Something Elusive About Nora

**Something Elusive About Nora**

“Please come in...”

The slender blonde woman in front of her was not even taller than her. Nora looked at her with a polite smile. Her big round blue eyes were like those of an innocent child. Sophie remembered what Diego had said on the phone, that Leon’s celebrity wife and famous influencer didn’t look like a typical celebrity.

There was no glamor about Nora Williams. She’s just a homely woman, with her nice but slouchy pajamas and makeup-free face.

‘She’s beautiful,’ she said to herself. Beautiful and melancholy-looking. More than that, there was something familiar about Nora that she couldn’t explain.

“Hi.” Sophie smiled. “I’m sorry for coming unannounced. I actually wanted to surprise Leon. I heard that he just got married. You must be his wife.” Sophie extended her hand to shake. She was lying. Of course, she knew Leon would have already left. She just wanted to see Nora.

“Uhm... yes. I’m Nora, his wife.” Nora shook her hand. “That’s too bad, Sophia. Leon left early this morning.”

“Oh my. I came straight here from the airport. I just flew in from New York.” Sophie moved. “Maybe I’ll come back later.”

Nora glanced at Sophie’s luggage in the doorway. “You can wait here.”

“He’ll be home late, won’t he? I rented a room at The Hay-Adams. I’ll wait there.”

“Have you had breakfast? I’m having coffee. Would you like some?”

“May I?” Sophie jumped at the chance.

She wanted to spend more time with Nora to learn more about her.

Ever since, despite living far apart and rarely seeing each other, she had always kept an eye on Leon. Now she was so curious about Leon’s wife.

She had known her cousin since childhood. Leon was very choosy and never dated recklessly, hence the rumors about his same-sex behavior.

It didn’t even make him date women more often. So, now that he was suddenly married, Sophie wanted to know why. Especially since the woman he married is an online celebrity.

She followed Nora into the kitchen, which didn’t seem to have been cleaned up. There were remnants of breakfast on the table. Wow, Sophie thought. She’s such a diligent woman. Leon must have had a good breakfast since he got married.

Nora poured her some hot coffee. “Do you want breakfast?”

“No, thank you, Nora. I usually start my morning with just a cup of coffee.”

“Like Leon.” Nora smiled. “But now I’ve managed to get him to eat something before he leaves.”

“Sounds good. Leon can be very stubborn sometimes.”

The smell of coffee filled the cozy kitchen. It was the first time she had visited Leon’s home since her years in Milan under the strict tutelage of her father who wanted her to be ready as his heir.

As she sits at the wooden table with a cup of coffee in her hand, Sophie watches Nora’s movements. One thing she had learned from Nando. Somehow she had to applaud the simple elegance of Nora’s demeanor.

“So, how did you and Leon meet?” Sophie asked.

“Well, it was very coincidental,” Nora replied. She sat across from Sophie, with her empty coffee cup in front of her. “We met at a charity event, and from there, our relationship developed.”

“I was so surprised to hear that he got married,” Sophie said. “I knew he wasn’t gay like the rumors out there. I’ve known him since childhood. He’s a man who doesn’t trust women easily, I think.”

“Really?” Nora was a bit surprised. “Well, he was secretive at first.”

“He must have loved you so much to want to marry you. I guess you love him just as much, considering your different backgrounds.”

“Yes, of course.” Nora nodded, smiling nervously. “We... we love each other.”

“Hey, how did Leon propose to you?” she asked enthusiastically. “May I know?”

Nora’s smile faltered for a moment, a hint of anxiety appearing on her face. “It was... unexpected,” she admitted, her gaze drifting to the window as if lost in thought.

“He took me by surprise. But the marriage happened anyway. I guess we were meant to be together somehow.”

“I guess so.” The atmosphere was suddenly awkward. Nora seemed uncomfortable talking about it. Sophie’s eyebrows rose, sensing there was more to Nora’s story than met the eye. “You’re an influencer, aren’t you?” she asked, changing the subject. “It must be so exciting collaborating with so many brands.”

Nora’s face changes, eager to share her career story. “Of course,” she replied. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects, promoting different brands and products. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

“Your job must be more fun than mine,” Sophie said.

“Oh, what do you do?”

“I work for a family company,” Sophie said. “For the past ten years, I’ve lived in Milan and recently returned to New York City to manage one of the company’s branches.”

“That sounds great,” Nora said. Her praise sounded pure and sincere.

“Have you ever been to Milan, Nora?”

“I’ve never been to Italy.” Nora shook her head. “I rarely go abroad.”

“Oh, I thought you loved traveling like some celebrities I know.”

“I prefer to stay at home with my cat.”

“So, you say that you’ll spend the rest of your life in America?”

“I guess so. I don’t mind.”

“Where are you originally from, Nora?” Sophie’s curiosity was piqued.

Nora hesitated, her gaze flickering momentarily before she offered a vague answer. “I was raised in England, but my parents were quite nomadic,” she explained. “They lived in various cities across Europe and even spent some time in South Africa.”

“Interesting lifestyle,” Sophie commented. As their conversation flowed easily, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something elusive about Nora, something she couldn’t quite catch. But for now, she decided to put her suspicions aside.

Nando was waiting for her in the hotel lobby when she finally arrived. Her encounter with Leon's wife made her uneasy.

There was something nagging at her, deep in the back of her mind, giving her a headache of frustration. It was like she had known the woman all along.

But she was absolutely sure she had never met Nora Williams before.

"Williams...," she muttered. There was someone named Williams in the past. "But that Williams was dead."

Nando walked over to her. "Something wrong?" His demeanor was always alert like that.

"Nando, can you find me information about Nora Williams, Leon's wife?"

"Of course, Miss Sophie."

"Do it carefully, don't let Leon get suspicious. I know he has many contacts too."

"Yes, Miss."

"Now. Do it now. You don't need to escort me. Today I want to rest in my room all day."