Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 294

But barely a moment after she lay down, another set of footsteps echoed outside.

Olive whipped her head around as the heavy door cracked open, allowing a tall, dark silhouette to slip inside.

The newcomer was also carrying a food container, though this one was twice the size of Nora's.

"Artie?" Olive blinked in surprise.

Arthur set the container on the desk with a deadpan expression and popped the lid.

Inside was a massive ribeye steak, still sizzling in its juices, alongside a mountain of garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a side of fluffy dinner rolls. The rich aroma instantly filled the cramped room.

"Damn, Artie, are you trying to fatten me up for a slaughter?"

Arthur ignored her, silently pulling out each dish until the small desk was completely covered.

"Hurry up and eat so I can clear the plates and be done with it."

"Madam literally just dropped off food. If I eat all this, I'm going to explode."

Arthur pressed his lips into a thin line, finally noticing the lingering, sweet scent of blueberry muffins hanging in the air.

This girl.

She was far too popular for her own good.

"Archer asked you to bring this down, didn't he?" Olive waggled her eyebrows at him.

With her petite, doll-like face, the sleazy expression was jarringly out of place.

Arthur looked away. "I'll come back to collect the dishes first thing in the morning."

He turned and headed for the door, pausing briefly at the threshold.

"Heal up."

"I know, I know. Stop nagging."

The heavy door clicked shut.

Lying on her cot, Olive patted her aggressively stuffed stomach and let out a long, contented sigh.

This lockup was honestly more comfortable than the outside world.

...

Meanwhile, up in the master bathroom.

Fresh out of the shower, Nora stood in front of the vanity mirror in her silk pajamas.

She pulled the Pregnancy Test from her bag, tore open the packaging, and skimmed the instructions.

Leaning back against the vanity, Nora unconsciously traced the edge of her phone case with her thumb. "It wasn't that bad. Olive already made them pay for it."

Hudson fell silent for a brief moment. "The legal mess with the marriage certificate was an oversight on my part. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it."

Nora bit her lower lip. "It's fine... I'm not as fragile as you think. You don't have to manage every little thing for me. I can handle it myself."

A soft, low chuckle rumbled from the other end of the line, thick with an undeniable sense of indulgence.

"I know you can. But I want to protect you."

It felt as though a warm, gentle wave had just crashed over her heart.

"How are things going with your business trip?"

"Almost done. I'll be flying back in a few days."

"Okay."

"Honey, did you just take a shower?" Hudson's voice suddenly dropped an octave, dripping with a lazy, seductive allure. It was as if he had reached across the ocean just to gently pluck at her heartstrings.

"..."

Nora opened her mouth to reply, but the three-minute timer abruptly chimed. Her gaze instinctively snapped down to the Pregnancy Test resting on the marble counter...