I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 35

Nora paused, a frown instantly forming on her face.

Just as she predicted. Cassie's fragile stomach simply couldn't handle that kind of greasy food.

"I'm on my way," Nora replied evenly.

Hanging up, she shot Zelda a quick text saying she'd be late getting back to the lab.

Then, she told the driver, "Change of plans. The Willow Academy, please."

The cab made a U-turn at the next intersection. Nora leaned back, her face entirely unreadable.

She hadn't been to the preschool in days.

She used to come here at least twice a day—even the security guard knew her by name. Looking back, she had poured every ounce of her time and energy into her daughter, only to be met with disgust and rejection.

The cab pulled up to the academy gates.

Nora paid the fare, stepped out, and dialed the teacher's number.

"Ms. Zimmerman, I'm here."

"Cassie is in the infirmary. Come straight here," the teacher urged.

Nora hung up and headed straight to the nurse's office.

The door was ajar. Pushing it open, Nora immediately spotted Cassie.

The little girl was lying on a small cot, a thin blanket draped over her. She was deathly pale, her lips devoid of color. She clutched her stomach, looking thoroughly miserable.

The school nurse stood up as Nora walked in. "Are you Cassie's mother?"

Nora approached and gave a curt nod, her gaze dropping to Cassie.

Cassie opened her eyes. Seeing Nora, her eyes instantly welled with tears. "Mom," she whimpered, reaching a small hand out to grab Nora's.

But Nora said nothing. She simply murmured, "Okay."

Then she sat down in the chair next to the bed, checked the IV drip, and pulled out her phone, scrolling silently.

Cassie blinked in surprise. Her mother wasn't scolding her.

*Awesome.* Suddenly, her mom didn't seem quite so annoying.

After lying there for a bit, Cassie started making demands. "Mom, I want your homemade soup."

Nora glanced at her, her expression completely flat. "Alright."

Cassie thought her mother was acting strange today. Usually, even through the scolding, her mom was incredibly gentle and warm. Today, something felt undeniably off.

She couldn't put her finger on it, but the vibe was definitely different.