Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 479

Edmond stood in the shadows, gripping his champagne flute so tightly the glass felt hot.

He watched Nora laughing as she held onto her husband's arm.

That smile was radiant and uninhibited, blooming like a vibrant peony. Amidst a room full of glamorous socialites, she shone with a blinding brilliance that effortlessly stole everyone's attention.

A sharp, stinging ache tore through Edmond's chest.

He remembered that smile.

Years ago, in the auditorium of Northampton University, Nora had stood on stage as the freshman valedictorian. Dressed in a simple white blouse, her hair pulled back into a high ponytail, she had showcased her flawless features and bright, confident aura.

With hundreds of students watching, she had stood under the spotlight, poised and utterly magnificent.

Back then, he felt as though something had slammed violently into his heart.

It was love at first sight.

From that day on, he pursued her like a madman.

For three years, rain or shine, he brought her breakfast every morning. When she practiced in the music room late into the night, he waited outside. When she took a sick day for stomach pains, he bought medicine, scaled the wall of the girls' dormitory, and left it on her desk.

His roommates called him crazy. They said a girl like Nora was totally out of his league.

He refused to believe it.

Until graduation day, when she stood beneath the old elm tree on campus and finally accepted his endless confessions of love...

Later, she followed him back to Northampton and helped him manage the struggling Starlight Media, which was on the verge of bankruptcy at the time.

She recruited talent, organized the business, and practically carried half the company on her shoulders.

Back then, they were in the honeymoon phase, and he wanted to be glued to her side every waking second.

Even when she confessed her severe Intimacy Anxiety—meaning they couldn't do anything beyond holding hands—he never wavered. He only felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.

He had sworn to shield her from the world, promising to never let her suffer a single grievance.

But somehow, everything had changed.

Maybe it started when she began catering to his every whim...

Or maybe it was when she silently endured Juliette's relentless bullying without complaint...

So, he had to wait. He had to wait until Nora was completely alone...

That would be the perfect moment!

...

"I'll definitely build a private hunting reserve in the mountains someday. You'll be the first one invited, Nora!" Grant boasted.

Nora smiled and nodded. "Sounds great."

Hudson guided her toward the banquet hall, his hand resting comfortably on her waist. Grant trailed beside them, still babbling enthusiastically. "I'll set up a shooting range and bring in a herd of deer. With your marksmanship, Nora, you'd definitely take the grand prize..."

Before he could finish, Sebastian stomped over from the main hall, his brow furrowed in deep annoyance. "Birthday boy, why the hell aren't you at the door greeting people? What kind of nonsense are you bragging about over here? My face hurts from faking smiles for your guests!"

"You call that a smile? You look like a constipated gargoyle..."

"You son of a..."

Watching the two grown men bicker like children, Nora couldn't help but cover her mouth to hide her giggles.