Chapter 345
Anna’s POV:
I leaned against the doorframe, watching Blake and Oliver in the living room. Blake sat on the couch, relaxed, showing Oliver how to use the remote. The boy’s eyes widened at the massive screen dominating the wall.
“If you need anything, press this button,” Blake explained, pointing to the intercom. “Martha or one of us will come right away.”
Oliver nodded seriously, clutching the remote like a treasure. “Yes, sir,” he replied, voice small but
steady.
Something softened in my chest, Blake, usually so distant–seemed different with Oliver. More accessible. More gentle.
Blake pulled out his phone, voice calm as he called his assistant. “Handle a few things. Pack Oliver’s belongings from the apartment and deliver them here. Purchase a complete wardrobe for a seven- year–old boy–casual, formal, shoes, everything. Deliver it to Seaside Manor by tomorrow afternoon.” He paused, then added, “Arrange his school transfer papers too.”
I smiled. Blake’s efficiency was familiar, but the gentleness in his tone was rare.
Martha and I spent the next hour preparing the bedroom next to mine and Nora’s for Oliver. The room, once storage, was now cleared for him.
“The sheets are too scratchy,” Martha muttered, inspecting the bedding. “We need the Egyptian
cotton ones from the guest room.”
I nodded, pulling out fresh pillowcases. Oliver stood in the doorway, watching with solemn eyes. “Auntie, I can sleep by myself,” he said quietly. “I’m used to it.“”
My heart squeezed.
Martha pulled me aside by the window, whispering, “We could arrange professional care. Someone to
look after him until Nora stabilizes. Then bring him back. It might be easier.”
My expression hardened. “Martha,” I said firmly, “Oliver is my child now. End of discussion.”
Martha sighed, concern in her eyes. “Alright…”
Small feet pattered, interrupting us. Oliver darted past, heading for my bedroom–where Nod was.
Martha slapped her thigh in alarm. “See, what did I tell you!”
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We rushed after him, my heart pounding. Nora was so fragile, easily started, the last thin needed was a sudden Intrusion.
Reaching the doorway, 1 froze at the sight.
Nora sat cross–legged on her play rug, surrounded by colorful blocks. She looked at Oliver blank). neither welcoming nor rejecting him. Oliver stood nervously, clutching something in his hand.
“Nora,” he began, voice quavering, “Anna said I’m your brother now…” He extended his palm, revealing a worn silver watch.
his is from my daddy. He said it’s special. Can I give it to you?
Nora didn’t respond, just stared.
Oliver’s shoulders slumped, his eyes
growing wet with unshed tears. “Dad said it’s rude to ignore people,” he said, his voice cracking. “But you’re my sister now… please don’t be rude to me…”
I noticed something then–a fleeting expression that crossed Nora’s face. For just a second, her eyebrows drew together in a frown that was so reminiscent of Blake that it startled me.
Oliver wiped his eyes with his sleeve, his voice becoming more desperate. “If you won’t take it, I’ll just put it on you!” He stepped forward, reaching for Nora’s wrist.
I tensed, ready to intervene. Martha started forward, but I held her back. “Wait,” I whispered.
“No, don’t cry!” Nora’s voice broke the tension in the room.
Martha gasped beside me, her hand flying to her mouth. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing–Nora was actually allowing Oliver to touch her, to fasten the watch around her tiny wrist.
For a child who flinched at the slightest unexpected contact, this was nothing short of miraculous.
Oliver beamed through his tears, carefully securing the watch. It dwarfed Nora’s wrist, but she made
no move to remove it.
Nora turned to look at me, pointing an accusatory finger at Oliver. “Mommy,” she said, as if tattling
on him.
Martha stepped forward with a warm smile, gently taking Oliver’s hand. “Come on, Oliver. Let me show you to your room. It’s time to get ready for bed.”
Oliver nodded, but his eyes lingered on Nora. “Goodnight, Anna,” he said softly. “Goodnight, Nora.”
As they left, I watched Nora return to her blocks, occasionally glancing toward the darken window with a thoughtful expression.
I sat down beside her on the rug. “What are you thinking about, sweetheart?”
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Nora looked up at me, her eyes curious. “Who
13
he?*
“That’s Oliver,” I explained gently. “He’s going to be your brother now. We’re all going to live together.”
Nora shrugged, her face impassive.
“Do you like him?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“Do you dislike him?”
Another head shake.
I stroked her hair, trying to understand what was going on in her little mind. Then, suddenly, Nora
looked up at me, her eyes shining with an unexpected clarity.
“He not scared… of me,” she said slowly.
Her words hit me like a physical blow. I pulled her into my arms, fighting back tears. “Oh, baby, no one should be scared of you. No one.”
I held her close, feeling her small body relax against mine. “Tomorrow morning, do you think you could say good morning to Oliver?” I asked softly.
Nora didn’t answer. She yawned widely and nestled deeper into my embrace, her eyes drifting closed.
After tucking Nora into bed, I noticed the light still on in Blake’s study. I pushed the door open quietly to find him sitting at his desk, surrounded by documents.
When he saw me, surprise flashed across his face before he replaced it with a smile. “Still up? It’s
late.”
He set aside the papers he’d been reading, his expression softening with concern. “Having trouble
sleeping?”
I sank into the chair opposite him, suddenly overwhelmed by the day’s events. “Nora said something tonight,” I began, my voice thick with emotion. “She told me Oliver isn’t afraid of her.”
Blake went still, his fingers tapping lightly on the desktop.
“I think…” My voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “I think she believes everyone is her. That’s why she won’t interact with people.”
raid of
The realization crushed me. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I looked at Blake. “I’ve failed her, Blake
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Chapter 345
I’ve failed as a mother. What If I’ve damaged her permanently?”
“Anna, you’re the best mother Nora could ask for. This isn’t your fault,” he said quietly, his voice unusually gentle.
“Then whose fault is it?” I demanded, wiping angrily at my tears. “I should have seen it sooner. I should have done more.”
“Children are resilient,” Blake said. “And Nora has you. That’s more than enough.”
I wanted to believe him.
And now, with Oliver joining us, everything would changé again. I only hoped it would be for the
better.