Chapter: 298

Her intention was to prevent Sean from continuing to make excuses for them to meet.

Sean raised an eyebrow, a small smile breaking his usual seriousness.

"How is cooking for someone I like a waste of time? Perhaps you don't see yourself clearly, Norah."

Norah's heart raced at his words. Surprise and happiness welled up inside her, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. The memory of his previous words echoed in her mind. Pretending to be indifferent felt futile. She inhaled deeply.

“It's my honor that you like me, Sean," she responded, maintaining her composure. “But the one I like has to meet high expectations.”

Sean chuckled, teasing, "As high as those for Kason?"

Norah noticed Sean pretending not to overhear her words about him and Kason the other day. After some thought, she chose to be honest.

"I'll be frank with you, Sean. Kason is in the friend zone. I just used him as an excuse to avoid you."

Norah continued, "I'm not looking to start a new relationship right now, so I apologize."

Sean pressed on, “I've told you I don't mind waiting. When you're ready, I'll be here. My feelings for you will remain the same."

Sean's declaration was steadfast, reminding Norah of the night he had first expressed his feelings.

Norah tried her best to calm her racing heart, managing a slight smile. "Thank you, Sean, for your kindness. It truly is an honor for me," she said and looked him in the eyes.

Norah realized she shouldn't have avoided Sean following that night clouded by too much drink. She ought to have made her stance clear.

Yet, at that time, her thoughts were a whirlwind, making her reluctant to confront him. When it came to matters of affection, she admittedly lacked experience. But there was still time. She merely wished to gain a deeper understanding before tackling what lay ahead.

Before Sean had a chance to reply, Susanna's voice traveled down from upstairs. “Hey, I'm coming back!"

Susanna made her way down the stairs quickly, holding out a jewelry box to Norah. With a knowing glance, she said, “Norah, I haven't forgotten our conversation in the car today. Please, accept this as a gift from me."

Upon opening the small box, a pair of gleaming diamond earrings caught the light, dazzling both of them.

"I purchased these at an auction I attended with Sean. I've never worn them. Somehow, I felt they were destined for you," Susanna explained with sincerity, offering the box. "I see you as a friend, Norah, which is why I wanted to give you these." Susanna worried Norah might refuse the gift.

Norah, however, let out a laugh, noting how Susanna's generosity mirrored Sean's, not just with jewelry but with various presents for any occasion.

The diamond earrings, shimmering with value, could easily fetch tens of thousands, if not soar to a million at auction.

Accepting them gracefully, Norah said, "Thank you, Susanna. Since you've gone to the trouble of getting me a gift, I'll definitely return the favor. How about visiting my place?"

Susanna, for her part, wasn't looking for anything in return. Her life had been filled with countless gifts, and she didn't need more.

Yet, the idea of visiting Norah's home intrigued her, as she had never been there before. "Sure!"

Norah barely hid her amusement. "Let's head out then. I'll drive you home afterward. Actually, you're welcome to stay the night, and I can drop you off tomorrow when I head to work."