿 retrouv茅e au lit avec le mari d'une autre. Je me demande 脿 quoi ressemblait sa vie 脿 l'茅tranger. Eh bien, je dois dire que toi et Derek 茅tiez tellement malades d'amour. Il 茅tait accroch茅 脿 son premier amour, et tu 茅tais d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek qui ne te rendait pas la pareille. Est-ce que l'amour rend les gens aveugles 脿 ce point ? 禄<br /> <br /> Au fur et 脿 mesure que Joanna continuait, l'esprit de Norah venait en foule. Aujourd'hui, c'茅tait la premi猫re fois qu'elle rencontrait Madeline.<br /> <br /> Norah avait seulement entendu parler de Madeline par l'interm茅diaire de Derek et du personnel de maison. Ils ont d茅crit Madeline comme 茅tant gentille, empathique, polie et facile 脿 vivre, probablement le genre de personne qui attirait Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah avait toujours fait des efforts pour s'occuper de Derek, adoptant les traits suppos茅s de Madeline et essayant m锚me de lui ressembler pour attirer l'attention de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais 锚tre une rempla莽ante n'a jamais 茅t茅 脿 la hauteur. De plus, Madeline ne ressemblait pas du tout 脿 la personne que Norah avait imagin茅e.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu avec peu d'enthousiasme : 芦 Tu comprendrais si tu avais d茅j脿 ressenti toi-m锚me la piq没re de l'amour. 禄<br /> <br /> Les sourcils de Joanna se sont fronc茅s. 芦 Norah, je ne veux pas me perdre dans l'amour. Je pr茅f猫re rester vive et 锚tre l脿 pour toi. Depuis que tu as int茅gr茅 la famille Carter, nous nous voyons 脿 peine. 禄<br /> <br /> Apr猫s son mariage, Norah a consacr茅 sa vie 脿 Derek et 脿 la famille Carter, laissant derri猫re elle sa vie pass茅e et ses amiti茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, maintenant que tu es divorc茅e, vas-tu 脿 la course 脿 la Montagne Krusa dans cinq jours ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Non 禄, a refus茅 fermement Norah. 芦 Je n'ai pas couru depuis deux ans. Je ne suis plus dans le coup. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna ne semblait pas convaincue. 芦 Pas dans le coup ? Trouve une meilleure excuse la prochaine fois. Dis-moi, Norah, tu as toujours l'espoir de te remettre avec ce salaud de Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna 茅tait sur le point de dire du mal de Derek, mais elle s'est reprise. 芦 Tu te souviens de la course d'il y a trois ans ? Nocturne 茅tait le seul 脿 pouvoir te suivre. Depuis ton abandon, il a remport茅 la premi猫re place 脿 la Course de Montagne Krusa ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. On s'attend 脿 ce qu'il participe 脿 nouveau cette ann茅e. Ne veux-tu pas le voir ? 禄<br /> <br /> La Course de Montagne Krusa 茅tait un 茅v茅nement clandestin exaltant, un rassemblement de l'茅lite jeune et riche de Glophia qui 茅tait passionn茅e par les courses de voitures modifi茅es. Cet 茅v茅nement 茅tait connu pour ses courses palpitantes et attirait un public amateur de sports extr锚mes.<br /> <br /> Pour prot茅ger la vie priv茅e des participants, chaque coureur recevait un masque de la part des organisateurs et utilisait un nom de code pendant la course.<br /> <br /> Un aspect unique de la course 茅tait que le vainqueur pouvait demander aux coureurs vaincus d'enlever leur masque.<br /> <br /> Norah se souvenait de la course passionnante d'il y a trois ans, o霉 Nocturne avait 茅chou茅 de justesse 脿 la premi猫re place, 脿 trois secondes pr猫s.<br /> <br /> L'excitation se lisait dans ses yeux lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 Eh bien, je suppose qu'il n'y a pas de mal 脿 aller le voir. 禄<br /> <br /> L'int茅r锚t d'Aaron a 茅t茅 茅veill茅 par la mention du 芦 divorce 禄. Il a demand茅 : 芦 Tu es divorc茅e, Noelle ? Cet homme ne se rend vraiment pas compte de ce qu'il a perdu. Je suis s没r qu'il regrettera d'avoir laiss茅 partir quelqu'un d'aussi pr茅cieux que toi. Quoi qu'il en soit, 脿 propos de ces projets de design... 禄<br /> <br /> L'attention de Joanna s'est report茅e sur Aaron et elle a demand茅 : 芦 Norah, tu travailles toujours sur des designs pour BelleVogue ? Ce n'est pas 茅tonnant qu'une partie de leur ligne de luxe ressemble 脿 tes cr茅ations. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec fiert茅, Aaron a dit : 芦 Noelle est une designer de mode exceptionnelle, reconnue par l'Association de la Haute Couture. Elle est connue dans le monde entier pour ses cr茅ations, qui atteignent des prix exorbitants. Heureusement, 茅tant proche de Noelle, j'ai 茅t茅 le seul 脿 obtenir quelques-unes de ses cr茅ations au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Roulant des yeux, Joanna a dit : 芦 Tout 莽a, c'est gr芒ce au talent de Norah. Qu'est-ce que cela a 脿 voir avec toi de toute fa莽on ? Allez, d茅p锚che-toi. Je dois 锚tre 茅blouissante ce soir, tout comme Norah. 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 D'accord, d'accord. D茅tends-toi, et je ferai en sorte que vous soyez toutes les deux splendides. 禄<br /> <br /> Une heure plus tard, elles ont fait leur entr茅e au Club Glamour.<br /> <br /> Sur la piste de danse, des lumi猫res vibrantes virevoltaient et illuminaient les murs et le sol. La musique 茅tait entra卯nante et les gens dansaient, le visage rayonnant de joie dans l'odeur d'alcool et de fum茅e qui flottait dans l'air.<br /> <br /> Le deuxi猫me 茅tage proposait une ambiance plus calme, o霉 Norah, qui se pr茅lassait seule sur un canap茅 en sirotant sa boisson, attirait les regards curieux. Norah portait une mini robe blanche argent茅e sans bretelles, ses cheveux ch芒tains l茅g猫rement boucl茅s tombaient en cascade dans son dos. La courbe 茅l茅gante de son cou brillait d'une lueur douce tandis qu'elle penchait la t锚te pour siroter sa boisson.<br /> <br /> 芦 Voil脿 ma Norah ! 禄, s'est exclam茅e Joanna, assise en face de Norah. 芦 Tu ne t'es pas jointe 脿 moi ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, toujours v锚tue de ces robes d茅mod茅es 脿 la r茅sidence des Carter. Ne te sentais-tu pas 茅touff茅e ? C'est si bon de te revoir dans ton 茅l茅ment. J'en suis tr猫s heureuse. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah sirotait silencieusement son verre, sans rien dire.<br /> <br /> Alors que le liquide br没lant glissait le long de sa gorge et dans son ventre, son corps se r茅chauffait peu 脿 peu.<br /> <br /> Bien que Norah se soit mari茅e dans la famille Carter et qu'elle ait pris soin de Derek tous les jours, elle aimait toujours porter des tenues 茅l茅gantes et un joli maquillage. Pourtant, Sharon et Kathy, la s艙ur de Derek, lui reprochaient souvent d'锚tre trop voyante. Selon elles, Derek 茅tant clou茅 au lit, elle n'avait pas 脿 s'habiller de fa莽on aussi 茅tincelante.<br /> <br /> Finalement, pour le bien de Derek, Norah avait r茅duit ses soins de toilette pour se consacrer enti猫rement 脿 lui, devenant son aide-soignante permanente.<br /> <br /> Mais cette 茅poque appartenait au pass茅. Lib茅r茅e de la famille Carter, Norah pouvait d茅sormais s'habiller comme elle le souhaitait, sans se soucier de leurs critiques.<br /> <br /> Joanna a jet茅 un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, puis a lev茅 les yeux. 芦 Norah, tu as pr茅vu de perturber la stupide f锚te de bienvenue de Derek pour cette salope tout 脿 l'heure ? Veux-tu que j'am猫ne quelques personnes pour faire une sc猫ne ? 禄<br /> <br /> Les yeux de Norah 茅taient fix茅s sur le liquide dor茅 qui tourbillonnait dans son verre alors qu'elle le d茅pla莽ait doucement. 芦 Nous ne sommes pas venues au Club Glamour pour Derek, n'est-ce pas ? Alors, qui est la personne que tu veux que je rencontre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna semblait surprise, puis a affich茅 un sourire malin. 芦 Norah, o霉 veux-tu en venir ? Nous sommes l脿 pour mettre le feu aux poudres ! 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Le Club Glamour appartient 脿 la famille Morris. Je pr茅f猫re ne pas me mettre dans leur dos 禄, a dit calmement Norah. 芦 Je sais que la stupide f锚te de Derek n'est qu'une excuse. Alors, dis-moi la v茅rit茅. Qui cherche 脿 me rencontrer par le biais de tes arrangements ? 禄<br /> <br /> Leur conversation a 茅t茅 coup茅e par une sonnerie de t茅l茅phone. Joanna a rapidement d茅croch茅, son visage changeant au fur et 脿 mesure de l'appel. Faisant signe qu'elle devait s'茅loigner, elle a murmur茅 : 芦 Je dois r茅pondre. Je reviens vite. 禄<br /> <br /> En voyant l'inqui茅tude sur le visage de Joanna, Norah a compris que celle-ci devait s'occuper de quelque chose d'urgent. Elle a donc acquiesc茅 et a pos茅 son verre, qui a l茅g猫rement tint茅 sur la table.<br /> <br /> Quels que soient les plans 茅labor茅s par l'interm茅diaire de Joanna, Norah 茅tait s没re que cette derni猫re ne se retournerait pas contre elle.<br /> <br /> 芦 H茅, ma jolie, tu es toute seule ? 脟a te d茅range si je me joins 脿 toi pour boire un verre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Pendant les deux ann茅es de son mariage, Norah aimait son mari de toute son 芒me et a esp茅r茅 lui rendre la pareille.<br /> Mais lorsque la premi猫re amour de Derek est revenue, ce dernier a demand茅 le divorce.<br /> Norah a sign茅 l'accord de divorce sans h茅siter.<br /> Bien qu'elle soit consid茅r茅e comme une femme d茅laiss茅e, peu de gens connaissaient ses v茅ritables talents.<br /> Elle 茅tait pilote de course, designer de renom, hacker talentueuse et docteure r茅put茅e.<br /> Regrettant sa d茅cision, Derek l'a suppli茅e de lui pardonner.<br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, un charmant PDG est soudain apparu, serrant Norah dans ses bras et disant 脿 Derek : 芦 Va-t'en, c'est ma femme ! 禄<br /> Norah a 茅t茅 choqu茅e et s'est exclam茅e : 芦 Qu'est-ce que tu as dit ? 禄<br /> <br /> Que se passe-t-il ensuite? <br /> Le nombre de chapitres affich茅s est limit茅. 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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 2207081296296973 | Read next chapter | After the divorce, she made a spectacular comeback as a top designer, elite race car driver, renowned healer, and genius hacker, stunning everyone and leaving her scoundrel ex-husband full of regret!<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 2 | 1,660,858,084,447,744 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120210563010360596 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=414788011273594 | 2024-04-27 02:01 | https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440337684_808294804496360_5175436876827695640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vGXS1BsCmogQ7kNvgE0Ufv4&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAP6lbYrsJNhPEA_znzPG0zizQ2ODGZ5oSd1o_6VKw6wQ&oe=66349808 | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440138765_420232957574536_1450801646640955354_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ddZZzs8cw74Q7kNvgFslayJ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDi4ec9UPtPDEL2ZBQcvOgOsL8Bd9W6qZI9ZW0JWPdLAg&oe=66349851 | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Enjoy Romance馃グRead More 馃憠 | The husband's mistress returned, and he handed her a divorce agreement. Disheartened, she realized she was just a substitute, turned around, left, and returned with a dominating presence as the heiress of a business empire.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &2& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 105235075579900 | Funread | https://facebook.com/100083845110483 | 11,063 | 1 | 354,819,304,244,614 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Funread | 120208160082770660 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | image | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1910509592737470 | 2024-04-25 03:24 | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302256_751833733599173_1786073990197096610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rKxd1n1hysEAb4TIOaZ&_nc_oc=Adi9wLE45yZKBKBsoDuie1DVJ6u0qMN3jlzii2_ZFRsxpRpBgAeIZakeG3IAgSfWQic&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAbNPBZp0Nccwtb0nIdjGdHB0vHLD-XbHyVm20wQIZ4Cg&oe=6634CA80 | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438217075_462425393016554_7528431262038329506_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V8HNO-ztZe0Ab6dwAMw&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDVY3atIG2U8lCiyhN9uVtFz52etRBEr3iVym9Yq7nj_w&oe=6634A738 | 0 | 3 | Funread | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-26 02:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 1514266809154949 | Read next chapter | After the divorce, she made a spectacular comeback as a top designer, elite race car driver, renowned healer, and genius hacker, stunning everyone and leaving her scoundrel ex-husband full of regret!<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 2 | 1,295,078,021,881,154 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120210562962430596 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=414788011273594 | 2024-04-27 02:02 | https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439849611_1456293341647311_4420446428531494033_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LZ63BwwFsBMQ7kNvgFSrC01&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDulzAfSesE40MMVVk52_d6iwH9zmGDIfzez2iUkv-O7w&oe=6634BC1E | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438808582_1141936426931695_8111511415383041575_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ekd_gFeMwBgQ7kNvgGYttdf&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDgOSr64oaUSNgvgK3THbuKIZvkCnGdAnl01lQHtCMWtg&oe=66349ABD | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:55 | active | 634 | 0 | 1730251694169460 | 馃グClick Here to watch All series馃憠 | 馃敟馃挜Seven years ago, Shawn Lynn lost everything while Joanna Landry owned everything. Yet for love, Joanna gave up everything and eloped with Shawn. For that, she was mocked by all others, down and out. Seven years later, Shawn returned as a success, with power and wealth in his hands, deciding to make up for his love. | WATCH_MORE | https://lcbxrvku.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18? | 237377949460358 | Ai Wenwen | https://facebook.com/61556762124607 | 4,209 | 1 | 2,603,352,859,843,175 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Watch more | 0 | Ai Wenwen | 120211985098100405 | lcbxrvku.com | NONE | video | https://lcbxrvku.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=10955&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} | 2024-04-28 03:49 | https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438230963_805815454754647_792432777142702620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6IJK9VbsN-MAb4VbN-n&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAk8gaGLfXrdEY6fJ7petZFYXnoKQR7OOu4MfLpOiKbpQ&oe=6634BAB6 | person_profile | 0 | Ai Wenwen | https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440572568_967136158148980_5137461846337528802_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7G4C4ojB7roAb7LXExi&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD7Jrndw1pVi778gC9OcMcuvhszJN3m9TwrWMgoYqjmYw&oe=6634BECC | 0 | 3 | Ai Wenwen | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:55 | active | 634 | 0 | 320669154375554 | Leer el siguiente cap铆tulo馃憠 | La amante del marido regres贸 y 茅l le entreg贸 un acuerdo de divorcio. Con el coraz贸n roto, descubri贸 que era s贸lo una sustituta, dio media vuelta y se fue para convertirse en la heredera de un poderoso imperio empresarial.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &2& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa | 159129143942156 | Hello reading | https://facebook.com/61552535188096 | 35,584 | 2 | 387,131,924,310,113 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Hello reading | 120210007123530566 | fbweb.manobook.com | NONE | video | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa125_6-0407-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=960021085297627 | 2024-04-19 06:40 | https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436313412_972394771139749_7350973432856841566_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GP3IBMgeBScQ7kNvgGBNEhF&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCEEywy52ceglhQGzJuBg-9mDCS_a3-a0mOWO39MDt7HA&oe=66349F1D | person_profile | 0 | Manobook - Un matrimonio de conveniencia | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436498434_881828873713047_7531833773284557336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UiN4OY1T67gQ7kNvgE_j1go&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCxh4XsjL3OmyrWnEST2Rg4Z_msNCaaaaDqYI9zXw1Fdw&oe=66349C43 | 0 | 3 | Hello reading | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:57 | active | 634 | 0 | 1583093885866459 | Leer el siguiente cap铆tulo馃憠 | Despu茅s del divorcio, regres贸 como una dise帽adora superior, piloto de carreras de 茅lite, curandera famosa y hacker genial, impresionando a todos y haciendo que su exmarido se arrepintiera amargamente.