The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1038

“Nora…” Robert’s voice trembled as he hesitated, then suddenly pulled Nora into a tight hug, holding her like he’d never let go. “When I heard you were gone, I thought my heart would never heal. Why didn’t you let us know you were alive? I’ve spent all these years blaming myself for not protecting you better…”

“I’m sorry, Dad…” Nora could barely get the words out. There were a million things she wanted to say, but nothing came except an apology.

She knew, deep down, her father’s love for her hadn’t faded for a second, not then and not now. That love was exactly why he’d been so shattered by the news of her “death.” Looking at the white hair that now covered his head, Nora felt her chest ache. If she couldn’t find a cure, he’d have to lose his daughter all over again… The thought was unbearable.

“Nora… Nora…” Robert kept repeating her name. The man who commanded boardrooms and board members alike was now crying, shoulders shaking like a child who’d lost his favorite toy.

“Dad, please, calm down…” Nora tried to steady her own nerves, gently pressing on his acupressure points to help him breathe easier.

“You’re home. That’s all that matters. You’re home.” Robert’s relief was so raw that Kevin and the three boys came rushing over to help steady him.

Nora spotted Kevin, who had always cared for her as if she were his own, and managed a shaky smile. “Kevin.”

Kevin’s eyes were misty. He didn’t even have time to get emotional before Charlotte cut in, “Where’s Samantha?”

Sometimes Kevin really wondered if Samantha had married him just to stay close to Nora.

“She’s inside,” Kevin said, rolling his eyes a little. “Her legs went weak, she couldn’t walk.”

Nora had to laugh, even through her tears.

From the side, Charlotte watched it all unfold, her hand curling into a tight fist. Her usually clear eyes shimmered with the threat of tears. If Grandpa found out about Nora’s illness, she couldn’t imagine how he’d take it.

She pressed her lips together, fighting the heavy, sour feeling in her chest. It was hard to even breathe.

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