I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 15

Bonnie's eyes lit up, and she practically danced with joy. "Yes! I really like you, Nora!"

Nora's heart melted at her bright smile, her voice softening. "I really like you too, Bonnie."

Bonnie wrapped her arms around Nora's neck, tilting her head in thought. "I want to go check things out over there!"

Nora carried her forward as Bonnie snuggled against her chest, chatting non-stop. Nora couldn't stop laughing at her sweet rambling, feeling the heavy tension in her chest naturally melt away.

She took Bonnie for a stroll around the outer edges of the banquet hall.

...

When Xander stepped out of his office, the hallway was completely silent. He walked toward the balcony, taking in the scene before him.

Out on the terrace, the woman was holding Bonnie, who was snuggled securely in her arms. The woman looked down at her with a soft smile playing on her lips, her profile glowing gently under the ambient lights, her hair pinned up beautifully to reveal a luminous neck and the delicate shell of her ear.

Xander's eyes narrowed slightly before he walked briskly over.

Sensing someone approaching, Nora looked up and met Xander's gaze. She froze in surprise before quickly reacting, gently setting Bonnie down on her feet.

"Mr. Harrison, hello."

As soon as Bonnie saw Xander, she immediately threw herself at him, hugging his leg tightly as she looked up with a blindingly bright smile. "Dad! Nora took me to play in so many places, I really like her!"

Xander looked down at his daughter, his expression softening as he reached out to pat her head.

Suddenly, Bonnie tilted her head and dropped a bombshell. "Dad, can Nora be my mom?"

Nora froze. When she looked up again, Xander's gaze toward her had indeed shifted.

Nora hurriedly explained, "Mr. Harrison, kids just say the darndest things, please don't take it to heart."

Besides, she would be leaving for an arranged marriage in just a month.

She hadn't mentioned the marriage arrangement to anyone, not even Mrs. Vance.

It had constantly been on her mind. The Newman Estate already had everything planned out. In exactly a month, she would have to go back and marry a man she had never even laid eyes on, resigning herself to a life she had absolutely no desire to live.

She had no idea who the man was, how old he was, or what his temper was like, but no matter who he turned out to be, she simply couldn't defy her father's wishes any longer.

Nora took a deep breath, organizing her words. She wasn't one to beat around the bush, especially at a critical juncture like this. Time was rapidly running out, and she didn't have the luxury of testing the waters.

She looked up, met Xander's eyes directly, and spoke. "Mr. Harrison, I came to find you today for two reasons."

Xander looked at her, quietly listening as she spoke.

"First, I want to apologize to you."

Nora felt genuinely apologetic. "Last time at the police station, Cassie pushed Bonnie, and it was entirely my failure as a mother for not teaching her better. It was my fault. Whether you accept it or not, I have to say I am truly sorry."

With his hands tucked in his pockets, Xander's expression remained impassive. He gave a slight nod, signaling her to continue.

Nora paused, gathered her thoughts, and then spoke slowly.

"The second thing..."

Looking into Xander's eyes, feeling slightly nervous, she asked, "Does your previous offer still stand?"