Chapter 2: Precious in Austin's Heart

When Nora uttered that name, her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. This name was a malignant tumor in her heart but precious in Austin's heart. Years ago, Nora had forced Austin to marry her, driving Aria Mitchell away at any cost, even forcing Aria's mother to her death. Aria, disheartened, never got back together with Austin, and that's when Nora seized the opportunity to control Austin's life using her family's wealth. Austin had harbored hatred towards Nora for many years, but he especially disliked her bringing up Aria. Today, she had broken that taboo again. He clenched his fists and turned to coldly gaze at his wife. "Don't say that name in front of me! I told you that! Be a peaceful Mrs. Hayes. It starts with keeping your mouth shut!" Nora had never mentioned Aria in front of Austin before because she didn't want to ruin her relationship with Aria. "Oh, I won't bring it up again. Tomorrow morning, what do you want for breakfast? I'll make it for you. Also, I've washed your clothes. If you're going to the office, remember to take them with you. I've packed them in a bag for you. I..." "Is it not enough?" Austin's eyes were full of impatience. "Nora, all these years have passed, and you haven't changed a bit from before. You are disgusting!" Taking a blanket and a pillow from the wardrobe, Austin prepared to spend the night in the living room. Nora clutched her hands tightly, her longing eyes fixed on Austin for a while. "Austin, stay with me for another ten months. After ten months, I'll divorce you. Please, don't hate me." When these words popped out of Nora's mouth, Austin was somewhat surprised. Back then, Nora had been willing to marry him at any cost, even saying she would cling to him for a lifetime, stating that even if he didn't love her and found her repulsive, as long as he stayed by her side, it would be enough. But now, she was talking about divorcing him after ten months, which sounded completely different from what he had heard from her before. Austin sneered, "What kind of game are you playing?" "I'm tired, I want to break free." Nora kept her eyes downcast throughout, unaware that tears were falling drop by drop onto the back of her hand. Austin would come home almost every day, but it would be very late. There was little communication between them, and apart from the bedroom, they wouldn't eat together. Nora's sudden mention of divorce after ten months left Austin utterly puzzled. Could she really let go so easily? When Austin married Nora, he had promised her father that he would take good care of her. Moreover, Nora was someone incapable of managing life on her own. Without Austin, it was as if she had lost the whole world. How would she survive after divorcing him? In order to conceive Austin's child, Nora intentionally damaged condoms and tried various methods to retain Austin. Every time Austin entered her from behind, she cooperated extremely well, responding passionately to him, as if she were spending the last moments of her life with Austin. On this particular night, Austin got drunk and kissed Nora. Nora felt gratified, but her joy was short-lived because the name that came out of Austin's mouth was "Aria." He said, "Aria, I'll divorce Nora and marry you." Nora's eyes blurred, and she stared emptily at the ceiling. Did he really want to marry Aria so eagerly? Unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to see it. The next day, Nora went shopping at the mall with her good friend Harper. Harper was four months pregnant, and Nora, afraid that she wouldn't be able to accompany her friend during childbirth, had already prepared clothes for the baby in advance. She was more worried than Harper, who was going to be a mother. Seeing her unusual behavior, Harper asked, "Nora, why are you doing this? It's not too late to choose clothes after the baby is born." "I'm afraid I won't have the chance," Nora said. "How can you not have a chance? You're the child's godmother." Harper felt puzzled. Nora smiled without saying a word, but deep down, she hoped she could conceive a child and be a happy mother like Harper. "Nora, look, I see Austin." Harper grabbed Nora's arm, excitedly shouting. Nora turned her head, the smile freezing on her face. She clenched her fists tightly, her heart torn into several pieces. Not far away, Austin and Aria were choosing clothes.