Pampered After Divorce - Chapter 152: Chapter 152

Nora’s Pov
The tension in the air was palpable, but the other guests seemed unfazed, indicating they were aware of what was happening.
They left the dining room one by one, only to quickly return to their rooms as a heavy downpour began outside, contrasting with the tense atmosphere indoors.
I struggled to accept the truth. "It can't be true. You're not an assassin, are you?" I had always suspected he was involved in something, but being an assassin was beyond what I had imagined.
The world of the mafia was not something I wanted to be a part of, given all that I had witnessed and heard.
"He's not," Don asserted, but Cage interjected, "He's lying to protect his friend, but it's true. He was hired to kill my boss once, and I was there. That's how I know him."
Just as I was contemplating the possibility of a future with him, this revelation shook me. Despite my desire to give him a chance, being involved with a hitman was not something I had ever considered. Could he have changed?
Don placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and spoke gently. "Trust me, Nora, Hank is not a hitman."
Hank tried to explain, "Gio..." but Don interrupted, "This is what I mean. Hank never accepted a job if he believed the target was innocent. Even when he took on a job blindly, he would investigate, and if his instincts told him the person was innocent, he would return the money. Do you think he would still be alive if he had killed innocent people?"
Despite Don's attempts to paint a different picture, I knew that the reality of the mafia world was far from the glamorous image he was trying to portray. In Molly’s case, I understood they had dated and lost touch before he became like this, so there was a foundation to build on.
As for me, I had worked for Don for three years and did not want to cross him because I was afraid of him. How could I handle the fact that the man I loved was just like Don, the type I would usually want to keep a distance from?
“He killed my former boss,” Cage argued. Don calmly responded, “You mean the one who was involved in drug trafficking? He would have killed the FBI agent who was secretly uncovering the information if Hank had not arrived. That agent is still alive today because of Hank, and he did a good job killing Maxwell.”
The mafia world was so complicated that one could never understand it all until they were a part of it, making this information confusing. “So, he’s a hitman,” I said. Don shook his head, but Hank asked me a question I couldn’t answer.
“Nora, let’s take, for instance, what happened in the club. You were drugged, and those guys would have molested you, so we had all of them killed. What does that make me?”
This was all too much for me, but Octavia stared at Hank and spoke coldly, “Not accepting you is the best decision of my life.”
Pain registered in Hank’s eyes, but his lips pursed as if he was preventing himself from saying something.
“You will regret it,” Don said. Octavia was slightly afraid. “Are you going to kill me too?”
Don scoffed, "Why should I? From this moment on, you are on your own, so don’t ever ask for my help when he shows his true colors."
I felt responsible for the situation. I was about to suggest checking the CCTV camera to prove my innocence so Octavia could see the scam for what it was, but everything had happened under the table where there was no camera.
Pulling out his phone, Don showed her, "You are now blacklisted from my life, and I have already transferred another ten million to secure your life. Make sure you use it wisely, but there are conditions attached to that money."
Octavia didn't seem ready to part ways with Don and pleaded, "Vanni, please, you've been like family to me."
"Then break up with him, now," Don instructed, but Octavia took a step back. "No, I choose Cage." Something flickered in Cage's eyes, but no one could pinpoint what it was.
"Fine, let's forget we ever knew each other," Don said sternly. Octavia was upset, but Cage pulled her into his arms, and she instantly calmed down.
Later that night, Octavia left with Cage in a chopper. Don looked somber as Hank asked him, "Are you sure about this? He could get her killed."
The fact that he still cared for Octavia made me believe he wasn't a cold-hearted hitman like Cage claimed, but rather someone seeking justice.
However, Don seemed to have a few tricks up his sleeve. "Do you think I allowed them to go just like that? That money comes with conditions that Cage cannot withstand. In the process, his true character will be revealed."
I was curious about the conditions attached to the money, but I lacked the courage to ask. If only Molly were here, she would have made the inquiry for me.
The two best friends embraced each other. "I knew you couldn't be fooled," Hank said, patting Don on the back.
Don nodded. "I have to go be with my Donner."
Hank didn't stop him, but as soon as Don left, Hank asked me, "So, are we together now?"
The weight of his previous job weighed heavily on me, but I didn't want to push him away, so I replied, "Let's take it slow."
He wasn't particularly happy about taking it slow but forced a smile. "In that case, can we share the same room? I won't cross boundaries," he said. I preferred bending a little to feel his warmth than his coldness, so I agreed.
I didn't regret spending the night in his room because we talked a lot, but just as my eyes closed to sleep, someone knocked on the door.
"I will get it," Hank said, but upon reaching the door, I heard a familiar female voice and joined him.
As soon as Natasha saw me, her eyes lowered. "So, it's because of her."
“Natasha, even if I didn't have a woman, I can only see you as a kid sister. You are too young for me," Hank said.
It was evident that Natasha didn't mind the twelve-year age gap, but Hank did. Between us, there was only a four-year age difference.
"Okay, just give me a hug, and I won't bother you again," Natasha said. I felt saddened for her but also grateful. If not for her flirting, I wouldn't have made up my mind so quickly.
"Give your kid sister a hug. It won't change anything," I urged Hank. He embraced Natasha and then said, "I wish you a happy birthday in advance."
Natasha smiled at me and whispered a thank you before closing the door.
Cuddling was a new experience for me, but it was enjoyable because it was with Hank. Taking the initiative, I kissed him on the lips, and he responded. After a short while, I drifted off to sleep.
A knock woke me up, and Hank also stirred. When he went to answer the door, it was Don's worried voice. "Molly said that Nora wasn't in her room. Have you seen her?"
"I'm here, Don," I replied as I walked over to him. His curious gaze made me feel shy, so I quickly made an excuse to leave. "I will go get Molly ready."
As I stepped out of the room, I intended to go to Molly's room, but I noticed the guests were excited about something and decided to see what was happening. My breath caught in my throat. "Oh my God, what magic happened overnight?"