I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 103

Nora hesitated for a moment but answered the call.

However, it wasn't Cassie's childish voice on the other end, but Finnegan's deep, magnetic tone cutting through the static.

"Nora, where are you? Cassie got a terrible scare and she's running a fever. She keeps crying out for you, so you need to come back."

Nora paused, her response an automatic reflex. "What about Seraphina? With her there, Cassie shouldn't need me."

At the mention of Seraphina's name, Finnegan's tone turned a fraction colder. "Seraphina was traumatized right alongside Cassie, and she's fallen ill too. How can you be so heartless as to expect her to look after the child?"

He paused for a second, his brow furrowing. "Nora, at the end of the day, Cassie is your daughter. You can't just abandon her."

Nora's grip on the phone tightened.

It wasn't that she had no intention of going back. Even if she didn't feel a profound maternal bond with Cassie, she still understood the weight of her responsibilities.

Finnegan didn't need to guilt-trip her into returning, yet he always resorted to these manipulative tactics.

He never asked if she could make it back; he simply accused her of being merciless.

A spark of defiance flared in her chest, making her voice even calmer than before. "If you're so worried, Finnegan, why don't you take care of her? After all, Cassie is your niece."

Finnegan fell silent for two seconds before delivering his crisp, unapologetic excuse. "I have work to finish. I don't have time to play nurse."

Nora closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath.

There was nothing left to say.

He turned and walked into the kitchen, grabbed a bowl of hot soup, and pushed open the door to Seraphina's bedroom.

Seraphina was propped up against the pillows, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. The fever had left a faint, rosy tint on her cheeks, making her look exceptionally fragile and pitiful.

Finnegan walked over, set the bowl on the nightstand, and leaned in close, his voice thick with affection. "Seraphina, sit up and eat something before you go back to sleep. You need to take your medication soon, and you shouldn't do it on an empty stomach."

Seraphina used her arms to push herself up slowly, leaning against the headboard. Her eyes were slightly red, as if she had just finished crying.

She looked up at Finnegan, her gaze a perfect blend of hesitation, grievance, and a masterfully suppressed desire to speak.

"Finn, do you think Nora knew something? Is that why she intentionally refused to help me pitch the tent?"

Finnegan's brow immediately furrowed, deep lines carving into his forehead. "What did you say? Nora did it on purpose?"