Chapter 56 Nora is Sad
"Alright," Nora said, slipping on a pair of ankle boots. She liked how they felt. "I'll take these and the high heels I tried on earlier," she told the store clerk.
The boots were a steal, originally $400 but now just $40 after the discount. Nora couldn't believe her luck. Shoes are something you wear every day, so they have to be good.
Steven headed to the register to pay. The clerk's eyes widened when she saw his black card. She glanced at Steven with a mix of surprise and respect. He always seemed so calm and composed.
'Is this how rich guys impress women?' she thought.
The clerk swiped the card and handed the shoes and card back to Steven with a respectful nod. Steven brought the shoes over to Nora.
Nora took them, beaming. "Thanks, babe!" she said sweetly.
Steven was pleased by her cheerful tone. He smiled slightly. "Let's go. Time to eat."
"But what about keeping an eye on Willie and the others?" she asked.
Steven replied calmly, "They're going to eat, so we might as well eat there too."
"Awesome!" She decided to treat today like a date with Steven.
Nora, carrying several shopping bags, took a couple of steps forward and hooked her arm through Steven's.
He glanced down at her hand, noticing her neatly trimmed nails and the many bags she was carrying. Steven frowned slightly and instinctively took all the bags from her.
Nora thought he was so considerate. He might not talk much, but he sure knew how to take care of a woman. She didn't object; a husband should be this thoughtful to make his wife happy.
Both of them were in high spirits as they headed to a restaurant. It was a beautiful Michelin-starred place.
Today, Nora finally saw Willie's true colors. He was so stingy with Olivia, giving her just a little spending money each month. But when he took Hazel out, he always picked the best restaurants.
"Men really change when they get money," Nora commented.
Steven frowned and glanced at her. According to her logic, his wealth would make him behave terribly?
Nora sensed his displeasure. "Why are you frowning? I wasn't talking about you, was I?"
"How can you be so sure that men change when they get money?" Steven asked.
"I'm talking about Willie. He's so cheap with his wife but spends money like crazy on his mistress, buying bags, clothes, and dining out!"
Steven chuckled. "So, what do you think the mistress is after?"
Nora looked at him.
"Isn't it obvious? Why else would someone become a mistress?" Steven said.
"That's true," Nora admitted.
They sat down at their table, and the waiter handed them the menu. Nora flipped through it. Each dish was over $50.
No wonder it's a Michelin restaurant! she thought. She whispered to Steven, "It's so expensive!"
Steven pressed his lips together, looking displeased. "When will you learn not to spoil the mood?"
"I'm just trying to save money. The economy is bad right now. What if you lose your job? That would be a problem."
Steven was speechless. 'Is she jinxing me to lose my job?' He thought.
Steven's gaze turned cold as he pulled the menu over. "Don't worry about that. I'll order."
He ignored her and ordered several dishes himself. This meal would cost at least a few hundred dollars.
Nora stopped talking. Without her chatter, Steven felt a bit uncomfortable. He looked up and saw her with her head down, looking a bit downcast.
Nora fidgeted with her nails, feeling a wave of regret wash over her for her earlier behavior. She felt like she had come across as petty.
Steven observed her. He had never met a woman quite like her. Most of the women he knew were delicate, loved jewelry, and enjoyed luxury. Nora was different. She wanted to save money, and though she sometimes spoiled the mood, she was sincere and never asked for unrealistic things. Steven appreciated her sincerity.
He pressed his lips together and said, "I didn't mean to scold you. Just try not to bring up money stuff when we're out to eat, okay?"
Nora looked up at him. "Sorry for spoiling the mood."
If it had been Philip, she wouldn't have said anything. But with Steven, it felt different. She saw him as her husband and felt that life should be managed carefully.
"You didn't spoil the mood," Steven said as the dishes arrived. He had ordered a few, but not too many.
Nora suddenly felt it wasn't so bad. Steven took the initiative to order Lobster Pasta for her. "This pasta seems to be a signature dish. Give it a try."
He placed the Lobster Pasta in front of her. Nora's eyes lit up. This was the first time Steven had taken care of her while eating. Her discomfort vanished instantly.
She looked up at Steven, who took a bite of the Lobster Pasta and looked deeply at her. "Eat up."
His voice was gentle, and his handsome face was very charming.
"Okay," Nora responded, taking small bites of the Lobster Pasta. It was expensive, but it was really delicious!
After a while, Steven's phone rang. He answered it, listened for a few moments, and his brows furrowed, then relaxed. His face became calm and composed.
He smiled and said, "Really? What a coincidence."
The person on the other end was George Bennett, Vivian's father. He was sitting in a private room. "Who's that girl you're dining with?"
Steven glanced at Nora. She looked back at him.
"She's my assistant," Steven said casually.
Nora felt a pang of discomfort. Assistant? Who was he talking about?
At that moment, a graceful figure appeared on the glass walkway on the second floor. It was Vivian Bennett, the daughter of the Bennett family. Vivian had her hair styled in big, wavy curls, looking very elegant and noble. "Steven!" Her soft, charming voice carried over.
Nora stiffened and looked up. Vivian's gaze met hers, but she acted as if she didn't see Nora, only calling out to Steven. "Steven!"
Steven frowned slightly.
On the phone, George laughed and said, "Steven, come up. Let's discuss the cooperation project."
"Alright," Steven's face remained unchanged. He hung up the phone and said to Nora, "I'll be right back."
Steven took his phone and left without any explanation. Nora's lips turned pale. She looked up. Steven walked up the glass staircase, and Vivian was standing on the second floor, giving Nora a provocative look.
Nora felt a pang of discomfort as he walked up to Vivian. Vivian's cold expression softened, and she acted like a delicate woman, looking at him with adoration. Nora's heart sank.
She had thought Steven didn't want a divorce anymore. But he had just told the person on the phone that she was his assistant, clearly lying! Now the two of them were talking, their backs looking perfectly matched as they walked into a private room.
Nora felt like she had fallen into icy water. So, Steven always intended to get a divorce, and she was just being naive, thinking he didn't want to anymore?
Her clear eyes welled up with tears.