I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 71

When Nora walked in carrying the bowl, the sweet, comforting aroma of warm pumpkin and oats drifted into the room before she did.

Bonnie's nose twitched, and her eyes instantly lit up. She couldn't help but lean forward from her pillows.

"Nora, that smells amazing!"

Gwen turned to see Nora entering with the tray. Her gaze paused on the golden bowl of oatmeal for a second before she stood up and reached for it. "You can head back. I'll take care of Bonnie from here."

Nora paused. She figured since Gwen was supposedly Xander's fiancée, it was only natural for her to take over.

She didn't argue. Flashing a polite smile, she nodded and looked at the little girl. "I'll get going, then. Be a good girl and finish your IV drip."

Bonnie's face instantly fell. "But you promised you wouldn't leave! Why are you going now?"

Before Nora could speak, Gwen stepped in, blocking her from the bed. She leaned over Bonnie, her tone dripping with exaggerated baby talk. "Isn't Gwen good enough? We haven't seen each other in so long. Or do you not like me anymore?"

Bonnie frantically waved her hands. "No! I do like you, Gwen!"

She lowered her little head. "But today I just wanted Nora to stay..."

She didn't finish the sentence, knowing it would only upset Gwen.

Nora made the choice for her.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Nora walked over and gently ruffled Bonnie's hair. "Be good. I'm taking off."

With Nora putting it that way, Bonnie couldn't protest. She could only watch as her favorite person left the room.

Gwen sat on the edge of the bed with the bowl. She looked down at it, her brows furrowing in pure disdain.

"Bonnie, you're sick. How can this have enough nutrition? I'll have someone bring you something way better. A million times better than this."

Bonnie scowled. "No, I want this."

Gwen's expression faltered, the smile slipping from her lips, but she quickly masked her annoyance. She couldn't understand it.

What was with Bonnie lately? Why did she crave such low-class food? What could possibly be so great about a plain bowl of oats with some mashed pumpkin?

Bonnie immediately pulled the bowl closer, guarding her food. "Then don't steal any of it!"

Gwen chuckled at the girl's defensive posture and pinched her cheek. "Okay, okay, it's all yours. I won't eat it."

She continued to feed Bonnie, spoonful by spoonful, but her mind was already drifting elsewhere.

That woman was Nora. When did Xander even meet someone like her? And why was Bonnie so attached to her? A wave of inexplicable irritation washed over Gwen. Bonnie used to adore her the most.

...

By the time Nora walked out of the estate, the sky was growing dark. The streetlights flickered on as she strolled along the sidewalk toward the subway station. She kept a leisurely pace, enjoying the crisp evening breeze.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She pulled it out and saw a message notification from The Stratosphere.

It read, "Dear Ms. Newman, your reservation for a premium skyline table tomorrow has been confirmed. We look forward to welcoming you."