I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 216

She could no longer bear to pour her soul into a daughter who rejected her, nor could she force herself to pretend it was okay.

Alastair fell silent for a long moment.

He studied Nora's face, noting the unwavering resolve and profound calm that had replaced the submissive, apologetic girl from five years ago. He suddenly realized that this woman was no longer the frail widow who had collapsed at his feet in tears.

He struck his cane heavily against the ground, his low voice devoid of any readable emotion. "You've grown up, Nora."

Then he turned away. "I do not accept your decision regarding Cassie. She carries the Fletcher blood and will not bear another surname. If you can handle her, fine. If you can't, the Fletcher Family will. But you are right about one thing. Finnegan has been gone for five years, and your life is your own. I will reluctantly concede on that front today. I won't stop you from remarrying. But remember this: no matter who you end up with, Cassie will always be a Fletcher."

With that, the old man leaned on his cane and walked away without looking back.

Seraphina took Cassie's hand and followed him out, shooting a deep, calculating glare back at Nora as they left.

Finnegan remained rooted to the spot, his brows knitted fiercely. "Nora, are you really planning to remarry?"

Finnegan refused to believe it. If she had wanted to remarry, she would have done so years ago. Why wait until now?

Nora offered a faint smile. "That is none of your business, Finnegan."

Finnegan's frown deepened. "The old man was just talking nonsense, don't take it to heart. I advise you to think this through. You've burned your bridges with the Newman family."

"If you don't remarry, you can stay with the Fletchers and keep your status. As long as you know your place, you can have a comfortable life forever. With me around, no one will ever dare replace you. But if you remarry, who knows what will happen?"

"I'm only looking out for you. Think it over."

Finnegan's expression turned thunderous. He hadn't expected so many men to jump to Nora's defense.

"Just think about it, Nora!" he snapped, turning on his heel and storming off.

Bonnie peeked out from behind Nora, timidly holding up her Handmade Rabbit Lantern. "Nora," she asked in a soft, sweet voice, "my lantern is finished. Look."

Nora looked down at the endearingly lopsided rabbit and smiled.

"It's beautiful, Bonnie. Let's go float it on the river."

She glanced back at Xander, a knot of complex emotions tightening in her chest. She had never expected him to stand up for her like that.