Chapter5
1303 Words
Two weeks on.
Nora smiled sweetly as Nancy received the best treatment. Nancy did everything the doctor suggested. Her condition improved quickly. She will have to undergo surgery when her health is back to normal. The doctor said it would take time, but it wouldn't be a problem if Nancy were under their supervision.
Today, Nora was also looking forward to Brandon's arrival, who had promised to come and visit her.
She wanted to hold his hand and thank him profusely.
She would also do anything to make up for all of Brandon's kindness to her and Nancy.
Nancy realized her daughter's happiness. Nancy had also, of course, been told everything, but not the creepy incident that Nora had experienced.
Nora only said that she worked with Brandon and that Brandon was willing to help them.
But Nancy felt odd when she couldn't find James.
Every time she asked about James, Nora would change the subject.
Nora needed time to explain, at least until Nancy could get rid of her illness first.
"Hi, how are you, Nancy?" Brandon, followed by Andy, appeared from behind the door.
Nora was a little surprised, but she was happy that the person she was waiting for had come.
Nancy smiled happily.
"You're a very nice man, Brandon. I thank you. I or Nora will never repay your kindness."
"I wish you a speedy recovery. Can I chat with Nora outside? Andy will keep you company for a while."
"Yes, please."
Brandon and Nora walked out of the room together. Meanwhile, Andy chats with Nancy while finding out the background of Nora's life that might have been missed in his investigation.
Brandon and Nora sat on a park bench in the middle of the hospital grounds.
They were silent for a while. Until Nora carried out her intention.
She took Brandon's big hand.
"I'm very grateful. Without your help, we might not have been able to smile so freely."
Brandon was a little surprised, but he tried to calm down by patting the back of Nora's hand. The wound on Nora's hand was also no longer wrapped in bandages after healing.
"That's nothing. Shouldn't fellow humans help each other?" Brandon asked.
Nora looked at Brandon and nodded slowly.
"Your help means a lot. I'll do whatever it takes to repay you."
"Anything?" Brandon emphasized.
Nora nodded firmly. "Anything."
Brandon gently released their handshakes.
"Then you must be my wife, Nora."
Nora was surprised. She had not expected Brandon to say that.
"I could have guessed that response of yours since thinking about this. But that's exactly what I want from your reply. Sorry, I'm not a good person who helps people selflessly. I also need your help."
"But what kind of favor is marriage? Aren't I not worthy of you?"
Brandon looked at Nora with his brown eyes.
He could see Nora's shocked look, a look which had not yet normalized.
"This marriage is without touch. There can be no love in it. There's no attraction between us. We need to put on an act and have a child shortly." Brandon said with a very serious look on his face.
Nora couldn't lie. She admired Brandon's figure. He was so handsome. Nora admired the beauty in Brandon. But Brandon's words pierced her heart.
"So, what are we going to do with this marriage?"
"I have a very important purpose. Originally, I had to marry Emma as a condition from my father. But I don't want to be a foolish man who accepts the attitude of her daring to cheat on me behind my back. I didn't want Emma to be my wife. Then, I found you. Isn't this like fate for us? You get away from Eliza, and I get the idea to make you a replacement bride."
Nora was very confused. She wasn't sure about Brandon's request, but she also couldn't refuse because she had promised to repay Brandon's kindness.
"You're saying we're going to have a child? But we're not going to have a relationship. Can we achieve that goal? Then why do you want to get married so badly? What are the conditions for having a wife and children? I'm sorry if I ask a lot of questions, but I should at least think about it well, right?"
"I understand what you're thinking; there are many ways we can have children without having contact with each other. The other reasons I can't explain right away. It all depends on your decision, Nora. I need your answer right away, but I can't wait more than two days because I don't have much time. I'm getting closer to the wedding day. If you agree, then I'll have to change everything. Including the invitation cards that will be distributed to the guests."
Nora sighed, not knowing what to decide. She found it hard to say yes, but was too scared to say no.
Brandon got up from his seat. He then said goodbye to Nora. He was sure Nora's hesitation would slow down his decision, and if Nora refused, it would be a problem for him.
He could get any woman in this case. But it was very risky because there would be an agreement that would probably make him lose and be threatened. But if Nora agreed, then Brandon would be very safe. Because he already holds the key to Nora's loyalty, which will not betray him.
Brandon walked with Nora into Nancy's treatment room.
Andy immediately got up from his seat when Brandon invited him home.
Before leaving the infirmary, Brandon spoke directly to Nancy. "Nancy, I want to marry Nora. I love your daughter. If you agree, let me marry her. I take my leave. Keep me posted on your progress.
I look forward to your recovery."
Nancy nodded. She was so shocked that she couldn't answer Brandon.
After Brandon left the ward, he engaged Andy in conversation in the hallway.
"We have to make Nancy's health deteriorate again if Nora still doesn't give me an answer tomorrow. I have to go back to being her helper. She can't refuse this marriage at all costs."
"You're cruel, Brandon."
"Yes, I am. And probably will be forever."
They walked away with a sly smile on their lips.
Meanwhile, Nora was still overwhelmed by the tension in her chest.
"Does he love you? Aren't you guys not that close?" Nancy asked curiously.
“We were close. I'm sorry I didn't tell you much. I was focusing on your health, Mom. But do you agree with me marrying Brandon?"
Nora couldn't possibly be telling the truth about her terrible agreement with Brandon.
"I will always support you. Your decision is your own, Nora. I won't stand in the way. As long as it's good, it will be good. He's like a helper who makes me feel very healthy. I trust him. He's a good person in my eyes. I want to know about your feelings for him. Do you love him too?"
Nora looked into Nancy's eyes. She thought back to how her life would have been if she hadn't met Brandon. There was no longer anything to doubt. It was time to repay Brandon's kindness.
"I love him very much. I'm willing to marry him, Mom."
Nora hugged Nancy tightly. Tears were welling up in her eyes. But she hoped her decision would not bring her disaster.
After the conversation with Nancy, Nancy fell asleep. Nora immediately called Brandon. She informed him of her decision.
Not long after, Nora welcomed Brandon and Andy, who immediately gave her the agreement letter.
They chatted in the car.
"If you agree, sign the papers. With this, I consider everything to have started," Brandon said with a smile on his lips.
Nora, with her trembling hands, finally put her signature there.
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