I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 45

Nora felt her breathing hitch in her chest.

She watched as Sienna set the cake down and leaned over to scoop Cassie into her arms. The little girl giggled brightly, practically melting into her embrace.

Seraphina stood beside them, smiling affectionately at the scene, while Finnegan instinctively raised a hand to shield Seraphina's shoulder, ensuring Cassie didn't bump into her.

They looked exactly like a picture-perfect family.

Nora stood frozen in place. The sea breeze whipped through her hair, but she felt entirely detached from her own body, numb to the world around her.

Suddenly, a tiny hand slipped into hers, and Bonnie's sweet, worried voice broke through the silence.

"Nora, what's wrong?"

Nora glanced down to find Bonnie staring up at her, her innocent eyes completely devoid of malice. It was the kind of pure gaze that seemed to reflect all the dark, hidden grief in Nora's heart.

Forcing the corners of her mouth up, Nora shoved her turbulent emotions back into a tightly sealed box. She crouched down and gently pinched Bonnie's cheek. "I'm perfectly fine."

Bonnie tilted her head, studying Nora for two long seconds as if running a lie-detector test. Then, a massive grin broke across her face. She yanked on Nora's hand, pulling her forward. "Our secret base is just up ahead! I have a massive surprise waiting for you, so let's hurry up!"

Nora stumbled slightly as she was dragged along, firmly keeping her eyes fixed forward, refusing to look back.

Xander lingered behind them. His sharp gaze had caught the fleeting, devastating sorrow in Nora's eyes. He didn't say a word, merely casting a deeply calculating look toward the rival campsite before silently trailing after Nora and Bonnie.

On the other side of the beach, Sienna suddenly stopped, an unexplainable urge making her whip her head around to look down the shoreline.

The beach was completely empty, save for a few seagulls skimming low over the crashing waves.

"Tell me how much you need," Seraphina cut in, her tone utterly sincere.

Sienna shook her head, offering an appreciative smile. "It's fine, Seraphina. I've already taken care of it."

Nora's money had hit her account. The fifty grand had cleared just last night.

She could never take Seraphina's money. Even Sienna wasn't fully confident this project would turn a profit. Seraphina's money was her own hard-earned cash, but losing Nora's money wouldn't be a huge deal. Sienna just figured she'd pay her back double once she struck it rich. Nora had never been stingy with her before, and she wouldn't start now.

Finnegan walked over balancing a plate of food, a fond, exasperated smile playing on his lips. "Come eat. Cassie is still over there manning the grill. She absolutely insisted on cooking for you herself. I couldn't stop her if I tried."

Seraphina glanced over. Cassie was squatting by the barbecue pit, her small face flushed from the charcoal heat. She was clutching a skewer of chicken wings, flipping them with utmost concentration even though they were clearly burnt to a crisp.

A soft laugh escaped Seraphina's lips, her eyes brimming with sheer adoration. "Let's go over, then. We shouldn't keep her waiting."