?Chapter 45:


    “It’s alright.” Sean’s eyes dropped, and his eyshes cast soft shadows over his striking features. “Norah, I’ve mentioned before, you can always turn to me if you need anything.”


    After a pause, Sean asked, “Do you need my assistance regarding Derek’s unwillingness to divorce?”


    The car was dimly lit in thete evening, with the light from streetmps casting long shadows inside. Norah sensed Sean’s earnest look.


    “There’s no need for that, Mr. Scott. It’s not a major issue,” Norah calmly responded.


    “You’re always this formal, Norah?” Sean’s voice was deep, and Norah felt the electric current of his words, making her shiver slightly. “Do you feel like I’m begging to help you?”


    Norah did feel that way.


    “Mr. Scott, you’re making light of it. I do not enjoy imposing on others or being in someone’s debt,” Norah said frankly. “If I were indebted to you, I’d find it hard to repay.”


    “Mr. Scott, perhaps you don’t understand, but I generally don’t seek help from others. I prefer to handle things on my own and avoid bothering people.” Due to her past experiences when she was young, Norah was wary of umting debts she couldn’t repay. Take Derek’s life-saving favor, for example. She had devoted two whole years to taking care of Derek, who was in aa after the car ident.


    With Derek back on his feet, safe and sound, Norah finally felt she had settled that debt. Sean hadn’t realized this was her concern.


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    He suddenly grasped why she was so hesitant to ept his assistance. “But these are minor issues. You wouldn’t need to repay me, and you won’t owe me anything.” Sean locked eyes with Norah and challenged, “Do you keep track of how many times Joanna has driven you home or tally up the expenses she’s incurred on your behalf?”


    “The situation with Joanna is different,” Norah countered. “Joanna is my friend.”


    “I was under the impression that I was your friend too.”


    Norah recalled thest asion when Sean had offered her a lift and his timely assistance when she was caught in the rain at the bus stop. At that time, she had thought it would be lovely if she and Sean could be friends. Given their recent interactions, she acknowledged that they could indeed be considered friends.


    “There are differences between friends,” Norah exined. “Mr. Scott, surely you grasp this concept. There are countless things I can share with Joanna that aren’t feasible with you.”


    “Does that include something as simple as giving you a lift home?”


    “Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d rather not impose on anyone for a ride home.”


    Having spent time with Norah, Sean had concluded that he wasn’t the heartless character the rumors made him out to be. He found her quite kind, and thus, Norah feltfortable being open with him.


    Sean chuckled. “Norah, you really know how to separate your professional life from your personal one. Nevertheless, if I see you, I’ll still offer you a ride home. It’s no big deal to drive a friend home.”


    Sean wasn’t taking Norah’s hesitation seriously. Feeling somewhat defeated, Norah hadn’t anticipated that Sean would focus solely on their friendship and overlook her concerns.


    Norah had assumed their paths crossed mainly through racing events and the medical treatment she provided to his family members. She figured once her medical duties with his family were done, their interactions might dwindle. So, she conceded, “Alright, understood.”


    Norah reassured herself, thinking it wasn’t a bad idea to ept a ride from someone willing to offer. “By the way, do you have time to drop by?”


    “Your work doesn’t include weekends, does it?” Norah asked.


    Sean replied ambiguously, “My business is closed on weekends.”


    After starting her workdays at the hospital, Norah valued the rarity of having weekends off. Her hospital employed a rotating single-day-off system, assigning days off monthly. This month, her day off was Saturday.


    Considering they lived in the samemunity and wouldn’t have to worry about traffic dys, Norah suggested, “I can make it by ten in the evening.”


    Norah viewed Saturday as her day to unwind and recharge.


    “You can have Phillipe to fetch you then,” offered Sean.


    Norah nodded in agreement. Then, suddenly, a loud screech filled the air as the car came to an abrupt halt.


    Norah, deep in conversation with Sean, was entirely unprepared for the sudden stop. Caught off guard, she stumbled into Sean’s embrace.


    Phillip had been driving smoothly until a reckless motorcyclist darted out from the left, showing no signs of slowing down. The two almost collided. Thankfully, Phillip’s quick reflexes kicked in, and he braked sharply, swerving right to dodge the motorbike.


    As the motorcyclist sped off into the night, Phillip muttered a few choice words under his breath. He harbored a strong dislike for such reckless riders, deeming them a danger not just to themselves but to everyone else on the road.


    Once the car was back to a steady pace, Phillip cleared his throat and attempted to apologize. “Sorry about that, it was due to a motorcycle just now…”


    Catching a glimpse of the situation in the rearview mirror, Phillip promptly fell silent and diverted his gaze.


    After dropping off Joanna, Norah hadn’t buckled her seatbelt. As the car took a left turn, she was thrown right into Sean’s arms, ending up wrapped in his embrace.


    Feeling both embarrassed and unstable, Norah clung to him, seeking something to hold onto. Sean instinctively supported Norah by the shoulder, his touch on her smooth skin sending warmth through him, his heart racing uncontrobly.


    As their eyes met, both filled with surprise, Sean quickly averted his gaze. A palpable tension hung between them.


    Sean and Norah both started to speak simultaneously. Turning his head, Sean gestured for her to continue, saying, “You first.”


    With some effort, Norah shifted, suggesting in a raspy voice, “Maybe we should wait until I’m no longer in yourp to talk?”


    At that critical moment when the car swerved abruptly, Norah felt the firmness of Sean’s grasp, having not only caught her in time but also steadied himself. The sudden movement of the car had left Norah momentarily disoriented, only to find herself securely in Sean’s hold.


    They found themselves in a close embrace, like a couple lost in love.


    Observing Norah’s beauty up close, Sean feltpelled to clear his throat. Norah’s attire—a striking red dress that hugged her figure—entuated her skin’s softness, making her stand out even more.


    Sean could feel Norah’s soft skin and catch the lovely scent emanating from her. Seated in Sean’s embrace, Norah held onto his shirt, her hair flowing behind her like seaweed, adding a touch of allure to her appearance.


    Lifting her gaze to his, Norah seemed captivated, her eyes fixed solely on him. As Sean caught his reflection in Norah’s eyes, he found his hold on her involuntarily strengthening.


    Noticing her difort, Sean carefully shifted her to the seat beside him.


    As Norah’s sweet and gentle presence slipped away from him, he felt a twinge of reluctance.


    Norah sat back in her seat, immediately securing her seatbelt.


    She cleared her throat softly, trying to disguise her awkwardness. “That was quite the unexpected event.”


    Sean absentmindedly yed with his fingers, the feel of Norah’s touch still lingering on his skin. Upon hearing her, he acknowledged, “I understand.”


    “Mr. Scott, I appreciate your assistance in that critical moment. I’ll be cautious from now on,” Norah said, making sure her seatbelt was properly tightened. She thought another incident like that might leave her too embarrassed to face Sean again.


    “It was my pleasure to assist. There’s no need for concern,” Sean replied, stealing a nce at her seatbelt. He found himself annoyed by something he usually never gave a second thought to.


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