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 1 | 967,630,991,675,784 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120206951499810144 | fbweb.manobook.com | NONE | video | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa125_6-0407-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=960021085297627 | 2024-04-24 06:40 | https://scontent.fosu2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438088607_459393243221346_5279996205421538474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j3Iigvy3q5IAb4HAlYt&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCWxKQWQIwxbcrVYsWXviuur4F1JrV_O3PbV7aNzcFT0g&oe=6634A810 | person_profile | 0 | Manobook - Un matrimonio de conveniencia | https://scontent.fosu2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437653255_368613865543082_6410213328522830828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7yd-_r660cAb5pVFcG&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAJbzBVZqf0w30xtnzu0H2MbCou724D-vP_L8N7mCR5dQ&oe=6634BECE | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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No | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 955209002929441 | Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, he acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner.<br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace.<br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. <br /> <br /> **<br /> Derek and Madeline happened to meet their friends at the Charm Club.<br /> <br /> "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?" Suddenly, a voice rang out in the crowd.<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> This was Nora, whom he had never seen before...<br /> <br /> &6& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 108394237578957 | Fiction books | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 46,817 | 1 | 962,715,285,167,104 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Fiction books | 120208599388130783 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=865882748312311 | 2024-04-25 04:59 | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438079355_457535930171310_3304874478873627131_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=edaomLi65LIQ7kNvgFFHkba&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAW4hFV0_jI8SM35zFvJ_4NIeLScBI1eBLJmaMY-_6yVA&oe=6634A933 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438079358_408107778845962_750556248442704159_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AB2CD62nJToQ7kNvgFZsCa-&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCmWNS6ITjcM9Jfet6RRA9rFSgI8gR7xh4Py9xUFhynYw&oe=6634A515 | 0 | 3 | Fiction books | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 794190776143902 | Leer el siguiente cap铆tulo馃憠 | Despu茅s del divorcio, regres贸 como una dise帽adora superior, piloto de carreras de 茅lite, curandera famosa y hacker genial, impresionando a todos y haciendo que su exmarido se arrepintiera amargamente.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 1 | 1,036,695,501,460,816 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120206951546770144 | fbweb.manobook.com | NONE | video | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa125_6-0407-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=960021085297627 | 2024-04-24 06:42 | https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440328181_451378303975670_8355555121136991337_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4jYYdbvWYmwQ7kNvgGMVnM7&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBG66S4lNSCBoRvCPhBtj3fGQEOZCG0OhuqEUEuFuVT2Q&oe=6634B2B8 | person_profile | 0 | Manobook - Un matrimonio de conveniencia | https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439672324_1162899801562505_685126471178498032_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xPNFYsRvQCkQ7kNvgFsa4Ls&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDH6uQTqlD_3warEXzuiwDjxNK6EXN9ztLrYRvBwOLqPw&oe=66349C03 | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Continuer la lecture | Chapitre1 Divorce<br /> Dans la chambre 脿 la lumi猫re tamis茅e, un homme et une femme install茅s sur un lit spacieux se livraient 脿 des moments d'affection.<br /> 芦 Imagine que Norah nous surprenne ici, dans son lit. Crois-tu qu'elle serait furieuse au point de pleurer ? 禄, a dit la femme d'un ton enjou茅.<br /> 芦 Ce n'est pas son lit. Apr猫s toutes ces ann茅es, je n'ai jamais partag茅 le moindre contact avec elle. Elle dort toujours dans la chambre d'amis d'脿 c么t茅 禄, a r茅pondu l'homme en ricanant.<br /> 芦 Derek, tu es si bon avec moi... 禄<br /> <br /> Les doux murmures des deux se sont m锚l茅s 脿 leur respiration lourde.<br /> <br /> Au-dessus du lit, le mur immacul茅 茅tait orn茅 d'une photo de mariage repr茅sentant une jeune mari茅e dont l'expression 茅tait empreinte d'une douce joie.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s un moment, leur intimit茅 a cess茅.<br /> <br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, une jeune femme qui se trouvait 脿 la porte s'est couvert la bouche de ses mains, des larmes coulant sur son visage en les entendant.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter a mis son short pour aller chercher un verre d'eau. Il a 茅t茅 surpris de trouver Norah Wilson assise silencieusement dans le salon. Il se demandait quand celle-ci 茅tait revenue et ce qu'elle avait pu entendre.<br /> <br /> 芦 Est-ce que tu as tout entendu ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek apr猫s s'锚tre install茅 sur le canap茅 du salon avec un verre d'eau.<br /> <br /> Les su莽ons laissaient entrevoir la minceur de Derek, mais il ne se souciait pas de savoir si Norah les voyait ou ce qu'elle pouvait ressentir. Il s'est content茅 de boire une gorg茅e d'eau.<br /> <br /> 芦 Il est temps que tu signes ceci. 禄 Derek a sorti un document d'un tiroir et l'a jet茅 sur la table. 芦 Puisque tu as peut-锚tre d茅j脿 tout entendu, il est inutile de faire tra卯ner les choses. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a timidement pris le document, son regard pos茅 rapidement sur les mots 芦 Accord de divorce 禄 sur la premi猫re page. Elle l'a feuillet茅 jusqu'脿 la fin, notant la signature flamboyante de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> 芦 R茅vise-le. Si tu veux ajouter des conditions, fais-le-moi savoir. Sinon, signe-le 禄, a ordonn茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Se penchant en arri猫re, Derek a allum茅 une cigarette, la fum茅e masquant son attitude d茅tach茅e.<br /> <br /> Depuis son mariage dans la famille Carter, Norah 茅tait d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek, esp茅rant un avenir rempli de bonheur.<br /> <br /> Elle se souvenait du gar莽on qui l'avait prot茅g茅e dans une temp锚te de neige et elle souhaitait toujours rester 脿 ses c么t茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Tu ne peux pas faire une autre tentative pour nous ? 禄 La t锚te baiss茅e et la voix rauque 脿 cause des larmes, la frange lisse de Norah tombait sur le bord sombre de ses lunettes, soulignant son air triste.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, tu fais vraiment piti茅. Tu savais ce qui s'茅tait pass茅 entre Madeline et moi. Alors pourquoi tu t'accroches 脿 锚tre ma femme ? Ne sois pas si mesquine. 禄 L'impatience de Derek s'est manifest茅e lorsqu'il a tap茅 des cendres dans le plateau et a ajout茅 : 芦 Notre mariage n'a jamais 茅t茅 plus qu'un arrangement pratique. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a senti son c艙ur se briser, se rendant compte que Madeline Powell 茅tait celle que Derek aimait vraiment. Elle l'a enfin compris.<br /> <br /> Des ann茅es auparavant, lorsque Madeline 茅tait partie 脿 l'茅tranger, Derek l'avait poursuivie, mais il avait 茅t茅 victime d'un tragique accident de voiture qui l'avait laiss茅 inconscient. Derek devait 茅pouser Luna Wilson, de la famille Wilson. Cependant, Luna s'茅tait mise 脿 fr茅quenter un autre homme et avait eu un enfant, incitant les Wilson 脿 proposer Norah comme 茅pouse de substitution. Norah avait donc pris la place de Luna pour devenir la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah s'茅tait consacr茅e aux soins de Derek, coupant presque tous les liens avec sa vie ant茅rieure pour lui. Elle avait abandonn茅 ses passions, y compris le design, la course automobile, la chirurgie m茅dicale et le codage, pour se concentrer uniquement sur lui.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma il y a un an, Norah 茅tait toujours 脿 ses c么t茅s pour s'occuper de lui sans rel芒che. Pourtant, Derek semblait touch茅 par la tendresse de Madeline lorsqu'elle est revenue de l'茅tranger.<br /> <br /> Malgr茅 deux ans de mariage et de soins, Norah a d没 admettre qu'elle n'avait pas r茅ussi 脿 gagner une place dans le c艙ur de Derek.<br /> <br /> Ne recevant aucune r茅ponse de Norah, Derek n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de froncer les sourcils, 茅tudiant la jeune femme assise en face de lui.<br /> <br /> Norah 茅tait ind茅niablement s茅duisante, m锚me avec sa frange 茅paisse et ses grosses lunettes encadrant son visage, mais elle n茅gligeait souvent son apparence, paraissant d茅braill茅e. Elle avait une personnalit茅 tr猫s r茅serv茅e.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Derek 茅tait sorti du coma, Norah 茅tait 脿 ses c么t茅s vingt-quatre heures sur vingt-quatre, mais il ne ressentait aucun lien affectif avec elle. Au lieu de cela, il la trouvait terriblement ennuyeuse.<br /> <br /> Les soins et l'attention constants, l'aspect banal et la routine de la vie 茅taient aussi ennuyeux que de l'eau plate. Derek trouvait tout cela extr锚mement barbant.<br /> <br /> Il reconnaissait le r么le de Norah en tant que femme au foyer de la famille Carter au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es, mais il n'avait jamais pens茅 qu'elle 茅tait digne d'锚tre son 茅pouse.<br /> <br /> Tout en 茅teignant une autre cigarette, Derek a dit avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je suis au courant de tes difficult茅s avec la famille Wilson. Apr猫s le divorce, je te donnerai trois villas et trente millions. Tu pourras prendre n'importe quelle voiture au garage. Cela devrait te garantir une vie confortable 脿 l'avenir 禄, a propos茅 Derek.<br /> <br /> Celui-ci n'oublierait jamais les soins prodigu茅s par Norah lorsqu'il 茅tait clou茅 au lit et sa compagnie lors de ses exercices de r茅cup茅ration apr猫s son r茅veil du coma.<br /> <br /> Bien qu'il n'茅prouve aucune affection pour Norah, Derek 茅tait pr锚t 脿 lui offrir un r猫glement g茅n茅reux pour ses ann茅es de d茅vouement. En effet, elle lui avait consacr茅 les deux ann茅es enti猫res de sa vie.<br /> <br /> Pendant que Derek croisait les bras, Norah a aper莽u un petit tatouage sur la clavicule de l'homme, aggravant son angoisse. Il portait les initiales MP pour Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> La patience de Derek s'est 茅puis茅e. 芦 Vu les circonstances, je te laisse un jour pour y r茅fl茅chir. Si les conditions ne te conviennent pas, n'h茅site pas 脿 proposer des modifications, mais ne va pas trop loin. Tu sais que je n'ai toujours pas beaucoup de patience... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas besoin d'y r茅fl茅chir. 禄 En prenant le stylo sur la table, Norah a 茅crit son nom sur les papiers du divorce. 芦 Je vais faire mes bagages et partir bient么t. Je ne vous d茅rangerai plus 脿 tous les deux. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a approuv茅 d'un signe de t锚te. 芦 C'est bon 脿 entendre. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek appr茅ciait la fa莽on dont Norah se conformait toujours, un peu comme une domestique qui ne contestait jamais ses d茅cisions. Comme aujourd'hui, par exemple. Elle aurait pu faire du grabuge, mais elle s'est content茅e de garder la paix.<br /> <br /> Pour Derek, le comportement de Norah 茅tait trop terne. Il avait peur que le fait de c么toyer quelqu'un d'aussi banal ne finisse par d茅teindre sur lui. Apr猫s tout, l'amour n'茅tait pas quelque chose qui pouvait 锚tre forc茅.<br /> <br /> Alors que Derek s'appr锚tait 脿 dire quelque chose apr猫s avoir parcouru l'accord, Madeline, v锚tue d'une chemise blanche, est sortie 茅l茅gamment.<br /> <br /> Sa chemise couvrait 脿 peine ses cuisses, et seuls quelques boutons 茅taient relev茅s, exposant beaucoup de peau.<br /> <br /> Ses cheveux 茅taient humides, ce qui faisait que la chemise collait l茅g猫rement 脿 sa peau, ajoutant un aspect s茅duisant 脿 son apparence.<br /> <br /> En entendant le mouvement, Norah s'est retourn茅e pour voir Madeline portant ce qu'elle a imm茅diatement reconnu comme 茅tant la chemise de Derek, qu'elle avait choisie pour lui.<br /> <br /> Leurs regards se sont crois茅s et Madeline a adress茅 脿 Norah un sourire suffisant et moqueur.<br /> <br /> Mais lorsque le regard de Derek a suivi, Madeline a rapidement masqu茅 son sourire.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, nous nous rencontrons enfin. Je suis Madeline Powell. 禄 Avec gr芒ce, Madeline s'est approch茅e de Derek et a pris place 脿 ses c么t茅s. S'appuyant sur son 茅paule, elle a dit : 芦 J'ai entendu Derek parler souvent de toi. Je suis ravie de te rencontrer. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux, sans rien r茅pondre.<br /> <br /> Madeline a ensuite donn茅 un coup de coude 脿 Derek pour l'amuser. 芦 J'ai entendu dire que tu offrais trois villas 脿 Norah. Tu ne savais pas que je voulais la villa pr猫s du lac ? Pourquoi lui as-tu promis cela ? Est-ce que tu ne m'aimes plus ? 禄<br /> <br /> Derek, toujours aussi indulgent 脿 l'茅gard des demandes de Madeline, s'est retourn茅 vers Norah. 芦 Je vais te donner une autre villa. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a regard茅 Derek 脿 travers ses lunettes. 芦 Mais tu n'as pas dit que celle-l脿 m'茅tait destin茅e ? 禄<br /> <br /> La moue de Madeline s'est intensifi茅e. 芦 Derek... 禄<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek a laiss茅 transpara卯tre une pointe d'agacement. 芦 Norah, n'as-tu pas compris ce que je viens de dire ? Consid猫re 莽a comme une faveur. Si tu n'es pas d'accord avec les changements, tu pars sans rien. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre2 Lui donner une le莽on<br /> 芦 Norah, j'ai jet茅 mon d茅volu sur cette villa au bord du lac. Choisis quelque chose d'autre pour toi. J'ai r锚v茅 qu'elle devienne ma nouvelle maison avec Derek 禄, a avou茅 Madeline, en se blottissant plus 茅troitement dans les bras de Derek. 芦 C'est mon r锚ve depuis longtemps. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a ressenti une vague de nostalgie 脿 ses mots.<br /> <br /> Norah a laiss茅 茅chapper un petit rire en entendant cela.<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a te fait rire ? 禄, a demand茅 Derek, confus. Il trouvait 茅trange qu'elle sourie, surtout apr猫s ce qu'il venait de dire.<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est blottie contre Derek, l'encolure ouverte de sa chemise r茅v茅lant une grande partie de sa peau douce. En tournoyant distraitement une m猫che de ses cheveux, elle a capt茅 l'attention de Derek, qui a aussit么t pos茅 la main sur l'茅paule de celle-ci.<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 glaciale. 芦 Je ris en pensant 脿 quel point j'ai 茅t茅 stupide. 禄<br /> <br /> Sans h茅siter, Norah a pris le verre d'eau de Derek sur la table et l'a vers茅 sur ce dernier et Madeline. La soudaine cascade d'eau les a laiss茅s sous le choc.<br /> <br /> Derek, outr茅, a cri茅 : 芦 Norah, es-tu devenue folle ? 禄<br /> <br /> Debout, Norah a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 M. Carter, je pensais que tu 茅tais un homme de parole. Puisque tu as donn茅 ta parole, tiens-la. Sinon, admets que tu es un escroc. 