Chapter: 7

Norah responded, "I'm officially divorced. So, I'm on my own from now on."

The chat went quiet for a moment, then Joanna's response came through, bursting with excitement and a flurry of exclamation marks. “Norah, where are you at this moment? I'll get you immediately! Just give me ten seconds, and I'll be there!"

Finding amusement in Joanna's enthusiasm, Norah sent Joanna a location in the Splendor Building and instructed the driver, "Please take me to the Splendor Building."

The Splendor Building was well-known in Glophia for being a hub of luxury, featuring top-tier brands from around the globe.

Upon Norah's arrival, she was warmly greeted. “Noelle, glad to see you. Are you here to hand over the design sketches?"

The lavish dressing room was filled with stunning haute couture gowns, each adorned with shimmering diamonds that caught the Light.

Asodence's haute couture designer, Aaron Harvey, theatrically approached Norah, took her arm, and said, “It pains me every time I see you like this. Why hide your lovely face? You're the most exquisite flower, poised to blossom bravely."

Norah blinked and replied, "I second that, Aaron. Can you assist me with a makeover?"

Having expected Norah to retort, Aaron was on the verge of continuing the persuasion and suddenly froze at Norah's words. "Wait a minute. You... Noelle, are you truly contemplating a transformation? Oh my! Come to me was the finest decision you've ever made."

Setting aside the topic of design drafts, Aaron guided Norah to the makeup chair, saying, "Just stay put. I assure you, you'll transform into a dazzling woman when I let your natural beauty and irresistible charm perform their magic."

Aaron looked at Norah's simple outfit and tousled hair, then eagerly began her transformation with his makeup brush in hand.

By the time Joanna arrived, Norah was still getting her makeup done.

Joanna was familiar with Aaron. After greeting him, she settled into the nearby makeup chair and piqued, "Congrats, Norah, on your official return to your carefree self. Your loyal fan, Joanna, is all set and eager to follow your lead."

Norah offered a smile. "You sure have a way with words, Joanna."

Joanna asked curiously, “Hey, didn't you develop feelings for Derek? What caused you to snap out of it and move on from being lovesick?"

Norah's voice was icy as she answered, "I just caught Madeline and Derek together in bed."

Joanna couldn't help but laugh. “Is Madeline that desperate for attention? She's barely back and already with someone else's husband. It makes me wonder what her life was like overseas. Well, I got to say you and Derek were so lovesick. He was hung up on his first love, and you were devoted to Derek who didn't reciprocate. Does love blind people that much?"

As Joanna went on, Norah's mind wandered. Today was the first time she had seen Madeline.

Norah had only heard about Madeline through Derek and the household staff. They described Madeline as kind, empathetic, polite, and easygoing, presumably the type Derek was drawn to.

Norah had always gone out of her way to care for Derek, adopting Madeline's supposed traits and even trying to look like her to catch Derek's eye.

But being a replacement never quite measured up. Plus, Madeline wasn't at all the person Norah had imagined.

Norah replied with little enthusiasm, "You'd understand if you ever felt love sting yourself."

Joanna's brow furrowed. "Norah, I don't want to lose myself to love. I'd rather stay sharp and be there for you. Since you joined the Carter family, we barely see each other."

After her marriage, Norah dedicated herself to Derek and the Carter family, leaving her past life and friendships behind.