Chapter 248 A Family Of Three

Chapter 248 A Family Of Three

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Before his marriage, Zachary had been pulled into countless social obligations, his calendar always packed and his energy stretched thin. Even his grandfather had warned him not to overextend himself, advising him to take care of his health. But he was young then, ambitious, with a constant feeling that others in the corporation were watching him, waiting for him to slip. He felt he had to work twice as hard, wanting to live up to the faith his grandfather had shown in his leadership.

After their marriage, though, things began to shift. The demands on his time slowly cased, and he would often wrap up his workday and come home in time to have dinner with her. It was hard to deny that he cared deeply-otherwise, how could she have convinced him to step back from his relentless schedule?

Before their life together, he'd had little patience for his employees' mistakes, quick to lose his temper in the high-pressure world of corporate deadlines. Yet, as Lenora looked back, she realized she had rarely seen him be anything but fair and calm with his team. The influence she'd had on him was subtle but profound. And by the time he realized it, it was already too late to go back.

Listening to his heartfelt words, Lenora found herself at a loss. She felt happiness, yes-after all, she'd loved him for almost a decade, and now it wasn't just her one-sided story.

But at the same time, there was an undeniable sadness too. No matter what affection he had for her now, the wounds he'd left from those times he'd put Susanna above her were still there, scars too deep to ever fade completely.

Zachary seemed consumed with regret, wondering to himself if things would have turned out differently had he realized his feelings for her sooner.

But the world doesn't offer second chances for what-ifs.

That marriage had taken everything Lenora had, leaving her too exhausted to return to the person she used to be-the Lenora who loved him with all her heart. Somewhere along the way, she'd lost the ability to love anyone with that kind of intensity. Uncle Zachary, the nurse is here!" A cheerful voice broke the stillness. Harrietta, her short legs hurrying across the room, had come in, bringing the usual warmth with her.

Lenora gave her a gentle smile, patting her head. "Hattie, you're such a good girl."

Then, glancing up at Zachary, she said softly, "You should go get your IV drip changed."

Zachary stayed rooted in place, his expression unreadable as he watched her.

The nurse entered the room, carrying a bottle of medicine and a sealed syringe. She looked over at Zachary. "On the couch or on the bed?"

Zachary sighed and sat on the couch. "Let's do it here."

"All right," she replied, attaching the bottle to the nearby rack and expertly slipping the needle into his

vein.

During the entire process, Harrietta stayed close, watching intently. Once the nurse left, she leaned in close, blowing gently on his hand and whispering, "Pain, pain, go away." Lenora had brought along Harrietta's little backpack, stuffed with all her favorite art supplies-a new set of

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Chapter 248 A Family Of Three

paint colors, a sketchbook, and several pens and brushes.

She laid them all out on the table, hoping she could accompany Harrietta as the girl painted.

Ding!

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Just as they were settling, a soft chime sounded. A WhatsApp message notification popped up on Lenora's phone. Casually, she glanced down to see it was from Connor.

The Morriss family had finally settled their issue with the supplier, and Connor was overflowing with gratitude, sending her a heartfelt message. Though it felt unearned, Lenora replied, feeling unexpectedly appreciated.

It didn't directly concern Zachary, but Elijah's interventions had really been for Zachary's benefit, after all.

Connor's message read: Lenora, this matter has nothing to do with you. Please don't blame yourself. My parents and I are sincerely grateful. They actually wanted to invite you for dinner to thank you, but I made up an excuse to delay it. Would you be free tomorrow night? I'd love to treat you to dinner after work.

Lenora agreed: Sure, how about I pick you up after work?

Connor responded quickly: Oh, no need. Let's just meet at the restaurant.

Lenora: Okay.

Connor: By the way, can we keep it to just the two of us?

Connor was clearly hoping she wouldn't bring Harrietta along.

Lenora couldn't help but glance over at the little girl beside her, absorbed in her sketch. Then, she replied: Sure.