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline, habitu茅e 脿 l'indulgence de Derek, avait un temp茅rament f茅roce. Elle avait simplement l'habitude de feindre la vuln茅rabilit茅 et la soumission pour obtenir l'affection des hommes.<br /> <br /> Furieuse, Madeline s'est lev茅e et a bouscul茅 Norah avec force. 芦 Nous avons 茅t茅 trop indulgents avec toi. Tu crois que tu peux nous parler ainsi ? Pour qui te prends-tu ? Comment oses-tu nous manquer de respect, 脿 Derek et 脿 moi ? 禄<br /> <br /> Elle s'est ensuite r茅fugi茅e 脿 nouveau dans les bras de Derek. 芦 Derek, Norah a d茅pass茅 les bornes. Tu dois lui donner une le莽on. 禄<br /> <br /> Regardant Derek pitoyablement, elle a implor茅 : 芦 Regarde, mes cheveux et mes v锚tements sont tremp茅s. 禄<br /> <br /> Sa chemise blanche tremp茅e lui collait 脿 la peau, mettant en valeur sa silhouette 茅l茅gante.<br /> <br /> Norah les a regard茅s calmement, comme si elle assistait 脿 un num茅ro de cirque.<br /> <br /> 芦 Je n'ai pas demand茅 ces villas et ces propri茅t茅s. La famille Carter est assez riche, mais elle h茅site encore pour de si petites choses. Je comprends. Tu consid猫res que je ne le m茅rite pas 禄, a dit Norah, le ton plein d'autod茅rision et d'amertume. Cependant, Derek a senti un changement profond dans l'attitude de Norah.<br /> <br /> Derek a serr茅 la m芒choire, essuyant l'eau de son visage avant de se tourner vers Madeline. 芦 Il y a de nombreuses villas 脿 mon nom. Choisis-en d'autres et elles t'appartiendront. 禄<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la col猫re de Madeline 脿 l'茅gard de Norah couvait. 脌 part Derek, personne n'avait os茅 lui manquer de respect de cette fa莽on. L'id茅e que Norah, l'ex-femme ind茅sirable de Derek, se comporte ainsi 茅tait insupportable.<br /> <br /> Madeline a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, exigeant : 芦 Alors, vas-tu me c茅der cette villa ou non ? 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah 茅tait cat茅gorique. 芦 Non. 禄<br /> <br /> Clac ! Le bruit d'une gifle a retenti lorsque Madeline a frapp茅 Norah avec force.<br /> <br /> 芦 Comment oses-tu ? Sans la gr芒ce de Derek, tu es juste une personne sans importance dans la famille Wilson. Tu n'es qu'une b芒tarde ! 禄, s'est emport茅e Madeline.<br /> <br /> Le visage de Derek s'est assombri bri猫vement avant qu'il ne retrouve son calme, conseillant 脿 Madeline : 芦 Ne t'茅nerve pas pour elle. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah s'est touch茅 la joue, grima莽ant 脿 cause de la br没lure de la gifle. Elle a go没t茅 le sang et a lanc茅 un regard 脿 Madeline, marmonnant : 芦 Tu manques de savoir-vivre... 禄<br /> <br /> Madeline s'est r茅fugi茅e dans l'茅treinte de Derek en se vantant : 芦 J'ai Derek 脿 mes c么t茅s. Et toi ? Tu n'es rien d'autre qu'une vagabonde abandonn茅e... Ah ! Norah ! 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lanc茅 un vase, qui s'est 茅cras茅 contre le sol pr猫s du canap茅, se brisant en morceaux avec un bruit sec.<br /> <br /> 芦 Si tu as envie d'aboyer ainsi, ne te g锚ne pas 禄, a r茅torqu茅 Norah en s'approchant. Elle a pris Madeline par les cheveux, l'obligeant 脿 lever les yeux vers elle avant de la gifler f茅rocement.<br /> <br /> Le cri de Madeline emplissait la pi猫ce. 芦 Derek ! 禄<br /> <br /> Derek a r茅prim茅 sa rage, estimant que Norah avait d茅pass茅 les bornes aujourd'hui.<br /> <br /> Apr猫s avoir rel芒ch茅 Madeline, Norah s'est retir茅e, disant avec d茅sinvolture : 芦 Je vous laisse tous les deux. Je vous souhaite de trouver la joie, d'avoir beaucoup d'enfants et de partager un lien qui durera toute votre vie. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a ensuite quitt茅 la r茅sidence de Derek, laissant derri猫re elle le bruit des sanglots de Madeline.<br /> <br /> M锚me lorsque la porte a claqu茅, Madeline, toujours furieuse, s'est plainte 脿 Derek : 芦 Comment ose-t-elle ? Elle nous a vers茅 d'eau et m'a gifl茅e. Il faut que tu lui donnes une le莽on... 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 脟a suffit ! 禄, l'a interrompue Derek. Se massant les tempes, Derek a adouci sa voix. 芦 Nous avons sign茅 l'accord de divorce. Je ne veux plus 锚tre m锚l茅 脿 elle. Madeline, j'exaucerai tes souhaits. Calme-toi, s'il te pla卯t. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec une moue, Madeline s'est blottie dans les bras de Derek, exprimant sa frustration : 芦 Le comportement de Norah 脿 ton 茅gard m'茅nerve. Tu as toujours dit qu'elle 茅tait docile, mais elle n'茅tait pas du tout comme 莽a. Elle semblait si agressive. 禄<br /> <br /> Derek s'est souvenu de Norah attrapant la tasse et versant l'eau, du regard froid qu'elle avait lanc茅 脿 Madeline lorsqu'elle l'avait gifl茅e. C'茅tait une facette de Norah qu'il n'avait jamais vue auparavant. 脌 ce moment-l脿, il s'est rendu compte qu'il ne la connaissait pas bien. L'impression qu'il avait eue de Norah n'茅tait qu'une femme docile.<br /> <br /> En partant, Norah a trouv茅 une berline noire qui l'attendait 脿 la porte. Le chauffeur, avec respect, a dit : 芦 Mme Norah Carter, Mme Juliana Carter veut vous voir. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu et incertaine de ce qu'elle allait faire, Norah est entr茅e dans le v茅hicule sans r茅fl茅chir.<br /> <br /> La voiture s'est lentement arr锚t茅e devant une grande villa. Il s'agissait du Manoir Carter, la r茅sidence des grands-parents de Derek.<br /> <br /> 芦 Mme Norah Carter... 禄, a salu茅 le majordome, guidant Norah qui 茅tait apparemment pr茅occup茅e 脿 l'int茅rieur.<br /> <br /> Le majordome semblait vouloir poursuivre la conversation, mais il a finalement choisi de rester silencieux. 芦 Mme Juliana Carter m'a dit qu'elle ne vous avait pas vue depuis un moment. Le d卯ner n'est pas encore servi. Vous pourriez parler avec elle avant. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a baiss茅 les yeux et n'a pas r茅pondu. Elle avait l'impression que Juliana essayait de la convaincre de reconsid茅rer le divorce.<br /> <br /> Le manoir, habituellement calme et habit茅 uniquement par les grands-parents de Derek, 茅tait anim茅 lorsque Juliana Carter, la grand-m猫re de Derek, a remarqu茅 l'arriv茅e de Norah et l'a chaleureusement invit茅e en disant : 芦 Norah, viens ici et assieds-toi. 禄<br /> <br /> En s'installant, Norah a salu茅 Juliana avec un sourire, malgr茅 l'agitation qui r茅gnait en elle.<br /> <br /> En prenant la main de la jeune femme, Juliana a exprim茅 son inqui茅tude : 芦 Cela fait longtemps que tu n'es pas venue me rendre visite. Comment 莽a se passe avec Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a devin茅 que Juliana la testait. Elle se doutait bien que la vieille dame n'茅tait pas au courant du retour de Madeline dans le pays.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu d'une voix paisible : 芦 Derek pense que nous devrions divorcer. Eh bien, je viens de signer l'accord de divorce, pour laisser la place 脿 Madeline. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Juliana 茅tait vive. 芦 Madeline ? C'est elle qui a provoqu茅 l'accident de voiture de Derek. Comment ose-t-elle entrer 脿 nouveau dans sa vie ? Ne t'inqui猫te pas. C'est toi que je pr茅f猫re plut么t que cette femme. Alors, y a-t-il une chance que tu reconsid猫res le divorce ? 禄<br /> <br /> La pr茅occupation de Juliana a rendu Norah m茅lancolique. Pendant deux ans, elle a 茅t茅 profond茅ment amoureuse de Derek, mais en vain.<br /> <br /> 芦 Le divorce ? C'est peut-锚tre mieux ainsi ! 禄 Sharon Carter, la m猫re de Derek, s'est approch茅e avec un sourire en coin, sa pr茅sence d茅gageant sophistication et charme tandis qu'elle se d茅pla莽ait avec une gr芒ce captivante.<br /> <br /> Juliana, t茅moin de son comportement, est devenue furieuse. 芦 Marche convenablement ! Pourquoi marches-tu ainsi ? Tu n'as pas de bonnes mani猫res. 禄<br /> <br /> Prise au d茅pourvu par la r茅primande, Sharon a chang茅 d'expression et s'est sentie mal 脿 l'aise. Jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 Norah qui s'est assise 脿 c么t茅 de Juliana, elle a dit d'un ton glacial : 芦 Heureusement qu'ils sont divorc茅s. 脌 l'origine, Derek devait se marier avec Luna Wilson, la fille a卯n茅e de la famille Wilson. Devinez quoi ? Luna a eu une liaison honteuse avec quelqu'un d'autre et s'est retrouv茅e enceinte.<br /> <br /> Depuis que je vis 脿 Glophia, je n'ai jamais entendu dire que la famille Wilson avait une autre fille. Je me demande bien d'o霉 vient cette fille ill茅gitime... En jouant le r么le de l'茅pouse de Derek ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, cette femme n'a-t-elle pas assez profit茅 de la richesse et de la prosp茅rit茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre3 Le changement de Norah<br /> Norah a pris la main de Juliana, son expression illumin茅e d'un sourire, semblant ignorer les commentaires acerbes de Sharon. 芦 Tu sembles tousser un peu. Je connais une soupe qui t'aidera 脿 calmer la toux. Je donnerai la recette au majordome plus tard. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, qui avait toujours appr茅ci茅 la docilit茅 et la gentillesse de Norah, a r茅pondu chaleureusement : 芦 Tu es un ange, Norah. Eh bien, je suis vieille et ma sant茅 d茅cline avec l'芒ge. Ma ch茅rie, tu es la seule 脿 te soucier autant de mon bien-锚tre. 禄<br /> <br /> Se sentant ignor茅e, le visage de Sharon est devenu p芒le et elle a raill茅 : 芦 Oh, arr锚te ! Maintenant que l'accord de divorce est sign茅, tu n'as plus besoin de jouer la com茅die. Crois-tu honn锚tement que rester proche de Juliana te donnera le droit de continuer 脿 profiter de la famille Carter ? 禄<br /> <br /> Avant que Norah ne puisse r茅pondre, Juliana s'est interpos茅e : 芦 Norah a toujours 茅t茅 gentille avec nous tous depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille. Elle 茅tait aux c么t茅s de Derek pendant son coma, s'occupant de lui avec diligence. Sans parler du fait qu'elle nous a toujours trait茅s avec respect, toi et moi. Pourquoi es-tu si ingrate maintenant, apr猫s tout ce qu'elle a fait pour notre famille ces deux derni猫res ann茅es ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Juliana ! Norah n'est rien d'autre qu'une b芒tarde de la famille Wilson. Pourquoi continues-tu 脿 la d茅fendre ? 禄 Sharon a tap茅 du pied.<br /> <br /> Sharon a lanc茅 un regard noir 脿 Norah, en insistant : 芦 Ai-je dit quelque chose de mal ? Comment cette salope m茅rite-t-elle d'锚tre la femme de Derek ? Si ton mari et toi n'aviez pas insist茅 pour qu'elle 茅pouse Derek, je n'aurais jamais accept茅 cette femme. De plus, elle profite de la fortune de la famille Carter depuis le mariage. C'est normal qu'elle nous traite avec respect.<br /> <br /> Pourquoi donnes-tu l'impression qu'elle a fait quelque chose de formidable ? De plus, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant depuis qu'elle a rejoint notre famille il y a deux ans. Tu veux des arri猫re-petits-enfants, n'est-ce pas ? Je parie que Derek a divorc茅 脿 cause de cela. 禄<br /> <br /> L'expression de Juliana est devenue s茅v猫re. 芦 Sharon, fais attention 脿 ce que tu dis. Comment peux-tu dire de telles absurdit茅s ? 禄<br /> <br /> M锚me si elle 茅tait d茅concert茅e par l'expression s茅v猫re de Juliana, Sharon a r茅torqu茅 : 芦 Je ne fais qu'茅noncer des faits. Heureusement, elle n'a pas con莽u d'enfant, car cela aurait pu compliquer le divorce. N'importe lequel de ses enfants serait aussi malvenu. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana, visiblement troubl茅e par les propos de Sharon mais serrant la main de Norah de mani猫re rassurante, a conseill茅 : 芦 Ignore-la, Norah. Elle est grossi猫re et impertinente. S'il te pla卯t, je te conseille vivement de ne pas te pr茅cipiter dans le divorce. Tant que je serai en vie, je ne reconna卯trai que toi comme la femme de Derek. Mon mari et moi t'appr茅cions beaucoup. Ne t'inqui猫te pas de la r茅action de Derek. Concentre-toi sur la bonne entente avec Derek et sur une vie de couple 茅panouie. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon, les yeux remplis de frustration, a demand茅 : 芦 Juliana, qu'est-ce qui ne va pas chez toi ? Pourquoi toi et ton mari d茅fendez-vous toujours Norah ? bon sang ! Norah, ne te ridiculise pas, c'est fini entre toi et Drek. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a lev茅 les yeux vers Juliana, des larmes y brillant.<br /> <br /> Juliana, gardant son calme, a affirm茅 : 芦 Arr锚te tes b锚tises, Sharon. Tu n'as pas ton mot 脿 dire concernant le mariage de Derek. Reste en dehors de cette affaire. Et nous devons 锚tre reconnaissants 脿 Norah. Si tu continues 脿 dire des b锚tises, sors de ma vue. Maintenant ! 禄<br /> <br /> 脌 ces mots, le visage de Sharon est devenu rouge de col猫re et d'embarras, et elle s'est pinc茅 les l猫vres pour retenir toute autre objection.<br /> <br /> Juliana s'est 脿 nouveau tourn茅e vers Norah et a demand茅 : 芦 Qu'en penses-tu, Norah ? 禄<br /> <br /> Norah a rencontr茅 le regard de la vieille dame, des larmes roulant sur ses joues alors qu'elle luttait pour parler. 芦 Je... Je te remercie, Juliana. Mais aujourd'hui, j'ai surpris Madeline et Derek en train de faire l'amour au lit... De plus, l'indiff茅rence de Derek 脿 mon 茅gard m'a fait comprendre qu'il ne servait 脿 rien de continuer ce mariage. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana est devenue p芒le comme la mort, son visage pliss茅 d'inqui茅tude lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 C'est la faute de Derek. 禄<br /> <br /> Juliana a tenu fermement les mains de Norah, lui offrant du r茅confort : 芦 Tu as endur茅 茅norm茅ment de choses au cours de ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est rest茅e silencieuse, et un bref silence s'est install茅 dans le salon.<br /> <br /> La seconde suivante, la voix forte de Sharon a rompu le silence. 芦 Madeline, cette garce, est de retour ? bon sang ! Juliana, je vais sortir maintenant. Je dois faire payer cette garce. 禄<br /> <br /> Sharon s'est empress茅e de prendre son sac et de sortir du salon.<br /> <br /> Norah a essuy茅 ses larmes et a souri de soulagement en disant : 芦 Je vais bien. C'est vrai. 禄<br /> <br /> Le c艙ur lourd, Juliana a r茅pondu : 芦 Eh bien, je n'insisterai pas plus. Norah, s'il te pla卯t, rends-moi visite une fois que tu en auras l'occasion. Je me contenterais que tu viennes de temps en temps me tenir compagnie. 禄<br /> <br /> Les larmes se sont accumul茅es dans les yeux de Norah pendant que Juliana parlait. Cette vieille dame 茅tait sinc猫rement reconnaissante 脿 Norah, sachant l'importance de cette derni猫re dans le r茅tablissement de Derek apr猫s son coma.<br /> <br /> Norah a tendrement essuy茅 les larmes de Juliana, reconnaissant l'authentique gentillesse dont elle avait fait preuve. 芦 Je le ferai. Eh bien, je vais maintenant partir. S'il te pla卯t, demande 脿 la domestique de te pr茅parer la soupe. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah est partie sans se retourner, ignorant la r茅solution dans les yeux de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Se tamponnant les yeux, Juliana a dit au majordome : 芦 Dis 脿 Derek et aux autres de rentrer au Manoir Carter demain 脿 midi. 禄<br /> <br /> Le majordome a r茅pondu : 芦 Compris. 禄<br /> <br /> Alors que Norah sortait du Manoir Carter, le chauffeur de la famille s'est approch茅 d'elle. 芦 Madame, o霉 voulez-vous aller ? 禄<br /> <br /> Le chauffeur est rest茅 poli, consid茅rant toujours Norah comme la femme de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais avec la signature de l'accord de divorce, Norah a compris qu'elle avait rompu les liens avec la famille Carter.<br /> <br /> En jetant un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, Norah a remarqu茅 un nouveau message.<br /> <br /> Il provenait de son amie, Joanna Andrews. 芦 Norah, es-tu libre ce soir pour me rejoindre au Club Glamour ? J'ai entendu dire que Madeline 茅tait revenue et que Derek lui organisait une f锚te de bienvenue ce soir. 脟a va 锚tre un v茅ritable 茅v茅nement. Allons-y aussi. 禄<br /> <br /> La r茅ponse de Norah a 茅t茅 courte. 芦 D'accord. 禄<br /> <br /> Le seul commentaire de Joanna 茅tait un point d'interrogation. Le consentement rapide de Norah l'a prise au d茅pourvu.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis officiellement divorc茅e. Je suis donc c茅libataire 脿 partir de maintenant. 禄<br /> <br /> La discussion est rest茅e silencieuse pendant un moment, puis la r茅ponse de Joanna est arriv茅e, pleine d'enthousiasme et de points d'exclamation. 