Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 3: Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lighting up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of a cough. I happen to know a soup that will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later." Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger, and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being." Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, "Oh, con. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the charade. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to benefit from the Carter family?" Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, “Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she has always treated both you andwith respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she has done for our family these past two years?" "Juliana! Norah is nothing but a bastard from the Wilson family. Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet.

Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? Does this bastard deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for you and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved of this woman." "Plus, she's lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great? Furthermore, she hasn't conceived in the two years since joining our family. You do want great-grandchildren, right? I bet Derek divorced her because of that." Latest updates on gVlJuliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?" Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts. Thankfully, she didn't conceive, since that could have complicated the divorce. Any child of hers would be unwelcome." Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words, yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, “Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse and foul-mouthed. Please, I urge you not to be rash with the divorce. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I truly appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reasoning. Focus on getting along with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together." Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, “Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Damn! Norah, just accept that you and Derek are over. That will be best for everyone." Norah raised her eyes to Juliana, tears shimmering within them.

Juliana, maintaining her composure, asserted, "Enough with your nonsense, Sharon. You don't get a say in Derek's matters. Stay out of this business." "And allowto highlight my appreciation for Norah to you once again. If you can't speak properly, get out of my face now!" At this, Sharon's face reddened with anger and embarrassment, her lips tightly pressed, holding back any further objections.

Juliana then turned her attention back to Norah, asking, "What are your thoughts, Norah?" Norah met Juliana's gaze, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to speak. "I really appreciate it, Juliana. But today, I caught Madeline and Derek having sex in what used to be our shared bed. Plus, Derek's indifference tohas toldthere's no point in continuing this marriage." Juliana's complexion faded to a ghostly white, her face creased with worry as she said, "The bllies with Derek." Juliana held Norah's hands firmly, offering, "You've endured a lot over these last two years." Norah remained silent, and a brief hush settled over the living room.

The next second, Sharon's loud voice shattered the silence. "Madeline, that slut, is back? Damn! Juliana, I'm heading out now. I've got to make that slut pay." Sharon quickly snatched her bag and darted out of the living room.

Norah wiped her tears and smiled with relief, saying, "I'm fine. Really." With a heavy heart, Juliana responded, “Well, I won't press further. Norah, please visitwhenever you get the chance." "Your company alone is enough for me." Tears gathered in Juliana's eyes as she spoke.

Juliana had grown genuinely fond of Norah, recognizing her significance in Derek's recovery from his coma.

Norah tenderly wiped away Juliana's tears, acknowledging the genuine kindness she had been shown. "Will do. Well, I'll take my leave now. Please ask the maid to prepare the soup for you." Norah left without looking back, unaware of the resolution in Juliana's eyes.

Juliana, dabbing at her eyes, instructed the butler, "Arrange for Derek and the others to cback to the Carter tomorrow at n." The butler acknowledged, "Understood." As Norah exited Carter Manor, the family's chauffeur approached her. “Madam, where would you like to go?" he asked politely, still regarding Norah as Derek's wife.

But with the divorce papers signed, Norah understood she had severed ties with the Carter family.

Norah glanced down at her phone, noticing a new message.

It was from her friend, Joanna Andrews.

"Norah, are you available tonight to joinat the Glamour Club? I heard Madeline has returned, and Derek's throwing her a welcparty tonight. It's going to be quite the event. Let's make our presence felt." Norah's response was brief. "Countin." Joanna's message was just a single question mark.

Norah swiftly typed out her reply: "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."

The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response cthrough, bursting with excitement! and a flurry of exclamation marks. "Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get to you immediately! Just giveten seconds, and I'll be there!"

Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent her a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please taketo the Splendor Building." The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe. Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. "Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?" The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the light.

Asodenre's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, "It painsevery tI see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely." Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist with a makeover?"

Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing his persuasion when he suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Coming towas the finest decision you've ever made." Setting aside the topic of the design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, “Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic." Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand. By the tJoanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done.

Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and teased, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1