She put her phone down and looked up, only to catch Zachary's gaze from across the room.

Zachary quickly looked away, clearly preoccupied with who could've messaged her.

Was it Connor?

"Are you drawing a family of three?" Ignoring Zachary, Lenora asked Harrietta, leaning in closer.

Without looking up, Harrietta corrected her, "No, I'm drawing the three of us! Here's Uncle Zachary, here's Aunt Lenora, and that's me."

On the paper, she'd drawn two adults on either side of a child walking between them. To any observer, it would look like a picture-perfect family of three.

Lenora brushed a gentle hand over Harrietta's head, smiling. "Hattie, you're so smart, and your drawings are just beautiful."

Zachary, watching from the side, set his laptop aside and chuckled. "Hattic, would you give that drawing

to me?"

Harrietta frowned, torn. "I was going to keep it for myself..." She hesitated before finally nodding. "All right, Uncle Zachary, I'll give it to you." "Actually," Zachary said with a soft smile, "if it means that much to you, Hattie, I won't take it."

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Chapter 248 A Family Of Three

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Harrietta's face brightened. "I wanted it as a keepsake so that whenever I looked at it, I'd remember you and Aunt Lenora."

It seemed she had no intention of staying here for long.

Zachary's face softened. "No rush, Hattie. You still have some time left on your vacation. For now, just enjoy yourself."

Lenora checked the clock and noticed it was already late afternoon. She looked at Harrietta. "Hattie, would you be okay staying with your Uncle Zachary at the hospital tonight? I'll come pick you up later, all right?" "Aunt Lenora, are you going to dinner with Connor tonight?" Harrietta asked, clearly surprised.

Zachary's eyes were fixed on Lenora, his gaze intense and questioning.

Under his scrutiny, Lenora felt an uncomfortable pang, an odd sense of guilt. "Yes, he made things right with the supplier and wants to thank me."

Harrietta was oblivious to the Morris family affairs. Her innocent words, though, seemed directed more at Zachary, even if she didn't realize it.

"I want to go with you," Harrietta murmured.

"I'm sorry, Hattie," Lenora said gently, "but tonight's just for me and Connor. How about you keep your uncle company instead? Look at him-still working when he's this sick, all by himself. Doesn't he look a L little lonely?" Harrietta turned to Zachary, studying him closely. He did seem quite alone. "All right," she finally agreed. "I'll keep him company."

Zachary raised a brow, glancing meaningfully at Lenora.

Ignoring his look, Lenora got ready and drove to the restaurant they'd agreed upon.

Connor was already there, waving her over as she arrived. His face lit up at the sight of her, his eyes like stars. "Lenora, over here!"

Lenora joined him, eyeing the spread he'd ordered. "Why'd you get so much food?" she asked, smiling.

Connor poured her a drink, brimming with excitement. "I'm just so grateful, Lenora. You really saved us this time."

"Connor, I didn't do much. Really, if not for me, your dad might not have been dragged into all of this."

"Zachary's choices have nothing to do with you," Connor said firmly. "If you ask me, he's the one who lost out after the divorce." He pushed a cup of coffee toward her. "Eat up, Lenora." "Okay."

Lenora wasn't sure if it was just her, but she felt that Connor was considerably friendlier that night.

They ate together, Connor doing most of the talking while Lenora chimed in occasionally. Just as they were finishing, a waiter approached, bringing a beautiful two-tiered cake on a cart. "Why'd you get a cake?" Lenora asked, surprised.

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Connor gazed at her, eyes filled with warmth and a touch of shyness. "From the moment we met in Nardor, I felt drawn to you. There was something about you that captivated me. I never imagined you were from Jacaster too it must've been fate. After getting to know you, I found myself canng even more?

Then, with complete sincerity, he asked, "Lenora, I like you. Would you be my girlfriend?"

A small group of waitstaff nearby began to clap, and voices around them joined in the cheer. "Say yes, say yes!"

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