I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 65

Stepping out of the conference room, Finnegan unlocked his phone and saw the barrage of texts from his mother. He read them as he walked.

"You will never guess who I just saw. Nora and that guy, Felix Ford!"

"She was carrying a bag with a men's luxury watch inside. The newest model."

"She always buys you something for your anniversary, but you'd better start wondering who that watch is actually for!"

Finnegan chuckled in amusement. He dialed his mother's number, his tone brimming with supreme confidence.

"Mom, you're overthinking it. It's just the gift she bought for our tenth anniversary. Who else would she be buying it for? You know how she is."

When Mrs. Fletcher remained silent, he pressed on. "There isn't room in her heart for anyone else. If there was, she would have moved on years ago."

Mrs. Fletcher seemed to consider this, the edge of suspicion dulling in her voice. "I suppose you're right. She's pathetic like that. You've been gone for years and she still hasn't moved on. She's completely under your thumb. If you showed up in front of her right now, she'd probably faint from excitement."

Finnegan frowned slightly, choosing to ignore the jab.

"Mom, Seraphina and I are going out for our anniversary tomorrow, so we probably won't make it back to the estate. Just giving you a heads-up."

Mrs. Fletcher's satisfaction was palpable. "That's wonderful. You two go enjoy yourselves. I'll handle your grandmother, don't worry about her."

She paused, her tone shifting to a more serious register. "Son, if you don't plan on telling Nora the truth anytime soon, you need to marry Seraphina. I am dying for her to officially join our family. Women as exceptional as Seraphina are rare. She's ten thousand times better than Nora. You need to hold onto her."

Finnegan fell silent for a few seconds. "I know."

Felix flipped through the menu and ordered a massive spread, rattling off dishes rapidly.

Nora rested her chin on her hand, watching him with an amused smile. Closing the menu, Felix gave her a triumphant look. "I dragged myself around the mall all morning for you. This is my compensation."

Nora laughed. "Fair enough, eat whatever you want."

Her phone buzzed against the table. Startled, she stared at the caller ID. It was Cassie.

She hesitated. The only times Cassie ever called her was when she wanted something, or when she couldn't reach Finnegan and Seraphina.

She answered. Cassie's voice burst through the speaker, carrying a rare, bubbly excitement. "Mom! Where are you? It's Saturday! I want you to take me out to play."