芦 Norah, o霉 es-tu maintenant ? Je te rejoins tout de suite ! Donne-moi juste dix secondes, et j'y serai ! 禄<br /> <br /> Trouvant amusant l'enthousiasme de son amie, Norah lui a indiqu茅 une adresse dans le B芒timent Splendor et a demand茅 au chauffeur : 芦 S'il te pla卯t, emm猫ne-moi au B芒timent Splendor. 禄<br /> <br /> Le B芒timent Splendor 茅tait bien connu 脿 Glophia pour 锚tre un centre commercial de luxe, o霉 l'on trouvait des marques haut de gamme du monde entier.<br /> <br /> D猫s son arriv茅e, Norah a 茅t茅 chaleureusement accueillie. 芦 Noelle, je suis ravie de te voir. Tu es l脿 pour m'apporter les 茅bauches ? 禄<br /> <br /> La somptueuse garde-robe 茅tait remplie de magnifiques robes haute couture, chacune orn茅e de diamants 茅tincelants qui accrochaient la lumi猫re.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, le designer haute couture d'Asodence, s'est approch茅 th茅芒tralement de Norah, lui a pris le bras en disant : 芦 Je suis triste chaque fois que je te vois comme 莽a. Pourquoi tu caches ton beau visage ? Tu es la fleur la plus exquise, pr锚te 脿 s'茅panouir courageusement. 禄<br /> <br /> En clignant des yeux, Norah a r茅pondu : 芦 Je suis d'accord avec toi, Aaron. Peux-tu m'aider 脿 me refaire une beaut茅 ? 禄<br /> <br /> S'attendant 脿 ce que Norah r茅plique, Aaron 茅tait sur le point de poursuivre la persuasion et s'est soudainement fig茅 aux mots de Norah. 芦 Attends une minute. Tu... Noelle, tu envisages vraiment une transformation ? Oh, mon Dieu ! Venir me voir a 茅t茅 la meilleure d茅cision que tu aies jamais prise. 禄<br /> <br /> Mettant de c么t茅 le sujet des projets de design, Aaron a guid茅 Norah jusqu'脿 un fauteuil de maquillage, en disant : 芦 Ne bouge pas. Je t'assure que tu te transformeras en une femme 茅blouissante lorsque je laisserai ta beaut茅 naturelle et ton charme irr茅sistible op茅rer leur magie. 禄<br /> <br /> Aaron a regard茅 la tenue simple et les cheveux 茅bouriff茅s de Norah, puis a commenc茅 maquiller avec impatience, son pinceau de maquillage 脿 la main.<br /> <br /> Lorsque Joanna est arriv茅e, Norah 茅tait encore en train de se faire maquiller.<br /> <br /> Joanna connaissait bien Aaron. Apr猫s l'avoir salu茅, elle s'est install茅e dans le fauteuil de maquillage voisin et a piqu茅 : 芦 F茅licitations, Norah, pour ton retour officiel 脿 ton c茅libat. Ta fid猫le admiratrice, Joanna, est 脿 ta disposition 脿 tout moment. 禄<br /> <br /> Chapitre4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah a esquiss茅 un sourire. 芦 Tu me flattes, Joanna. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna a demand茅 avec curiosit茅 : 芦 H茅, tu n'as pas 茅prouv茅 de sentiments profonds pour Derek ? Qu'est-ce qui t'a amen茅e 脿 t'en sortir et 脿 cesser d'锚tre amoureuse ? 禄<br /> <br /> La voix de Norah 茅tait glaciale lorsqu'elle a r茅pondu : 芦 J'ai surpris Madeline et Derek au lit. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna n'a pas pu s'emp锚cher de rire. 芦 Madeline est-elle 脿 ce point impatiente ? Elle est 脿 peine revenue et elle s'est d茅j脿 retrouv茅e au lit avec le mari d'une autre. Je me demande 脿 quoi ressemblait sa vie 脿 l'茅tranger. Eh bien, je dois dire que toi et Derek 茅tiez tellement malades d'amour. Il 茅tait accroch茅 脿 son premier amour, et tu 茅tais d茅vou茅e 脿 Derek qui ne te rendait pas la pareille. Est-ce que l'amour rend les gens aveugles 脿 ce point ? 禄<br /> <br /> Au fur et 脿 mesure que Joanna continuait, l'esprit de Norah venait en foule. Aujourd'hui, c'茅tait la premi猫re fois qu'elle rencontrait Madeline.<br /> <br /> Norah avait seulement entendu parler de Madeline par l'interm茅diaire de Derek et du personnel de maison. Ils ont d茅crit Madeline comme 茅tant gentille, empathique, polie et facile 脿 vivre, probablement le genre de personne qui attirait Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah avait toujours fait des efforts pour s'occuper de Derek, adoptant les traits suppos茅s de Madeline et essayant m锚me de lui ressembler pour attirer l'attention de Derek.<br /> <br /> Mais 锚tre une rempla莽ante n'a jamais 茅t茅 脿 la hauteur. De plus, Madeline ne ressemblait pas du tout 脿 la personne que Norah avait imagin茅e.<br /> <br /> Norah a r茅pondu avec peu d'enthousiasme : 芦 Tu comprendrais si tu avais d茅j脿 ressenti toi-m锚me la piq没re de l'amour. 禄<br /> <br /> Les sourcils de Joanna se sont fronc茅s. 芦 Norah, je ne veux pas me perdre dans l'amour. Je pr茅f猫re rester vive et 锚tre l脿 pour toi. Depuis que tu as int茅gr茅 la famille Carter, nous nous voyons 脿 peine. 禄<br /> <br /> Apr猫s son mariage, Norah a consacr茅 sa vie 脿 Derek et 脿 la famille Carter, laissant derri猫re elle sa vie pass茅e et ses amiti茅s.<br /> <br /> 芦 Norah, maintenant que tu es divorc茅e, vas-tu 脿 la course 脿 la Montagne Krusa dans cinq jours ? 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Non 禄, a refus茅 fermement Norah. 芦 Je n'ai pas couru depuis deux ans. Je ne suis plus dans le coup. 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna ne semblait pas convaincue. 芦 Pas dans le coup ? Trouve une meilleure excuse la prochaine fois. Dis-moi, Norah, tu as toujours l'espoir de te remettre avec ce salaud de Derek ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna 茅tait sur le point de dire du mal de Derek, mais elle s'est reprise. 芦 Tu te souviens de la course d'il y a trois ans ? Nocturne 茅tait le seul 脿 pouvoir te suivre. Depuis ton abandon, il a remport茅 la premi猫re place 脿 la Course de Montagne Krusa ces deux derni猫res ann茅es. On s'attend 脿 ce qu'il participe 脿 nouveau cette ann茅e. Ne veux-tu pas le voir ? 禄<br /> <br /> La Course de Montagne Krusa 茅tait un 茅v茅nement clandestin exaltant, un rassemblement de l'茅lite jeune et riche de Glophia qui 茅tait passionn茅e par les courses de voitures modifi茅es. Cet 茅v茅nement 茅tait connu pour ses courses palpitantes et attirait un public amateur de sports extr锚mes.<br /> <br /> Pour prot茅ger la vie priv茅e des participants, chaque coureur recevait un masque de la part des organisateurs et utilisait un nom de code pendant la course.<br /> <br /> Un aspect unique de la course 茅tait que le vainqueur pouvait demander aux coureurs vaincus d'enlever leur masque.<br /> <br /> Norah se souvenait de la course passionnante d'il y a trois ans, o霉 Nocturne avait 茅chou茅 de justesse 脿 la premi猫re place, 脿 trois secondes pr猫s.<br /> <br /> L'excitation se lisait dans ses yeux lorsqu'elle a dit : 芦 Eh bien, je suppose qu'il n'y a pas de mal 脿 aller le voir. 禄<br /> <br /> L'int茅r锚t d'Aaron a 茅t茅 茅veill茅 par la mention du 芦 divorce 禄. Il a demand茅 : 芦 Tu es divorc茅e, Noelle ? Cet homme ne se rend vraiment pas compte de ce qu'il a perdu. Je suis s没r qu'il regrettera d'avoir laiss茅 partir quelqu'un d'aussi pr茅cieux que toi. Quoi qu'il en soit, 脿 propos de ces projets de design... 禄<br /> <br /> L'attention de Joanna s'est report茅e sur Aaron et elle a demand茅 : 芦 Norah, tu travailles toujours sur des designs pour BelleVogue ? Ce n'est pas 茅tonnant qu'une partie de leur ligne de luxe ressemble 脿 tes cr茅ations. 禄<br /> <br /> Avec fiert茅, Aaron a dit : 芦 Noelle est une designer de mode exceptionnelle, reconnue par l'Association de la Haute Couture. Elle est connue dans le monde entier pour ses cr茅ations, qui atteignent des prix exorbitants. Heureusement, 茅tant proche de Noelle, j'ai 茅t茅 le seul 脿 obtenir quelques-unes de ses cr茅ations au cours des deux derni猫res ann茅es. 禄<br /> <br /> Roulant des yeux, Joanna a dit : 芦 Tout 莽a, c'est gr芒ce au talent de Norah. Qu'est-ce que cela a 脿 voir avec toi de toute fa莽on ? Allez, d茅p锚che-toi. Je dois 锚tre 茅blouissante ce soir, tout comme Norah. 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 D'accord, d'accord. D茅tends-toi, et je ferai en sorte que vous soyez toutes les deux splendides. 禄<br /> <br /> Une heure plus tard, elles ont fait leur entr茅e au Club Glamour.<br /> <br /> Sur la piste de danse, des lumi猫res vibrantes virevoltaient et illuminaient les murs et le sol. La musique 茅tait entra卯nante et les gens dansaient, le visage rayonnant de joie dans l'odeur d'alcool et de fum茅e qui flottait dans l'air.<br /> <br /> Le deuxi猫me 茅tage proposait une ambiance plus calme, o霉 Norah, qui se pr茅lassait seule sur un canap茅 en sirotant sa boisson, attirait les regards curieux. Norah portait une mini robe blanche argent茅e sans bretelles, ses cheveux ch芒tains l茅g猫rement boucl茅s tombaient en cascade dans son dos. La courbe 茅l茅gante de son cou brillait d'une lueur douce tandis qu'elle penchait la t锚te pour siroter sa boisson.<br /> <br /> 芦 Voil脿 ma Norah ! 禄, s'est exclam茅e Joanna, assise en face de Norah. 芦 Tu ne t'es pas jointe 脿 moi ces deux derni猫res ann茅es, toujours v锚tue de ces robes d茅mod茅es 脿 la r茅sidence des Carter. Ne te sentais-tu pas 茅touff茅e ? C'est si bon de te revoir dans ton 茅l茅ment. J'en suis tr猫s heureuse. 禄<br /> <br /> Norah sirotait silencieusement son verre, sans rien dire.<br /> <br /> Alors que le liquide br没lant glissait le long de sa gorge et dans son ventre, son corps se r茅chauffait peu 脿 peu.<br /> <br /> Bien que Norah se soit mari茅e dans la famille Carter et qu'elle ait pris soin de Derek tous les jours, elle aimait toujours porter des tenues 茅l茅gantes et un joli maquillage. Pourtant, Sharon et Kathy, la s艙ur de Derek, lui reprochaient souvent d'锚tre trop voyante. Selon elles, Derek 茅tant clou茅 au lit, elle n'avait pas 脿 s'habiller de fa莽on aussi 茅tincelante.<br /> <br /> Finalement, pour le bien de Derek, Norah avait r茅duit ses soins de toilette pour se consacrer enti猫rement 脿 lui, devenant son aide-soignante permanente.<br /> <br /> Mais cette 茅poque appartenait au pass茅. Lib茅r茅e de la famille Carter, Norah pouvait d茅sormais s'habiller comme elle le souhaitait, sans se soucier de leurs critiques.<br /> <br /> Joanna a jet茅 un coup d'艙il 脿 son t茅l茅phone, puis a lev茅 les yeux. 芦 Norah, tu as pr茅vu de perturber la stupide f锚te de bienvenue de Derek pour cette salope tout 脿 l'heure ? Veux-tu que j'am猫ne quelques personnes pour faire une sc猫ne ? 禄<br /> <br /> Les yeux de Norah 茅taient fix茅s sur le liquide dor茅 qui tourbillonnait dans son verre alors qu'elle le d茅pla莽ait doucement. 芦 Nous ne sommes pas venues au Club Glamour pour Derek, n'est-ce pas ? Alors, qui est la personne que tu veux que je rencontre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Joanna semblait surprise, puis a affich茅 un sourire malin. 芦 Norah, o霉 veux-tu en venir ? Nous sommes l脿 pour mettre le feu aux poudres ! 禄<br /> <br /> 芦 Le Club Glamour appartient 脿 la famille Morris. Je pr茅f猫re ne pas me mettre dans leur dos 禄, a dit calmement Norah. 芦 Je sais que la stupide f锚te de Derek n'est qu'une excuse. Alors, dis-moi la v茅rit茅. Qui cherche 脿 me rencontrer par le biais de tes arrangements ? 禄<br /> <br /> Leur conversation a 茅t茅 coup茅e par une sonnerie de t茅l茅phone. Joanna a rapidement d茅croch茅, son visage changeant au fur et 脿 mesure de l'appel. Faisant signe qu'elle devait s'茅loigner, elle a murmur茅 : 芦 Je dois r茅pondre. Je reviens vite. 禄<br /> <br /> En voyant l'inqui茅tude sur le visage de Joanna, Norah a compris que celle-ci devait s'occuper de quelque chose d'urgent. Elle a donc acquiesc茅 et a pos茅 son verre, qui a l茅g猫rement tint茅 sur la table.<br /> <br /> Quels que soient les plans 茅labor茅s par l'interm茅diaire de Joanna, Norah 茅tait s没re que cette derni猫re ne se retournerait pas contre elle.<br /> <br /> 芦 H茅, ma jolie, tu es toute seule ? 脟a te d茅range si je me joins 脿 toi pour boire un verre ? 禄<br /> <br /> Pendant les deux ann茅es de son mariage, Norah aimait son mari de toute son 芒me et a esp茅r茅 lui rendre la pareille.<br /> Mais lorsque la premi猫re amour de Derek est revenue, ce dernier a demand茅 le divorce.<br /> Norah a sign茅 l'accord de divorce sans h茅siter.<br /> Bien qu'elle soit consid茅r茅e comme une femme d茅laiss茅e, peu de gens connaissaient ses v茅ritables talents.<br /> Elle 茅tait pilote de course, designer de renom, hacker talentueuse et docteure r茅put茅e.<br /> Regrettant sa d茅cision, Derek l'a suppli茅e de lui pardonner.<br /> 脌 ce moment-l脿, un charmant PDG est soudain apparu, serrant Norah dans ses bras et disant 脿 Derek : 芦 Va-t'en, c'est ma femme ! 禄<br /> Norah a 茅t茅 choqu茅e et s'est exclam茅e : 芦 Qu'est-ce que tu as dit ? 禄<br /> <br /> Que se passe-t-il ensuite? <br /> Le nombre de chapitres affich茅s est limit茅. 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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 25307265798888422 | Leer el siguiente cap铆tulo馃憠 | Despu茅s del divorcio, regres贸 como una dise帽adora superior, piloto de carreras de 茅lite, curandera famosa y hacker genial, impresionando a todos y haciendo que su exmarido se arrepintiera amargamente.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 2 | 319,747,784,254,592 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120207044162560144 | fbweb.manobook.com | NONE | video | https://fbweb.manobook.com/12781375-fb_contact-spa125_6-0407-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=960021085297627 | 2024-04-27 03:00 | https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438095703_7210370742407599_9068914633649077732_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tAVLq6wLyyoQ7kNvgHzWFdy&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCHuTJhDG3Xy-IrEMWxk_mjAOInx3N3COps8s-In4ddvA&oe=6634C133 | person_profile | 0 | Manobook - Un matrimonio de conveniencia | https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438165455_413548368274266_6874038498682040029_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9HjvlaBYiSwQ7kNvgGWVLuS&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDVSA4SaStHCJIsJXRly-o4li9zma3ra4PvbFL5ZKCEHA&oe=6634B083 | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Seguir leyendo馃憠馃憠 | Despu茅s del divorcio, regres贸 como una dise帽adora superior, piloto de carreras de 茅lite, curandera famosa y hacker genial, impresionando a todos y haciendo que su exmarido se arrepintiera amargamente.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo1 Divorcio<br /> "Imag铆nate si Norah nos sorprendiera aqu铆, en su cama. 驴Crees que se enojar铆a tanto que llorar铆a?", pregunt贸 la mujer con un tono coqueto.<br /> <br /> "Esta no es su cama. Despu茅s de todos estos a帽os, ni siquiera la he tocado. Siempre duerme en la habitaci贸n de invitados de al lado", resopl贸 el hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, eres tan bueno conmigo...".<br /> <br /> Sus suaves murmullos se mezclaron con sus respiraciones agitadas.<br /> <br /> En la habitaci贸n tenuemente iluminada, un hombre y una mujer compart铆an momentos afectuosos en una espaciosa cama.<br /> <br /> Encima de ellos, adornando la pr铆stina pared, hab铆a una foto de una novia con una expresi贸n alegre.<br /> <br /> En la puerta, una joven se tap贸 la boca con las manos mientras las l谩grimas corr铆an por su rostro.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de un rato, su momento 铆ntimo termin贸.<br /> <br /> Derek Carter se puso sus pantalones cortos para ir a servirse un vaso de agua. Un destello de sorpresa se apoder贸 de su rostro cuando encontr贸 a Norah Wilson sentada en la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> Se preguntaba cu谩ndo hab铆a regresado y qu茅 habr铆a escuchado.<br /> <br /> "驴Lo o铆ste todo?", pregunt贸 casualmente despu茅s de recostarse en el sof谩 con un vaso de agua.<br /> <br /> Hab铆a chupetones en su delgada figura, pero no le importaba si Norah los ve铆a o c贸mo se sentir铆a. Simplemente bebi贸 un sorbo de agua.<br /> <br /> "Firma esto". Derek sac贸 una carpeta de un caj贸n y la arroj贸 sobre la mesa. "Como es posible que lo hayas o铆do todo, no tiene sentido que prolonguemos este asunto".<br /> <br /> Norah agarr贸 t铆midamente el documento y ley贸 las palabras "Acuerdo de divorcio" en la p谩gina inicial. Cuando fue hasta el final, vio la firma con estilo de Derek Carter.<br /> <br /> "Puedes revisarlo. Si quieres agregar un t茅rmino, av铆same. De lo contrario, f铆rmalo", orden贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Luego, se reclin贸 y encendi贸 un cigarrillo. El humo nubl贸 su indiferente expresi贸n.<br /> <br /> "驴No puedes darnos otra oportunidad?". Norah ten铆a la cabeza gacha y la voz 谩spera por las l谩grimas. Su elegante flequillo ca铆a sobre los bordes oscuros de sus gafas, resaltando su triste mirada.