How many won spend their lives wanting nothing more than a man’s loyalty? But how many n are actually capable of it?
"Nora! What are you standing there gaping for?" Mrs. Ainsworth exclaid anxiously.
She turned her head and saw not only her mother’s anxious gaze and her father’s insistent stare, but also his cold, indifferent eyes.
Nora Ainsworth looked back at Leon Lynch’s handso face. At this mont, it seed she had no other choice.
She truly had no say in the matter. Steeling herself, she finally began to speak.
"I—"
Just as the first word left her lips, Quentin Grant, his expression cold and aloof, suddenly stood up. "I just rembered I have sothing important to take care of. I’ll be taking my leave."
The rest of Nora Ainsworth’s words caught in her throat. She looked at him, and in that instant, she read a clear ssage in his eyes: ’Dare to say yes, and you’ll face the consequences!’
His gaze was unmistakable. Nora Ainsworth’s heart sank, and she didn’t know what to say.
"Nora," Leon Lynch prompted gently.
Nora Ainsworth glanced down. "Leon, this is a little sudden. Let think about it."
Mrs. Ainsworth grew frantic. "Think about what? There’s nothing to think about! Leon, I’ll answer for our Nora. She accepts your proposal!"
Panic flared in Nora Ainsworth’s chest. Her heart tightened as she boldly retorted, "Mom, just give so ti. Leon, I don’t think we’re ready for marriage just yet. Let’s keep dating for a while."
Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, Leon Lynch understood. There wouldn’t be a definite answer tonight.
"Alright. But you should hold on to it for now. I never take back a gift I’ve given."
Nora Ainsworth accepted, giving him an out. "Okay."
Perhaps out of awkwardness, or maybe just a foul mood, Leon Lynch didn’t stay long before leaving in a hurry.
Mr. Ainsworth saw him out with a few pleasantries, leaving the living room so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Nora, wasn’t that just a slap in the face to Leon in front of everyone? You’re already engaged, so why didn’t you accept his proposal? Don’t tell you’ve got soone else on your mind," Sharon Ainsworth chid in, eager to stir up trouble.
Nora Ainsworth’s expression froze. "Sharon, what are you talking about? Of course not."
Mrs. Ainsworth stared at her sternly. "This was such a perfect opportunity. You tell , why didn’t you say yes? Leon is such a wonderful young man. Why wouldn’t you want to marry him?"
Nora Ainsworth felt mortified under her mother’s gaze, her face turning pale. "Mom, marriage is a huge step. I just want to think it through properly."
Just then, Mr. Ainsworth walked back in. He strode up to her and swung his hand across her face. The slap sent Nora Ainsworth stumbling back a few steps, her ears ringing. "You wretched girl! Take a good look at yourself! What gives you the right to refuse Leon! Nora Ainsworth, it seems your life has been too easy. Call him right now and tell him you’ll marry him! If you don’t, you can get the hell out of this house!"
’Getting kicked out again.’
Nora Ainsworth stood there, motionless, as if she were in a stupor.
Then, she lifted her head and looked at her mother’s blank, emotionless face, her heart aching unbearably.
"If you promise to treat Mom well after I leave, then I’ll get lost and stay far away. But you want to marry a man I don’t love. I have to think that through." ’Compared to the scandal with and my brother-in-law, this was really nothing.’
Mr. Ainsworth sized her up and snorted. "If you’re going to get lost, then take your mother with you. And don’t ever co back."
A flicker of pain crossed Mrs. Ainsworth’s face. She looked at Nora Ainsworth. "Call Leon right now. Tell him you accept his proposal and that he can go ahead and set the date."
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