Pampered After Divorce - Chapter 162: Chapter 162

Nora’s POv
“Molly, I'm done with Hank. He proposed last night, and we made out, but as soon as Octavia called, he left me," a tear slid down my cheek as I spoke to Molly on the phone.
The emotions swirling through me were overwhelming because I had witnessed how Octavia stood by Cage and said hurtful things to Hank, so why would he still care about her?
"Nora, you have to trust your man," Molly said calmly. I informed her, "I want to see you."
"Okay, I'm home, but Gianni is going out, so I will have a driver pick you up."
I didn't refuse the offer since I didn't have any of Hank's car keys. As soon as I reached Molly's mansion, I told her everything the moment I saw her, and she was excited.
"You are engaged, that's wonderful, but I think it's the reason Gianni left too. He never left me alone after that incident at the hospital," she said. My heart warmed at the fact that Hank was not alone with Octavia.
I stayed with Molly and fell asleep until she received news from Gio that they were at the hospital.
Forbidden from going out due to her pregnancy, I left with one of the bodyguards early in the morning after thanking her.
Hank was in Octavia's ward and hadn't noticed my presence, but Octavia saw me. In that instance, she stood up and kissed him. I couldn't take it and turned away.
"Nora, please wait," Hank's voice rang behind me. I turned to face him, feeling so many emotions at once.
Octavia was indeed a beautiful woman, so if he wants her, I just have to step out of the way to not complicate matters for them. “If you love her, then be with her," I told him, and he looked at me with confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I saw her kiss you," I stated bluntly, despite the cloud of confusion in his eyes. I was certain of what I had witnessed.
"You didn't see it clearly, Nora. My back was turned, and her lips only touched my cheek. There's nothing between us, please trust me," he pleaded.
His words sounded sincere, but I couldn't shake off the doubt. If there was nothing going on, why didn't he inform me about meeting her?
"Why didn't you mention that you were going to see her?" I questioned.
He hesitated, taking a deep breath. "It was urgent, I didn't have time to explain. I was afraid you might misunderstand if I mentioned meeting her without providing details."
He moved closer, reaching out to touch me, but I instinctively stepped back, causing a frustrated sigh to escape him. "I promise it won't happen again."
He appeared so stressed that I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
"You never called me after you left, and you didn't even reach out when you arrived. If I meant anything to you, you should have stayed in touch, even if you were rescuing her, right?"
It seemed like everything about me was forgotten the moment he was with her.
"Gio mentioned that you were with Molly..." he started, but I interrupted him. “I rushed here as soon as I heard you had arrived, Hank. You have to make a choice," I stated firmly, crossing my arms over my chest, but he appeared displeased.
"What choice?" he questioned, seemingly unaware of the situation. Despite his feigned ignorance, I proceeded to explain, "Between me and Octavia. I know you loved her and she was your first choice."
Shaking his head, he looked conflicted and replied, "I can't choose."
His words struck a chord with me. "So, you still love her?" I felt a pang of hurt. How could he consider juggling two women? Did my feelings mean nothing to him?
"You misunderstand," he clarified, "I can't choose because you are not an option. There is no other woman in my life besides you."
My heart raced at his words. Octavia stood behind him, her expression darkening, but I couldn't help but smile. "Do you mean that?"
He took a step closer, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close. "Sweetheart, you've only experienced one heartbreak and never dated again until you met me. You were drawn to me from the moment we met and shared that first kiss." He towered over me, his lips almost touching mine.
"How did you know that?" I inquired, feeling his breath on my face. He grinned.
"I made it my mission to understand the woman I love. Octavia made me an option, but you loved me without hesitation and never made me choose. That's why you can never be just an option to me. You are the only woman I love now."
A tear rolled down my cheek as I choked back more tears. How foolish I had been to think he was in love with her. "I'm sorry for being jealous," I whispered.
"That just shows how much you love me. Can we set a date for the wedding?" he asked, gently wiping away my tears with his thumb.
A surge of joy filled me, and I couldn't bring myself to say no. "Yes," I replied.
Our lips met, and I didn't want him to stop. For a moment, Octavia's presence faded until I heard her voice.
"Nora, I'm sorry for what you saw. Hank loves you, he really does. I was just jealous," she said.
I smiled at her, feeling a weight lifted from my heart. She had lost a good man, and now he was mine. "It's all in the past now," I said, hugging Hank tightly.
"Nora, can I stay with you for a while until I get back on my feet? I don't have anywhere else to go, and I'm too scared to be alone right now. Please, will you take me in?" Octavia suddenly asked.