<br /> <br /> Desde que form贸 parte de la familia Carter, se hab铆a dedicado a Derek para tener un futuro lleno de felicidad.<br /> <br /> Sus manos se apretaron cuando record贸 al chico que la hab铆a protegido de una tormenta de nieve, deseando tener incluso la m谩s m铆nima esperanza de permanecer a su lado.<br /> <br /> "No seas tan pat茅tica, Norah. T煤 sabes lo que pasa entre Madeline y yo. 驴Por qu茅 te aferras a seguir siendo mi esposa? Ten un poco de dignidad". Derek dej贸 caer la ceniza en la bandeja impacientemente. "Nuestro matrimonio nunca fue m谩s que un acuerdo por conveniencia".<br /> <br /> Norah sinti贸 que su coraz贸n daba un vuelco. Era Madeline Powell a quien Derek realmente amaba. Finalmente lo entend铆a.<br /> <br /> Norah se encorv贸 y juguete贸 con el dobladillo de su ropa. Ahora se dio cuenta de que, cuando Madeline aparec铆a, la atenci贸n de Derek cambiaba por completo hacia ella.<br /> <br /> Hac铆a a帽os, Madeline se fue al extranjero y Derek la persigui贸, pero termin贸 en un tr谩gico accidente automovil铆stico que lo dej贸 inconsciente.<br /> <br /> Se supon铆a que se casar铆a con Luna Wilson. Pero ella se involucr贸 con otro hombre y tuvo un hijo, as铆 que los Wilson ofrecieron a Norah como novia sustituta. Norah ocup贸 el lugar de Luna y se convirti贸 en la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Durante su matrimonio, se dedic贸 a cuidarlo y cort贸 casi todos los lazos con su vida anterior por 茅l. Incluso abandon贸 sus pasiones, como el dise帽o, las carreras de autos, la cirug铆a m茅dica y la codificaci贸n, para concentrarse 煤nicamente en su esposo.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 de su coma un a帽o atr谩s, Norah sigui贸 cuid谩ndolo incansablemente y permaneci贸 a su lado sin falta. Pero 茅l pareci贸 cegado por su ternura cuando Madeline regres贸 del extranjero.<br /> <br /> A pesar de dos a帽os de matrimonio y cuidados, Norah ten铆a que admitir que no hab铆a logrado conquistar el coraz贸n de Derek.<br /> <br /> Al no recibir respuesta, Derek no pudo evitar fruncir el ce帽o y estudiar a la mujer sentada frente a 茅l.<br /> <br /> Norah era innegablemente atractiva, incluso con su espeso flequillo y sus grandes gafas, pero a menudo descuidaba su apariencia y se ve铆a desali帽ada. Adem谩s, ten铆a una personalidad demasiado reservada.<br /> <br /> Cuando Derek despert贸 del coma, Norah estuvo a su lado las veinticuatro horas del d铆a, pero aun as铆 茅l no sent铆a ninguna conexi贸n emocional con ella, solo la encontraba incre铆blemente aburrida.<br /> <br /> Sus constantes cuidados y atenciones, as铆 como su aspecto mundano y su rutina, eran tan mon贸tonos como el agua. A Derek todo le parec铆a bastante aburrido.<br /> <br /> Reconoc铆a el papel de Norah como cuidadora experimentada de la familia Carter durante esos dos a帽os, pero nunca sinti贸 que fuera adecuada para ser su compa帽era.<br /> <br /> Mientras apagaba otro cigarrillo, agreg贸 casualmente:<br /> <br /> "Esta es la residencia de los Carter...".<br /> <br /> Al interrumpirse, not贸 que Norah segu铆a con la cabeza gacha. La tristeza en su postura lo irrit贸.<br /> <br /> "Soy consciente de tu miseria con los Wilson, as铆 que te dar茅 tres villas y treinta millones despu茅s del divorcio. Puedes elegir cualquier auto del garaje. Eso deber铆a garantizarte una vida c贸moda", ofreci贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> No olvidaba el diligente cuidado de Norah mientras estaba postrado en cama y su compa帽铆a durante sus posteriores ejercicios de recuperaci贸n.<br /> <br /> Aunque no sent铆a ning煤n afecto por ella, estaba dispuesto a ofrecerle un acuerdo generoso por sus a帽os de dedicaci贸n. Le hab铆a dedicado los dos mejores a帽os de su vida.<br /> <br /> Derek se cruz贸 de brazos, y entonces Norah vio un peque帽o tatuaje en su clav铆cula, empeorando su angustia. Era las iniciales MP. Madeline Powell.<br /> <br /> Derek ya no ten铆a paciencia.<br /> <br /> "Dadas las circunstancias, te dar茅 un d铆a para que lo pienses. Si no est谩s de acuerdo con los t茅rminos, puedes sugerir ajustes, pero no vayas demasiado lejos. No soy conocido por ser paciente...".<br /> <br /> "No es necesario que lo piense". Norah agarr贸 el bol铆grafo de la mesa y escribi贸 su nombre en los papeles de divorcio. "Empacar茅 mis cosas y me ir茅. Ya no me interpondr茅 en tu camino".<br /> <br /> Derek le dio un asentimiento.<br /> <br /> "Me alegra escuchar eso".<br /> <br /> Derek apreciaba que Norah siempre cediera, como una sirviente que nunca cuestionaba sus decisiones. Un ejemplo era ese mismo d铆a, pues podr铆a haber causado un esc谩ndalo, pero mantuvo la paz.<br /> <br /> En su opini贸n, su comportamiento era demasiado aburrido. Ten铆a miedo de que estar cerca de alguien tan corriente pudiera contagiarlo eventualmente. El amor, despu茅s de todo, no era algo que pudiera forzarse.<br /> <br /> Justo cuando estaba a punto de decir algo sobre el contrato, Madeline sali贸 elegantemente, vestida con una camisa blanca.<br /> <br /> Apenas le cubr铆a sus muslos y solo hab铆a un par de botones abrochados, exponiendo mucha piel.<br /> <br /> Su cabello estaba h煤medo, por lo que la camisa se pegaba ligeramente a su piel, haciendo de su apariencia mucho m谩s atractiva.<br /> <br /> Al escuchar unos pasos, Norah se dio la vuelta y vio a Madeline usando lo que inmediatamente reconoci贸 como la camisa de Derek, una que ella hab铆a elegido para 茅l.<br /> <br /> Sus miradas se encontraron. Madeline le dedic贸 una sonrisa engre铆da y burlona.<br /> <br /> Pero cuando Derek sigui贸 su mirada, ella se apresur贸 a ocultar su sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Norah, por fin nos conocemos. Soy Madeline Powell". Madeline se acerc贸 a Derek y se sent贸 a su lado. "Derek te menciona a menudo", dijo apoy谩ndose sobre su hombro. "Es un placer conocerte".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 la mirada y no respondi贸.<br /> <br /> Madeline le dio un codazo a Derek en broma.<br /> <br /> "Escuch茅 que le dar谩s tres villas a Norah. 驴No sab铆as que yo quer铆a la villa cerca del lago? 驴Por qu茅 se la prometiste? 驴Ya no me amas?".<br /> <br /> Siendo indulgente con los deseos de Madeline, Derek se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "Te dar茅 otra villa".<br /> <br /> Norah lo mir贸 a trav茅s de sus gafas.<br /> <br /> "驴Pero no dijiste que esa era para m铆?".<br /> <br /> Madeline hizo un puchero.<br /> <br /> "Derek...".<br /> <br /> El rostro del hombre mostr贸 un destello de molestia.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴no entiendes lo que acabo de decir? T贸malo como un favor. Si no quieres realizar cambios, por favor, abstente de hacer solicitudes".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo2 Dale una lecci贸n<br /> "Norah, deseo con todo mi coraz贸n esa villa junto al lago. Elige otra para ti. Siempre he so帽ado que ese ser铆a mi nuevo hogar con Derek", confes贸 Madeline mientras se acurrucaba m谩s en sus brazos. "Ha sido mi deseo desde hace mucho".<br /> <br /> Derek sinti贸 nostalgia ante sus palabras.<br /> <br /> Norah lanz贸 una suave risa.<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 te r铆es?", pregunt贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Madeline se acurruc贸 junto a Derek. El escote abierto de su camisa revelaba mucho de su suave piel. Mientras giraba distra铆damente un mech贸n de su cabello, quiso llamar la atenci贸n del hombre, quien apoy贸 una mano sobre su hombro.<br /> <br /> "Me estoy riendo de lo tonta que fui", contest贸 Norah g茅lidamente.<br /> <br /> Sin dudarlo, agarr贸 el vaso de agua de Derek de la mesa y los empap贸 a los dos. La repentina cascada los dej贸 perplejos.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴has perdido la cabeza?", espet贸 Derek.<br /> <br /> Norah se puso de pie.<br /> <br /> "Se帽or Carter, pens茅 que eras un hombre de palabra. Ya que me hiciste una promesa, c煤mplela. De lo contrario, admite que eres un p茅simo hombre que rompe su palabra".<br /> <br /> Madeline estaba acostumbrada a la indulgencia de Derek, por lo que ten铆a un temperamento feroz. Simplemente fing铆a vulnerabilidad y sumisi贸n para ganarse el afecto de los hombres.<br /> <br /> Pero ahora estaba tan molesta que se levant贸 y empuj贸 fuertemente a Norah.<br /> <br /> "Ya se te ha mostrado suficiente indulgencia. 驴Crees que puedes hablarnos as铆? 驴Qui茅n te crees que eres? 驴C贸mo te atreves a tratarnos a Derek y a m铆 con tan poco respeto?".<br /> <br /> Luego, volvi贸 a buscar refugio en los brazos del hombre.<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah ha cruzado el l铆mite. 隆Dale una lecci贸n!". Mir谩ndolo lastimosamente, implor贸: "Mira, mi cabello y mi ropa est谩n empapados".<br /> <br /> Su camisa blanca se pegaba a ella, resaltando su elegante figura.<br /> <br /> Norah los observ贸 con calma, como si presenciara un espect谩culo circense.<br /> <br /> "Yo no ped铆 esas villas y propiedades. La familia Carter es bastante adinerada, pero todav铆a duda ante asuntos tan peque帽os. Lo entiendo, piensas que no lo merezco", declar贸 con un tono burl贸n pero carente de amargura.<br /> <br /> No obstante, Derek sinti贸 un cambio profundo en la actitud de Norah.<br /> <br /> Con la mand铆bula apretada, se sec贸 el agua del rostro antes de volverse hacia Madeline.<br /> <br /> "Tengo muchas villas a mi nombre. Elige otra que te guste y ser谩 tuya".<br /> <br /> Pero la furia de Madeline hacia Norah lat铆a a fuego lento. Adem谩s de Derek, nadie se hab铆a atrevido a faltarle el respeto de esa manera. La idea de que la exesposa no deseada de Derek actuara de esa manera era insoportable.<br /> <br /> As铆 que la fulmin贸 con la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Entonces, 驴entregar谩s esa villa o no?".<br /> <br /> "No", respondi贸 Norah firmemente.<br /> <br /> Un estruendo reson贸 cuando Madeline le dio una fuerte bofetada.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo te atreves? Sin Derek, no eres nadie en la familia Wilson. 隆Solo eres una bastarda!", bram贸 Madeline.<br /> <br /> El rostro de Derek se ensombreci贸, pero no tard贸 en recuperar la calma.<br /> <br /> "Madeline, no te enfades por ella".<br /> <br /> Norah se toc贸 la mejilla e hizo una mueca por el ardor de la bofetada. Probando la sangre, le dio una mirada fulminante a la otra mujer y susurr贸:<br /> <br /> "Te faltan modales...".<br /> <br /> Madeline busc贸 refugio en los brazos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Tengo a Derek a mi lado", se jact贸. "驴Qu茅 tienes t煤? No eres m谩s que un perro callejero que ya no quisieron m谩s. 隆Ah! 隆Norah!".<br /> <br /> Norah le arroj贸 un jarr贸n. Este se estrell贸 contra el suelo cerca del sof谩, rompi茅ndose en pedazos.<br /> <br /> "Si tienes ganas de ladrar, puedes hacerlo", agreg贸 mientras se acercaba. Luego, agarr贸 a Madeline por el cabello para obligarla a mirarla y la abofete贸 ferozmente.<br /> <br /> Madeline se puso a gritar.<br /> <br /> "隆Derek!".<br /> <br /> Derek, sintiendo que Norah se hab铆a excedido, se enoj贸 pero se contuvo.<br /> <br /> Despu茅s de liberar a Madeline, Norah retrocedi贸 un paso.<br /> <br /> "Los dejar茅 en paz. Espero que encuentren alegr铆a, tengan muchos hijos y est茅n juntos para toda la vida".<br /> <br /> Norah sali贸 de la residencia de Derek mientras escuchaba a lo lejos los sollozos de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Cuando la puerta se cerr贸 de golpe, esta empez贸 a gritar indignada.<br /> <br /> "Derek, 驴puedes creer lo que Norah acaba de hacer?", se quej贸. "Nos moj贸 y me abofete贸. Tienes que darle una lecci贸n...".<br /> <br /> "隆Suficiente!", la interrumpi贸 茅l. Masaje谩ndose las sienes, suaviz贸 su voz. "Norah y yo estamos divorciados. No quiero seguir enred谩ndome con ella. Cumplir茅 tus deseos, Madeline. Pero c谩lmate, por favor".<br /> <br /> Con un puchero, ella se acurruc贸 en el abrazo de Derek.<br /> <br /> "El comportamiento de Norah hacia ti me irrita", murmur贸 con frustraci贸n. "Siempre has mencionado lo d贸cil que es, pero hoy fue todo lo contrario. Estaba muy agresiva".<br /> <br /> Derek record贸 a Norah agarrando la taza para echarle agua, as铆 como la mirada fr铆a que le dirigi贸 a Madeline cuando la abofete贸. Era un lado suyo que nunca hab铆a presenciado antes. Fue entonces cuando se dio cuenta de que no la conoc铆a bien. Su impresi贸n de ella solo se basaba en su obediencia.<br /> <br /> Al salir, Norah vio un sed谩n negro esper谩ndola en la puerta. El conductor la salud贸 con respeto.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter, la se帽ora Juliana Carter solicita su presencia".<br /> <br /> Ella estaba sorprendida y no sab铆a qu茅 hacer, pero aun as铆 entr贸 al veh铆culo sin pensarlo dos veces.<br /> <br /> Pronto el auto se detuvo frente a una enorme villa. Era la mansi贸n de los Carter, la residencia de los abuelos de Derek.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora Norah Carter...", salud贸 el mayordomo y llev贸 a la aparentemente preocupada Norah al interior.<br /> <br /> Parec铆a querer seguir conversando, pero finalmente decidi贸 permanecer callado.<br /> <br /> "La se帽ora Juliana dice que no la ve desde hace mucho. La cena a煤n no est谩 servida, as铆 que podr铆a pasar tiempo con ella antes de cenar".<br /> <br /> Norah baj贸 los ojos y no dijo nada. Ten铆a la sensaci贸n de que Juliana quer铆a convencerla de que reconsiderara el divorcio.<br /> <br /> La mansi贸n sol铆a ser muy tranquila, ya que solo era habitada por los abuelos de Derek. Pero esta cobr贸 vida cuando Juliana, la abuela de Derek, not贸 la llegada de Norah y la invit贸 calurosamente a acercarse.<br /> <br /> "Norah, si茅ntate aqu铆".<br /> <br /> Norah se instal贸 y la salud贸 con una sonrisa a pesar de su confusi贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana agarr贸 su mano.<br /> <br /> "No me has visitado en mucho tiempo", dijo ansiosamente.<br /> <br /> "驴C贸mo va todo con Derek?".<br /> <br /> Norah supuso que la anciana la estaba poniendo a prueba. Dudaba que no supiera sobre el regreso de Madeline.<br /> <br /> Con aplomo, declar贸:<br /> <br /> "Derek piensa que deber铆amos divorciarnos. Acabo de firmar el acuerdo de divorcio para dejarle el paso libre a Madeline".<br /> <br /> "驴Madeline?", repiti贸 Juliana tajantemente. "Sus acciones hicieron que Derek sufriera ese accidente. 驴C贸mo se atreve a regresar a su vida? No te preocupes, yo te prefiero a ti sobre esa mujer. 驴Existe alguna posibilidad de que reconsideres el divorcio?".<br /> <br /> "驴Divorcio? 隆Quiz谩s sea lo mejor!". Sharon Carter, la madre de Derek, se acerc贸 con una sonrisa. Su presencia irradiaba sofisticaci贸n y encanto mientras se mov铆a con seducci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana se puso furiosa.<br /> <br /> "隆Camina bien! 驴Por qu茅 te comportas as铆? No tienes modales".<br /> <br /> Sharon se sorprendi贸 ante su reprimenda y su expresi贸n se volvi贸 inc贸moda. Mirando a Norah, agreg贸 con tono g茅lido:<br /> <br /> "Menos mal est谩n divorciados. Derek se iba a casar con Luna Wilson, la hija mayor de los Wilson. 驴Pero qu茅 pas贸? Luna fue tan desvergonzada como para involucrarse con otro hombre y termin贸 embarazada.<br /> <br /> En todos estos a帽os viviendo en Glophia, nunca escuch茅 que la familia Wilson tuviera otra hija. Me pregunto de d贸nde sali贸 esta mujer. 驴No ha disfrutado de suficiente riqueza y prosperidad siendo la esposa de Derek durante dos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo3 Cambio de imagen<br /> Norah agarr贸 la mano de Juliana. Su expresi贸n se ilumin贸 con una sonrisa, como si ignorara los duros comentarios de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "Parece que tienes un poco de tos. Estoy segura de que una sopa te ayudar谩 a recuperarte. Le dar茅 la receta al mayordomo m谩s tarde".<br /> <br /> Juliana siempre hab铆a apreciado su docilidad y sensatez, as铆 que respondi贸 calurosamente:<br /> <br /> "Eres un 谩ngel, Norah. No me estoy haciendo m谩s joven y mi salud ha ido empeorando con la edad. Querida, t煤 eres la 煤nica que muestra tanta preocupaci贸n por mi bienestar".<br /> <br /> Al verse ignorada, Sharon palideci贸.<br /> <br /> "Oh, vamos", resopl贸. "隆Deja de fingir! Ahora que ya firmaste el acuerdo de divorcio, no es necesario que sigas actuando. 驴De verdad crees que permanecer cerca de Juliana te otorgar谩 el derecho de seguir benefici谩ndote de nuestra familia?".