Chapter: 2

Norah devoted herself to Derek's care, cutting off almost all ties to her previous life for him. She abandoned her passions, including design, car racing, medical surgery, and coding, just to focus solely on him.

When Derek woke up from his coma a year ago, it was still Norah who tirelessly looked after him, staying by his side without fail. Yet, Derek seemed to be blinded by her tenderness when Madeline returned from abroad.

Despite two years of marriage and care, Norah had to admit she failed to win a place in Derek's heart.

Receiving no response from Norah, Derek couldn't help but frown, studying Norah sitting across from him.

Norah was undeniably attractive, even with her thick bangs and Large glasses framing her face, yet she often neglected her appearance, looking disheveled. Her personality was overly reserved.

After Derek woke up from his coma, Norah was by his side around the clock, yet he felt no emotional connection to her. He found her incredibly dull.

The constant care and attention, the mundane look and routine of life, were as dull as plain water. Derek found it all incredibly boring.

He acknowledged Norah's role as a capable caretaker for the Carter family over the past two years but never felt she was fit to be his partner.

As he extinguished another cigarette, Derek said casually, “This is the Carter family residence..."

He stopped and noticed Norah still bowing her head. The sadness evident in her posture irritated him.

"I'm aware of your misery with the Wilson family. After the divorce, I'll grant you three villas and thirty million. You can pick up any car from the garage. This should ensure a comfortable life for you in the future," Derek offered.

Derek wouldn't forget Norah's diligence in caring for him while bedridden and her companionship during his recovery exercises after he woke up from the coma.

Though he harbored no affection for Norah, Derek was willing to offer a generous settlement for her years of dedication. She had indeed devoted the best two years of her life to him.

As Derek crossed his arms, Norah caught sight of a small tattoo on his collarbone, worsening her anguish. It bore the initials MP for Madeline Powell.

Derek's patience wore thin. “Given the circumstances, I'll allow you a day to think it over. If the terms don't meet your approval, feel free to suggest adjustments, but don't go too far. I'm not known for my patience..."

"There's no need for me to think it over." Norah took the pen from the table and smoothly wrote her name on the divorce papers. "I'll pack my things and leave soon. I won't get in your way anymore."

Derek gave a nod of approval. "That's good to hear."

Derek appreciated how Norah always complied, much like a servant who never questioned his decisions. Take today, for instance. She could have caused a commotion but instead kept her peace.

To Derek, Norah's demeanor was too dull. He worried that being around someone so unremarkable might rub off on him eventually. Love, after all, wasn't something one could force.

Just as Derek was about to say something after going through the contract, Madeline, dressed in a white shirt, elegantly strolled out.

Her shirt barely covered her thighs, with only a couple of buttons done up, exposing a lot of skin.

Her hair was damp, causing the shirt to cling to her skin slightly, which added an enticing aspect to her appearance.

Hearing the movement, Norah turned to see Madeline wearing what she immediately recognized as Derek's shirt, which she had picked out for him.

Their eyes met, and Madeline gave Norah a smug, taunting smile.