I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 277

Bonnie held up the pale yellow dress with both hands, her little face brimming with nervous excitement.

"This is for you, Nora. I noticed your clothes are always so dark, and I thought you'd look so pretty in something bright and full of life. I saved up my allowance for a really, really long time to buy this for you. That's why I invited you over for dinner today."

Nora crouched down to accept the dress, her fingers tracing the delicate daisy embroidery around the collar. Her eyes instantly filled with tears.

She pulled Bonnie into a fierce hug, her voice tight with emotion. "Thank you, Bonnie. I love it so much. It's the most beautiful dress I've ever received."

Bonnie tipped her head back and used her small thumbs to gently wipe the dampness from Nora's eyes. Giving her a very serious look, she instructed, "You have to wear bright colors more often, okay? You're so beautiful, and bright colors make you look even prettier. All the kids in my class say my big sister is the prettiest girl in the world."

Nora nodded firmly, promising that she would.

Satisfied, Bonnie let go and grabbed Nora's hand, tugging her up from the floor and pulling her toward the dining room. As they walked, she made a very earnest announcement.

"Nora is the best, Grandma, Grandpa! She isn't like those other women. She doesn't even like my dad—she only likes me."

Hearing this, Xander glanced up at Nora, a slow, teasing smirk forming on his lips.

Nora felt a sudden flush of embarrassment. She quickly patted Bonnie's head, trying to smoothly brush past the child's blunt declaration.

Genevieve and Sebastian had watched the entire exchange unfold, silently exchanging a knowing glance.

Genevieve picked up her teacup, taking a slow sip before asking in a terribly casual tone, "Ms. Newman, is it true you don't have feelings for Xander?"

Sebastian didn't prod into her personal life again, keeping the conversation strictly professional, sprinkled with lighthearted banter.

Though Genevieve didn't talk much, she managed the flow of the meal flawlessly, knowing exactly when to offer Nora a second serving with pinpoint timing.

Xander sat across from her, occasionally tossing in a remark, but mostly just quietly listening to her debate with his father. Yet, his gaze kept drifting back to her face, a soft smile resting on his lips.

Bonnie grew sleepy right after eating. As Nora lifted her from her chair, Genevieve quickly called the nanny over to take the child.

Draped over the nanny's shoulder and half-asleep, Bonnie gave Nora a sluggish little wave. "You have to wear the yellow dress next time we see each other, okay? We pinky-promised."

Standing by the staircase, Nora smiled and promised she definitely would.