<br /> <br /> Antes de que Norah pudiera responder, la anciana intervino:<br /> <br /> "Ella ha sido amable con todos nosotros desde que form贸 parte de esta familia. Estuvo al lado de Derek durante su coma y lo cuid贸 diligentemente. Sin mencionar que siempre nos ha tratado a ti y a m铆 con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 ahora eres tan desagradecida, despu茅s de todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra familia en estos a帽os?".<br /> <br /> "隆Juliana! Norah no es m谩s que una bastarda de los Wilson. 驴Por qu茅 la defiendes?". Sharon dio un pisot贸n.<br /> <br /> Luego, se volvi贸 hacia Norah.<br /> <br /> "驴Dije algo malo? 驴C贸mo merece esta bastarda ser la esposa de Derek? Si t煤 y tu esposo no hubieran insistido en que ella se casara con Derek, jam谩s la habr铆a aprobado. Adem谩s, ha vivido de la fortuna de la familia Carter todo este tiempo. Es comprensible que nos trate con respeto. 驴Por qu茅 haces que parezca como si hubiera hecho algo grandioso? Tampoco ha concebido en todos estos a帽os. Quieres bisnietos, 驴no? Apuesto a que Derek se divorci贸 de ella por ese motivo".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 severo.<br /> <br /> "Sharon, cuida tus palabras. 驴C贸mo puedes decir semejantes estupideces?".<br /> <br /> Aunque estaba sorprendida por su severidad, Sharon replic贸:<br /> <br /> "Solo estoy exponiendo los hechos. Es una suerte que no haya concebido, ya que eso podr铆a haber complicado el divorcio. Cualquier hijo suyo ser铆a tan desagradable como ella".<br /> <br /> Juliana estaba perturbada por las palabras de su nuera, pero se limit贸 a agarrar la mano de Norah para tranquilizarla.<br /> <br /> "Ign贸rala, Norah. Es una mujer grosera y malhablada. Por favor, no te precipites con el asunto del divorcio. Mientras respire, solo te reconocer茅 a ti como la esposa de Derek. Mi esposo y yo te apreciamos much铆simo. No te preocupes por la reacci贸n de mi nieto. Conc茅ntrate en llevarte bien con 茅l y sigan viviendo plenamente juntos".<br /> <br /> Sharon se ve铆a bastante frustrada.<br /> <br /> "Juliana, 驴qu茅 te pasa? 驴Por qu茅 t煤 y tu esposo siempre defienden a Norah? 隆Maldita sea! Norah, lo mejor es que aceptes que t煤 y Derek terminaron".<br /> <br /> Norah alz贸 los ojos llorosos hacia Juliana.<br /> <br /> "Basta de tonter铆as, Sharon", espet贸 la anciana, manteniendo la compostura. "No tienes voz ni voto en el matrimonio de Derek. No opines sobre ese asunto, y d茅jame resaltar una vez m谩s que prefiero a Norah. Si no puedes hablar debidamente, sal de mi vista. 隆Ahora!".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Sharon se enrojeci贸 de furia y verg眉enza. Tuvo que apretar los labios con fuerza para reprimir cualquier otra objeci贸n.<br /> <br /> Juliana volvi贸 a centrar su atenci贸n en Norah:<br /> <br /> "驴Qu茅 piensas?".<br /> <br /> Norah se encontr贸 con su mirada. Las l谩grimas rodaban por sus mejillas mientras luchaba por hablar.<br /> <br /> "Yo... Te agradezco mucho, Juliana. Pero hoy encontr茅 a Madeline y Derek teniendo sexo en lo que sol铆a ser nuestra cama. Adem谩s, la indiferencia de Derek me ha dado a entender que no tiene sentido continuar con este matrimonio".<br /> <br /> El rostro de Juliana se volvi贸 de un blanco fantasmal y sus rasgos se arrugaron por la preocupaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "La culpa es de Derek". Luego, agarr贸 firmemente sus manos para consolarla. "Has soportado mucho durante todo este tiempo".<br /> <br /> Norah permaneci贸 callada. Un breve silencio se apoder贸 de la sala de estar.<br /> <br /> De repente, se escuch贸 la fuerte voz de Sharon.<br /> <br /> "驴La puta de Madeline ha vuelto? 隆Maldici贸n! Voy a salir, Juliana. 隆Tengo que hacer que esa puta pague!".<br /> <br /> Sharon agarr贸 r谩pidamente su bolso y sali贸 corriendo.<br /> <br /> Norah se sec贸 las l谩grimas y esboz贸 una sonrisa de alivio.<br /> <br /> "Estoy bien, en serio".<br /> <br /> Juliana ten铆a el coraz贸n apesadumbrado.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, no te presionar茅 m谩s. Pero vis铆tame cuando tengas tiempo. Solo tu compa帽铆a me basta".<br /> <br /> Las l谩grimas se acumularon en sus ojos. Realmente se hab铆a encari帽ado con Norah y reconoc铆a su importancia en la recuperaci贸n de su nieto.<br /> <br /> Norah sec贸 tiernamente las l谩grimas de la anciana, apreciando la genuina bondad que le hab铆a mostrado.<br /> <br /> "Lo har茅. Bueno, tengo que irme. Por favor, deber铆as pedir a la criada que le prepare la sopa".<br /> <br /> Norah se march贸 sin mirar atr谩s, sin darse cuenta de la resoluci贸n en los ojos de Juliana.<br /> <br /> Esta se sec贸 los ojos y le indic贸 al mayordomo:<br /> <br /> "Haz que Derek y los dem谩s vengan aqu铆 ma帽ana al mediod铆a".<br /> <br /> "Entendido", contest贸 茅l.<br /> <br /> Cuando Norah sali贸 de la mansi贸n de los Carter, el ch贸fer de la familia se acerc贸 a ella.<br /> <br /> "Se帽ora, 驴ad贸nde le gustar铆a ir?".<br /> <br /> Sus modales segu铆an siendo educados, ya que todav铆a la consideraba la esposa de Derek.<br /> <br /> Pero una vez que firm贸 el documento de divorcio, Norah comprendi贸 que hab铆a roto sus lazos con la familia Carter.<br /> <br /> Al mirar su tel茅fono, descubri贸 que hab铆a un mensaje nuevo.<br /> <br /> Era de Joanna Andrews, su amiga.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴est谩s disponible esta noche para acompa帽arme al club Glamour? Madeline ha regresado, as铆 que Derek le organizar谩 una fiesta de bienvenida. 隆Va a ser todo un espect谩culo! Tenemos que hacer sentir nuestra presencia".<br /> <br /> Norah le dio una respuesta breve.<br /> <br /> "Cuenta conmigo".<br /> <br /> Joanna envi贸 varios signos de interrogaci贸n. La r谩pida aceptaci贸n de su amiga la tom贸 con la guardia baja.<br /> <br /> "Estoy oficialmente divorciada", explic贸 Norah. "De ahora en adelante, estar茅 sola".<br /> <br /> Joanna no respondi贸 nada por un momento, pero luego envi贸 un mensaje emocionado con una r谩faga de signos de exclamaci贸n.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 隆驴d贸nde est谩s ahora?! 隆隆隆Ir茅 por ti inmediatamente!!! 隆隆隆Solo dame diez segundos para llegar!!!".<br /> <br /> Divertida ante el entusiasmo de su amiga, Norah le envi贸 una ubicaci贸n y le indic贸 al conductor:<br /> <br /> "Por favor, ll茅veme al Edificio Splendor".<br /> <br /> Era un lugar conocido en Glophia por ser un lujoso centro comercial, con marcas de primer nivel de todo el mundo.<br /> <br /> Al llegar, Norah fue recibida calurosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle, me alegro mucho de verte. 驴Viniste para entregar los bocetos de dise帽o?".<br /> <br /> El lujoso vestidor estaba repleto de impresionantes vestidos de alta costura, cada uno adornado con brillantes diamantes que reflejaban la luz.<br /> <br /> Aaron Harvey, el dise帽ador de alta costura de Asodence, se acerc贸 teatralmente a ella y la tom贸 del brazo.<br /> <br /> "Me duele cada vez que te veo as铆. 驴Por qu茅 escondes tu hermoso rostro? Eres la flor m谩s exquisita, as铆 que deber铆as florecer con valent铆a".<br /> <br /> Norah parpade贸.<br /> <br /> "Estoy de acuerdo, Aaron. 驴Puedes ayudarme con un cambio de imagen?".<br /> <br /> Aaron esper贸 que Norah le diera excusas, as铆 que estaba a punto de continuar con la persuasi贸n, pero entonces se qued贸 paralizado.<br /> <br /> "隆Espera! T煤... Noelle, 驴de verdad quieres tener una transformaci贸n? 隆Oh, por Dios! Acudir a m铆 fue la mejor decisi贸n de tu vida".<br /> <br /> Dejando de lado el tema de los borradores de dise帽o, Aaron la llev贸 a la silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Qu茅date quieta. Te aseguro que ser谩s una mujer deslumbrante cuando deje que tu belleza natural y tu irresistible encanto hagan su magia".<br /> <br /> Aaron observ贸 el sencillo atuendo y el cabello despeinado de Norah. Luego, comenz贸 entusiasmadamente su transformaci贸n con una brocha de maquillaje en la mano.<br /> <br /> Cuando Joanna lleg贸 al lugar, todav铆a segu铆an maquillando a Norah.<br /> <br /> Como conoc铆a a Aaron, fue a saludarlo y se sent贸 en una cercana silla de maquillaje.<br /> <br /> "Norah, te felicito por tu regreso oficial a una vida despreocupada".<br /> <br /> Cap铆tulo4 Club Glamour<br /> Norah le dio una sonrisa.<br /> <br /> "Eres muy h谩bil con las palabras, Joanna".<br /> <br /> "Oye, 驴no estabas enamorada de Derek?", pregunt贸 ella con curiosidad. "驴Qu茅 te hizo recuperarte y olvidar tu amor?".<br /> <br /> "Acabo de encontrarlo con Madeline en la cama", explic贸 Norah con voz g茅lida.<br /> <br /> Joanna se ech贸 a re铆r.<br /> <br /> "驴Tan desesperada est谩 Madeline por estar con un hombre? Apenas ha regresado y ya se meti贸 con el esposo de otra persona. Me pregunto c贸mo era su vida en el extranjero. Bueno, debo reconocer que t煤 y Derek ambos son demasiado dedicados al amor. 脡l estaba obsesionado con su primer amor y t煤 le eras completamente devota, a pesar de que nunca te correspondi贸. 驴Acaso el amor ciega tanto a la gente?".<br /> <br /> La mente de Norah empez贸 a vagar. Hoy hab铆a sido la primera vez que vio a Madeline.<br /> <br /> Solo hab铆a escuchado hablar de ella a trav茅s de Derek y el personal de la casa. Todos la describ铆an como amable, emp谩tica, educada y tranquila, alguien que pod铆a atraerlo.<br /> <br /> Norah siempre hab铆a hecho de todo para cuidarlo, adoptando las supuestas caracter铆sticas de Madeline, incluso tratando de parecerse a ella para llamar su atenci贸n.<br /> <br /> Pero ser un reemplazo nunca era suficiente. Adem谩s, Madeline no era en absoluto la persona que ella hab铆a imaginado.<br /> <br /> "Lo entender铆as si alguna vez sintieras el amor", respondi贸 sin mucho entusiasmo.<br /> <br /> Joanna frunci贸 el ce帽o.<br /> <br /> "No quiero perderme en el amor, Norah. Prefiero estar alerta y a tu lado. Apenas nos vemos desde que te uniste a la familia Carter".<br /> <br /> Tras su matrimonio, Norah se dedic贸 a Derek y a la familia Carter, dejando atr谩s su vida pasada y sus amistades.<br /> <br /> "Norah, ahora que est谩s divorciada, 驴participar谩s en la carrera de la monta帽a Krusa en cinco d铆as?".<br /> <br /> "No", contest贸 ella rotundamente. "Hace dos a帽os que no participo en carreras, as铆 que estoy fuera de pr谩ctica".<br /> <br /> Pero Joanna no parec铆a convencida.<br /> <br /> "驴Fuera de pr谩ctica? Dame una excusa mejor la pr贸xima vez. Dime, Norah, 驴todav铆a tienes esperanzas de regresar con el bastardo de Derek?".<br /> <br /> Joanna quiso hablar mal de ese hombre, pero tuvo una idea.<br /> <br /> "驴Recuerdas la carrera de hace tres a帽os? Nocturne fue el 煤nico que pudo alcanzarte. Desde que te retiraste, ha conseguido el primer puesto en la carrera de Krusa durante los 煤ltimos dos a帽os. Todos esperan que vuelva a competir este a帽o. 驴No quieres verlo?".<br /> <br /> La carrera de la monta帽a Krusa era un emocionante evento clandestino, una reuni贸n de la 茅lite joven y adinerada de Glophia que eran entusiastas de las carreras de autos. Ese evento era conocido por sus emocionantes carreras y atra铆a a una multitud fan谩tica de los deportes extremos.<br /> <br /> Para proteger la privacidad de los concursantes, cada uno recib铆a una m谩scara de los organizadores y usaba apodos durante la carrera.<br /> <br /> Una peculiaridad era que el ganador pod铆a pedirles a los perdedores que se quitaran la m谩scara.<br /> <br /> Norah record贸 la emocionante carrera de hac铆a tres a帽os, en la que Nocturne se qued贸 por poco con el primer puesto por unos escasos tres segundos.<br /> <br /> "Bueno, supongo que no hay nada de malo en echarle un vistazo", coment贸 con un brillo en los ojos.<br /> <br /> Aaron se mostr贸 interesado cuando escuch贸 sobre el divorcio.<br /> <br /> "驴Est谩s divorciada, Noelle? Ese hombre no sabe lo que se perdi贸. Apuesto a que se arrepentir谩 de haber dejado a alguien tan valioso como t煤. De todos modos, sobre esos borradores de dise帽o...".<br /> <br /> Joanna se volvi贸 hacia Aaron.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴a煤n trabajas en dise帽os para BelleVogue? No me extra帽a que algunas de sus l铆neas de lujo se parezcan a tus creaciones".<br /> <br /> Aaron sonri贸 orgullosamente.<br /> <br /> "Noelle es una dise帽adora de moda de primer nivel reconocida por la Asociaci贸n de Alta Costura. Es famosa en todo el mundo por sus dise帽os, los cuales est谩n valorizados en precios alt铆simos. Afortunadamente, siendo cercano a Noelle, he sido el 煤nico que ha recibido sus creaciones en estos dos a帽os".<br /> <br /> Joanna puso los ojos en blanco.<br /> <br /> "Todo esto es por el talento de Norah. 驴Qu茅 tiene que ver contigo? Vamos, ap煤rate. Tengo que verme espectacular esta noche, al igual que Norah".<br /> <br /> "Bueno, bueno. Rel谩jate y me asegurar茅 de que ambas se vean fabulosas".<br /> <br /> Una hora despu茅s, las dos amigas entraron al club Glamour.<br /> <br /> En la pista de baile, unas luces vibrantes giraban e iluminaban todo el lugar. La m煤sica sonaba con emoci贸n mientras la gente bailaba. Sus rostros brillaban de alegr铆a entre el olor a alcohol y el humo.<br /> <br /> El segundo piso ofrec铆a un ambiente m谩s tranquilo. Ah铆 Norah se sent贸 en un sof谩 para beber su bebida, atrayendo miradas curiosas. Ten铆a puesto un peque帽o vestido sin tirantes de color blanco plateado. Su cabello casta帽o estaba ligeramente rizado y ca铆a sobre su espalda. La elegante curva de su cuello brillaba suavemente mientras inclinaba la cabeza para tomar un sorbo de su bebida.<br /> <br /> "隆Ah铆 est谩 mi Norah!", exclam贸 Joanna y se sent贸 frente a ella. "No te has reunido conmigo en todo este tiempo. 隆Y siempre te pon铆as esos vestidos formales en la residencia de ese idiota! 驴No te sent铆as asfixiada? Es tan bueno verte una vez m谩s en tu elemento. 隆Me hace tan feliz!".<br /> <br /> Norah sigui贸 tomando su bebida en silencio.<br /> <br /> A medida que el ardiente l铆quido se deslizaba por su garganta hasta su vientre, su cuerpo empez贸 a entrar en calor.<br /> <br /> A pesar de que se hab铆a casado con un miembro de la familia Carter y lo atend铆a a diario, disfrutaba vestirse elegantemente y ponerse un maquillaje encantador. Pero Sharon y Kathy, la hermana de Derek, a menudo la criticaban por ser demasiado llamativa. Afirmaban que, como su esposo estaba postrado en cama, ella no ten铆a por qu茅 vestirse tan extravagantemente.<br /> <br /> Por el bien de Derek, Norah se dedic贸 por completo a cuidarlo, convirti茅ndose en su constante enfermera.<br /> <br /> Pero esos d铆as hab铆an quedado en el pasado. Ahora que se hab铆a liberado de la familia Carter, pod铆a vestirse como quisiera, sin preocuparse por sus cr铆ticas.<br /> <br /> Joanna mir贸 su tel茅fono y alz贸 la mirada.<br /> <br /> "Norah, 驴tienes alg煤n plan para crear una escena en la est煤pida fiesta de bienvenida de Derek para esa perra? 驴Te gustar铆a que traiga a algunas personas para hacer un esc谩ndalo?".<br /> <br /> Norah mir贸 fijamente el l铆quido dorado que se arremolinaba en su vaso mientras lo mov铆a de a pocos.<br /> <br /> "Vinimos aqu铆 no solo por ellos, 驴verdad? Dime, 驴qui茅n es la persona con la que me has citado?".<br /> <br /> Joanna pareci贸 sorprenderse y esboz贸 una sonrisa astuta.<br /> <br /> "驴A qu茅 te refieres, Norah? 隆Solo vinimos para agitar las cosas!".<br /> <br /> "Este club le pertenece a la familia Morris, as铆 que preferir铆a no hacerlos enojar", explic贸 ella. "Soy consciente de que la est煤pida fiesta de Derek solo es una excusa. Entonces, cont茅stame honestamente. 驴Qui茅n te busc贸 para llegar a m铆?".<br /> <br /> Su conversaci贸n fue interrumpida por el timbre de un tel茅fono. Joanna lo agarr贸 a toda prisa y su rostro cambi贸.<br /> <br /> "Tengo que responder", murmur贸 alej谩ndose. "Vuelvo enseguida".<br /> <br /> Norah not贸 la preocupaci贸n de su amiga y comprendi贸 que ten铆a que atender algo urgente. Por lo tanto, asinti贸 y dej贸 su bebida. El vaso tintine贸 ligeramente sobre la mesa.<br /> <br /> Independientemente de los planes que se estuvieran haciendo a trav茅s de Joanna, Norah confiaba en que su amiga no se volver铆a contra ella.<br /> <br /> "Hola, hermosa. 驴Est谩s sola? 驴Te importa si tomo una copa contigo?".