Chapter 1625
When There Is Nothing Left But Love
It seemed that Nora Stovall was the new identity Nathaniel had arranged for the former Ms. Oberick. I
realized that Nora was determined to conjure a relationship with me.
Outwardly, Ashton and I appeared unaffected by her announcement, treating it as a terrible joke.
Audrey, however, took Noraâs words seriously. âYouâre twins with Mommy? Is it like Greg and me? Greg
is a boy, and Iâm a girl, so we look different. Do you look the same because youâre both girls?â
Before I could clear things up, Nora cut me off. âThatâs right! Youâre such a smart girl, Audrey!â She
smiled so brightly that her eyes had narrowed into slits. Nora added, âYou and your brother can call me
Aunt Nora from now on!â
I could not explain why, but Noraâs face that so perfectly mirrored mine suddenly became a glaring
sight.
I would not have minded the children calling her Aunt Nora in the past when she was still a kind person.
Now that she was notorious for her greed and ambition, I could not find it in me to allow my children to
acknowledge such a relative.
How should I explain this to the kids, though?
Thankfully, Ashton spoke up and freed me from my dilemma.
Quietly and somewhat sternly, he said, âGregory.â
âYes, Daddy.â
Ashton continued without blinking, âWas what Uncle Nathaniel said true? Are you struggling with your
computer science homework?â
His words implied that he was blaming Gregory.
If Gregory could solve his computer science problems alone, he no longer needed Nathanielâs help,
and we could leave for good.
I thought it rather inappropriate to drag the children into this, yet I remained silent. I was aware this
would be the wrong time for me to voice my opinion.
Everyone had their way of solving things, after all.
It turned out my worry was for naught. Gregory had lived with Ashton for many years, and he was well
aware of his fatherâs expressions and intentions. Some thought later, Gregory had an answer for his
father.
âNo, Daddy. I can solve them on my own now.â With that, Gregory turned to Nathaniel next and bowed
respectfully. âThank you for your guidance, Uncle Nathaniel. I can solve those problems alone now, and
I shanât need to trouble you again. I donât have any more questions on computer science.â
Whether it was Gregory putting up a tough front or caving out of fear toward Ashton, I was relieved that
he had not made the wrong choice despite his past relationship with Nathaniel.
Ashton nodded lightly as satisfaction flashed through his gaze. He stared at Nathaniel and said, âYou
heard that.â
It was impossible to discern Nathanielâs true feelings on the matter behind his smile. He chuckled and
replied to Ashton, âWhat about Nora and Lettyâs long-awaited reunion? We were so excited to introduce
you to some of our friends. Staying a while longer wonât hurt anyone. Why, Scarlett, donât you want to
get to know your older sister a little better?â
He stressed his last sentence, and his weird tone hinted that he was up to something.
It was not until Audrey piqued up that I knew he was targeting the children.
âMommy, isnât Ms. Nora your older sister? Donât you want to be together if you havenât seen each other
in a long time? Just like how I want to be with Greg forever and ever!â
I explained hastily, âAudrey, donât say that. Mommyâs just like you as in I only have an older brother. I
donât have an older sister. You know Mommy and Uncle John meet all the time. We have a great
relationship, right?â
âOh, yeah.â Audrey nodded innocently. Barely a moment later, she exclaimed, âBut Mommy, the two of
you look the same! Aunt Emma said that people who look the same on TV are long-lost twins!â
I held in my urge to hunt down Emma that very instant.
The situation turned incredibly awkward after Audreyâs outburst.
Suddenly, Shaun broke his silence and said, âThe dolls you play with every day have the same face,
but theyâre not from the same family.â
âYouâre right, Shaun! Does that mean Mommy and Ms. Nora arenât sisters at all?â