<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4& | INSTALL_MOBILE_APP | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. | 104384282357850 | Romantic Novel City | https://facebook.com/100083790041265 | 3,553 | 1 | 457,522,256,692,142 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Install now | 0 | Romantic Novel City | 120206458092430685 | play.google.com | NONE | image | Read popular romance books and web novels on the fantastic ebook reader | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.ereader | 2024-04-24 22:41 | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438741436_1171535943798474_427526790492129319_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i5AezO2rWCMAb5KWCJ8&_nc_oc=Adhl5u5IPw1O8m5razTEI3oT_p4X5y6zbYjPM1hST8bBR8inryyrYlpDY-OtJEncLGs&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAi8xUtPRL5yXUFSmyoPUeQBGbLKn63YkeVj6Yq4qhAug&oe=6634B69F | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438765810_1137585877383123_8551660619160923170_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y3-wo5xXoMIAb5nzofR&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBE85IqNJmbuD_CUuCuG6hL3L6ScljlkloMCFKshW82UA&oe=6634B1AD | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel City | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 294362370274519 | Enjoy Romance馃グRead More 馃憠 | The husband's mistress returned, and he handed her a divorce agreement. Disheartened, she realized she was just a substitute, turned around, left, and returned with a dominating presence as the heiress of a business empire.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &2& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 105235075579900 | Funread | https://facebook.com/100083845110483 | 11,063 | 1 | 1,759,740,107,883,751 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Funread | 120208160129200660 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1910509592737470 | 2024-04-25 03:25 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439153901_941335617465153_5068344818350243807_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K7_FGRcLXb8Q7kNvgGmZgNR&_nc_oc=Adjqt01No8ZQVkbHHEvedwoUMjYFVED_xPoXUaNI_Fvjw3NEUnVt9TCOV7O2_Eio7ykuBAmgnpfHWZzvPe8LHfL3&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBl6nofp9bO2oKAYnEn2XYzPz0A0RKX5aVdz1RNawEVuA&oe=6634A8D3 | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439212210_335531535837838_6950254011375340325_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pP10zjpTA5IQ7kNvgEwuvvb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBjbnOq5uYxLEA8V2OYcrl71NVSq2BfQSLEIFPaJ805fw&oe=6634CDF1 | 0 | 3 | Funread | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-27 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 279335255235934 | Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, he acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner.<br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace.<br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. <br /> <br /> **<br /> Derek and Madeline happened to meet their friends at the Charm Club.<br /> <br /> "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?" Suddenly, a voice rang out in the crowd.<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> This was Nora, whom he had never seen before...<br /> <br /> &6& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 108394237578957 | Fiction books | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 46,817 | 1 | 403,132,725,867,359 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Fiction books | 120208598497080783 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=865882748312311 | 2024-04-25 04:46 | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438241130_1074612790273936_3715759765184167821_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RVAUVoojFQkQ7kNvgE8ezTN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDCEbUVBpjH2vLrNBeIxO5k29_MeX3Qa_ATi6B-BxvJ-Q&oe=6634C964 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438259991_1564767880972829_1342582971251889218_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wwhYNfU6sCEQ7kNvgFEtDko&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC1zWaI4lF934sqFyslxvhk3rEKIcP5_ymIntbMvXoyGQ&oe=6634C01E | 0 | 3 | Fiction books | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-26 02:00 | View Edit Delete | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 1615433542543575 | Read next chapter | After the divorce, she made a spectacular comeback as a top designer, elite race car driver, renowned healer, and genius hacker, stunning everyone and leaving her scoundrel ex-husband full of regret!<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> In the softly lit room, a man and a woman were entwined in an affectionate embrace. <br /> <br /> A painting of a bride adorned the pristine wall, her expression one of gentle joy. <br /> <br /> "Imagine if Norah knew this. Do you think she'd be furious enough to cry?" the woman said in a flirtatious tone. <br /> <br /> "Who cares what she thinks?" the man snorted before replying. <br /> <br /> "Derek, you're so good to me..."<br /> <br /> Right then, a young woman at the door clasped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face upon overhearing them. <br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> Ever since marrying into the Carter family, Norah had devoted herself to Derek, hoping for a future filled with happiness. <br /> <br /> Memories of the boy who had protected her from a snowstorm tightened her grip, wishing for even the slightest hope of remaining by his side. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him. <br /> <br /> Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved. <br /> <br /> After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull. <br /> <br /> The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring. <br /> <br /> He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner. <br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace. <br /> <br /> To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force. <br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Derek felt a wave of nostalgia at her words. <br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Madeline, accustomed to Derek's indulgence, had a fierce temper. She merely feigned vulnerability and submission to win the affection of men. <br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> She then sought refuge in Derek's arms again. "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> "I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable. <br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."<br /> <br /> "Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."<br /> <br /> With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, "Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."<br /> <br /> Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance. <br /> <br /> Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate. The driver, with respect, announced, "Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought. <br /> <br /> The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents. <br /> <br /> "Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside. <br /> <br /> The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. "Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."<br /> <br /> Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce. <br /> <br /> The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."<br /> <br /> Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil. <br /> <br /> Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"<br /> <br /> Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country. <br /> <br /> With poise, Norah shared, "Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."<br /> <br /> Juliana's response was sharp. "Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him. <br /> <br /> "Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace. <br /> <br /> Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. "Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."<br /> <br /> Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this Norah came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."<br /> <br /> Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."<br /> <br /> Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"<br /> <br /> Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"<br /> <br /> "Juliana! Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet. <br /> <br /> Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this woman deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great?"<br /> <br /> Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"<br /> <br /> Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts."<br /> <br /> Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."<br /> <br /> Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."<br /> <br /> Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them. <br /> <br /> Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough of your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's marriage. Stay out of this business. And allow me to highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face. Now!"<br /> <br /> At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections. <br /> <br /> Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?"<br /> <br /> Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I... I really appreciate it, Juliana. But, today I caught Madeline and Derek cheating on me... Plus, Derek's indifference to me has told me there's no point in continuing this marriage."<br /> <br /> Juliana's face creased with worry as she said, "The blame lies with Derek."<br /> <br /> She held Norah's hands firmly, offering solace, "You've endured a lot over these last two years."<br /> <br /> Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room. <br /> <br /> The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline is back? Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that woman pay."<br /> <br /> Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room. <br /> <br /> Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really."<br /> <br /> With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, "Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visit me whenever you get the chance. Your company alone is enough for me."<br /> <br /> Tears gathered in her eyes as Juliana spoke. Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing Norah's significance in Derek's recovery from his coma. <br /> <br /> Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you."<br /> <br /> Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes. <br /> <br /> Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to come back to the Carter Manor tomorrow at noon."<br /> <br /> The butler acknowledged, "Understood."<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"<br /> <br /> Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."<br /> <br /> The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. <br /> <br /> Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"<br /> <br /> The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light. <br /> <br /> Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."<br /> <br /> Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"<br /> <br /> Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."<br /> <br /> Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."<br /> <br /> Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. <br /> <br /> By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done. <br /> <br /> Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."<br /> <br /> Joanna asked curiously, "Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"<br /> <br /> Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek having an affair."<br /> <br /> Joanna couldn't help but laugh. "Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to him who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"<br /> <br /> As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline. <br /> <br /> Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to. <br /> <br /> Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye. <br /> <br /> But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined. <br /> <br /> Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."<br /> <br /> Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."<br /> <br /> After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind. <br /> <br /> "Norah, now that you're divorced, are you going to the race at Krusa Mountain in five days?"<br /> <br /> "No," Norah flatly refused. "I haven't raced in two years. I'm out of touch."<br /> <br /> Joanna looked unconvinced. "Out of touch? Try a better excuse next time. Tell me, Norah, are you still holding onto hopes of getting back with that bastard Derek?"<br /> <br /> Joanna was on the verge of bad-mouthing Derek, but she brightened up. "Remember three years ago at that race? Nocturne was the only one who could keep up with you. Since your dropout, he's taken first place at Krusa Mountain Racing for the last two years. He's expected to compete again this year. Don't you want to see him?"<br /> <br /> The Krusa Mountain Racing was an exhilarating underground event, a gathering of the young and wealthy elite of Glophia who were enthusiasts of modified car racing. This event was known for its thrilling races and attracted a crowd that loved extreme sports. <br /> <br /> To protect the contestants' privacy, each racer in the competition would receive a mask from the organizers and go by code names during the race. <br /> <br /> A unique aspect of the race was that the winner could ask the defeated racers to remove their mask. <br /> <br /> Norah reminisced about the thrilling race three years ago, where Nocturne narrowly missed first place by just three seconds. <br /> <br /> Excitement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Well, I guess there's no harm in checking him out."<br /> <br /> Aaron's interest was piqued at the mention of "divorce." He asked, "You're divorced, Noelle? That man really doesn't know what he has lost. I bet he'll regret letting go of someone as precious as you. Anyway, about those design drafts..."<br /> <br /> Joanna's attention shifted to Aaron as she asked, "Norah, are you still working on designs for BelleVogue? No wonder some of their luxury line looks like your creations."<br /> <br /> Aaron beamed with pride, declaring, "Noelle's a top-notch fashion designer acknowledged by the High Fashion Association. She's known worldwide for her designs, which fetch sky-high prices. Luckily, being close to Noelle, I've been the only one to get a few of her creations over the past two years."<br /> <br /> Joanna rolled her eyes and said, "That's all because of Norah's talent. What's it got to do with you anyway? Come on, speed it up. I need to look stunning tonight, just like Norah."<br /> <br /> "Okay, okay. Just relax, and I'll make sure you both look fabulous."<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. Norah wore a silver-white strapless mini dress, her chestnut hair lightly curled and cascading down her back. The elegant curve of her neck shone with a soft glow as she tilted her head to sip her drink. <br /> <br /> "There's my Norah!" exclaimed Joanna, sitting across from Norah. "You haven't gathered with me in the past two years, always dressed in those formal dresses at the Carter residence. Didn't you feel suffocated? It's so good to see you back in your element. It makes me so happy."<br /> <br /> Norah silently sipped her drink, offering no words. <br /> <br /> As the fiery liquid slid down her throat and into her belly, her body gradually heated up. <br /> <br /> Even though Norah married into the Carter family and tended to Derek daily, she still enjoyed dressing up and donning stylish outfits and lovely makeup. Yet, Sharon and Derek's sister, Kathy, often criticized her for being too showy. They claimed, with Derek bedridden, she had no business dressing up so extravagantly. <br /> <br /> Eventually, for Derek's sake, Norah dialed back on her grooming to dedicate herself entirely to his care, becoming his constant caregiver. <br /> <br /> But those days were all in the past. Free from the Carter family, Norah could now dress as she pleased, no longer concerned with their critiques. <br /> <br /> Joanna glanced at her phone and then looked up. "Norah, got any plans to disrupt Derek's stupid welcome party later? Do you want me to bring some people to make a scene?"<br /> <br /> Norah's eyes were fixed on the golden liquid swirling in her glass as she gently moved it. "We didn't just come to the Glamour Club for no reason, did we? So, who's the person you've set me up to meet?"<br /> <br /> Joanna looked surprised, then flashed a cunning smile. "Norah, what are you getting at? We're here just to stir things up!"<br /> <br /> "The Glamour Club belongs to the Morris family. I'd rather not get on their bad side," Norah said calmly. "I know Derek's stupid party is just a sideshow. So, come clean with me. Who's looking to meet me through your arrangements?"<br /> <br /> Their conversation was cut off by a ringing phone. Joanna quickly picked up, her face shifting with the call. Signaling she had to step away, she murmured, "I've got to take this. Be right back."<br /> <br /> Norah saw the worry on Joanna's face and understood Joanna had something pressing to attend to. She nodded and set her drink down, the glass chiming lightly on the table. <br /> <br /> Regardless of what plans were being made through Joanna, Norah trusted that Joanna wouldn't turn on her. <br /> <br /> "Hey there, beautiful, are you all by yourself? Mind if I join you for a drink?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 5 shut up<br /> <br /> Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs. <br /> <br /> "Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was. <br /> <br /> Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"<br /> <br /> Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."<br /> <br /> Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"<br /> <br /> Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together. <br /> <br /> After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. <br /> <br /> Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. <br /> <br /> Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality. <br /> <br /> He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt. <br /> <br /> Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions. <br /> <br /> The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."<br /> <br /> "That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."<br /> <br /> "And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."<br /> <br /> "When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"<br /> <br /> Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."<br /> <br /> Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves. <br /> <br /> Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"<br /> <br /> Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."<br /> <br /> Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears. <br /> <br /> Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"<br /> <br /> Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."<br /> <br /> Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, if naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not. <br /> <br /> Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"<br /> <br /> Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection properly. "Who do you think you are? Aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"<br /> <br /> Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist and pushed him away. <br /> <br /> Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his wrist, grimacing in agony. "How dare you do this to me?"<br /> <br /> The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again. <br /> <br /> Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll pay the price."<br /> <br /> Jordy snarled, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."<br /> <br /> Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it. <br /> <br /> Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "I won't let you off the hook easily! I can pull some strings..."<br /> <br /> "Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"<br /> <br /> Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's bullied, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."<br /> <br /> Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."<br /> <br /> Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. She's just playing the victim."<br /> <br /> In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"<br /> <br /> But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club today without an apology!"<br /> <br /> <br /> &4& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 111340554958658 | Romantic Novel Town | https://facebook.com/100083419995460 | 11,697 | 2 | 1,295,078,021,881,154 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Romantic Novel Town | 120209920395050315 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=1234043307424055 | 2024-04-27 02:05 | https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438809185_805499738131164_4565743176892014498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5qi5yZysQ3YAb6I-moT&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB50w64-Byex-xjo8gS9LRd9a1KxVTrC6p_XoLzcw5YWw&oe=6634BAF7 | person_profile | 0 | moboreader | https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440566169_1526409001245169_639548568389215888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2L6lo2hGta0Ab5TcqRf&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDGq1LqpPr5MRcByjt9Imem6Ti5b2Wm_UqisIj_t8rYQg&oe=6634BA14 | 0 | 3 | Romantic Novel Town | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | View Edit Delete | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | 2024-04-28 18:56 | active | 634 | 0 | 398362609765514 | Chapter 1 Divorce<br /> <br /> Derek Carter exited the room to fetch a glass of water. Finding Norah Wilson sitting silently in the living area brought a flicker of surprise to his face. He pondered when Norah had come back and what she might have heard. <br /> <br /> "Did you hear everything?" Derek casually asked after he lounged on the couch in the living area with a glass of water. <br /> <br /> "It's time you sign this." Derek pulled a folder from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Given you might have heard it all, there's no sense in prolonging matters."<br /> <br /> Norah timidly reached for the document, her eyes quickly finding the words "Divorce Agreement" on the opening page. She flipped to the end, noting Derek Carter's flamboyant signature. <br /> <br /> "Review it. Should you wish to add any terms, let me know. Otherwise, just sign it," Derek ordered. <br /> <br /> "Can't you give another shot for us?" With her head bowed and her voice rough from tears, Norah's sleek bangs fell over the dark rims of her glasses, highlighting her sorrowful look. <br /> <br /> "Norah, don't be so pathetic. You knew what had transpired between me and Madeline. So why cling to being my wife? Don't be so cheap." Derek's impatience showed as he added, "Our marriage was never more than a convenient arrangement."<br /> <br /> Norah felt her heart drop. She realized that Madeline Powell was the one Derek truly loved. She finally understood this. <br /> <br /> She hunched over, fiddling with her clothes' hem. It struck her that when Madeline showed up, Derek's focus would shift entirely to Madeline. <br /> <br /> Years ago, when Madeline left for overseas, Derek chased after her but ended up in a tragic car crash that left him unresponsive. Derek was supposed to marry Luna Wilson from the Wilson family. However, Luna became involved with another man, prompting the Wilsons to offer Norah as a substitute bride. Norah stepped into Luna's shoes, becoming Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him. <br /> <br /> When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by Madeline's tenderness when she returned from abroad. <br /> <br /> Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart. <br /> <br /> Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, he acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner.<br /> <br /> Derek said casually, "This is the Carter family residence..."<br /> <br /> He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him. <br /> <br /> "I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered. <br /> <br /> Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma. <br /> <br /> Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him. <br /> <br /> Derek's patience wore thin. "Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."<br /> <br /> "There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."<br /> <br /> Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."<br /> <br /> Derek appreciated how Norah always complied. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace.<br /> <br /> Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out. <br /> <br /> Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him. <br /> <br /> Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile. <br /> <br /> When Derek's gaze followed, Madeline quickly masked her grin. <br /> <br /> "Norah, we finally meet. I'm Madeline Powell." With grace, Madeline approached Derek and took a seat beside him. Leaning on his shoulder, she said, "I've heard Derek mention you often. It's a pleasure to meet you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked down, saying nothing in response. <br /> <br /> Madeline then nudged Derek playfully. "I heard you're offering Norah three villas. Didn't you know that I wanted that villa near the lake? Why would you promise it to her? Don't you love me anymore?"<br /> <br /> Derek, ever so indulgent of Madeline's requests, turned back to Norah. "I'll choose another villa for you."<br /> <br /> Norah looked up at Derek through her glasses. "But didn't you say that one was meant for me?"<br /> <br /> Madeline's pout intensified. "Derek..."<br /> <br /> Derek's face showed a flicker of annoyance. "Norah, didn't you understand what I just said? Take these as a favor. If you're not on board with making changes, kindly refrain from making requests."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Teach Her A Lesson<br /> <br /> "Norah, I've set my heart on that villa by the lake. Pick something else for yourself. I've dreamed of it being my new home with Derek," Madeline confessed, nestling closer into Derek's embrace. "It's been my wish for a long time."<br /> <br /> Norah let out a soft chuckle upon hearing this. <br /> <br /> "What are you laughing at?" Derek asked in confusion. He found it odd for her to laugh, especially considering the awful thing he had just said. <br /> <br /> Madeline snuggled up to Derek. Absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair, she caught Derek's attention. Derek rested his hand on Madeline's shoulder. <br /> <br /> Norah's response was icy. "I'm laughing at how foolish I've been."<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Norah took Derek's glass of water from the table and drenched Derek and Madeline. The sudden cascade of water left them in shock. <br /> <br /> Derek, outraged, yelled, "Norah, have you lost your mind?"<br /> <br /> Standing tall, Norah retorted, "Mr. Carter, I had thought you're a man of your word. Since you've given your word, stick to it. Otherwise, just admit you're a lousy man who will break your word."<br /> <br /> Enraged, Madeline got up and shoved Norah. "You've been shown enough leniency. Do you think you can speak to us that way? Who do you think you are? How dare you treat Derek and me with such disrespect?"<br /> <br /> "Derek, Norah is out of line. You need to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> Looking pitifully at Derek, she implored, "Look, my hair and clothes are soaking."<br /> <br /> Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act. <br /> <br /> Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly. <br /> <br /> Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."<br /> <br /> Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"<br /> <br /> Norah's response was firm. "No."<br /> <br /> "How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family!" Madeline snapped. <br /> <br /> Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."<br /> <br /> Norah glared at Madeline, muttering, "Your manners are lacking..."<br /> <br /> Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, "I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded... Ah! Norah!"<br /> <br /> Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound. <br /> <br /> "If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her. <br /> <br /> Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"<br /> <br /> Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today. <br /> <br /> After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."<br /> <br /> Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs. <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Norah's Change<br /> <br /> As Norah exited the Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. "Madam, where would you like to go?"<br /> <br /> The chauffeur's manner remained polite, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife. <br /> <br /> But with the divorce paper signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family. <br /> <br /> Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message. <br /> <br /> It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews. "Norah, are you available tonight to join me at the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcome party tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt."<br /> <br /> Norah's response was brief. "Count me in."<br /> <br /> Joanna's message was just a single question mark. Norah's swift agreement caught Joanna off guard. <br /> <br /> Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Glamour Club<br /> <br /> An hour later, they made their entrance at the Glamour Club. <br /> <br /> On the dance floor, vibrant lights twirled and illuminated the walls and floor. The music pumped with excitement as people danced, their faces beaming with joy. <br /> <br /> The second floor offered a quieter ambiance, where Norah lounging alone on a sofa, sipping her drink, drew curious looks. <br /> <br /> **<br /> Derek and Madeline happened to meet their friends at the Charm Club.<br /> <br /> "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?" Suddenly, a voice rang out in the crowd.<br /> <br /> All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction. <br /> <br /> Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd. <br /> <br /> This was Nora, whom he had never seen before...<br /> <br /> &6& | LEARN_MORE | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-E | 108394237578957 | Fiction books | https://facebook.com/100075615382269 | 46,817 | 1 | 951,040,406,487,030 | 2024-04-28 02:00 | person_profile | eligible | 0 | 0 | NONE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Learn more | 0 | Fiction books | 120208598428680783 | fbweb.moboreader.net | NONE | video | https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-FB_CONTACT-ENA125-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=865882748312311 | 2024-04-25 04:44 | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439873830_3756501261237759_8138042418475572979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iKwo7tKx7JUAb6cxdqW&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfARHOQW-7ytpyChM6nY0aUkwvnUb5CpvH1pmkB4hB7Qdw&oe=6634B0C6 | person_profile | 0 | Fiction books | https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439841613_777267757833255_1621794913812993770_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kuOiO4U7wHMAb6b7Su0&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCPhgUQdVKZ9uxjL428l1HIsufZsskww_40ZQS_Bmy4HQ&oe=6634BE96 | 0 | 3 | Fiction books | 0 | 0 | 2024-04-26 02:00 | View Edit Delete |