Chapter 10

Then, Antonio found a notebook. When he opened it, he saw pages of notes, all about Norah's preferences. "Norah has a sensitive stomach and can't eat spicy food. Learn 365 recipes to cook her soothing meals." "Norah is afraid of thunderstorms and always forgets her umbrella. Be there for her before it rains." "Norah loves cherries. Plant an entire orchard for her." "Norah is lonely. No matter what, always be there when she needs company." Antonio read through the meticulously detailed notes in the notebook. By the end, he chuckled softly and said, "Norah, winning your heart was difficult. But I'm glad I stuck with it." His earnest expression caught Norah off guard. He truly had gone to great lengths to pursue her. If she hadn't heard what he had confessed to Hayden previously, she might have believed in this deeply devoted version of Antonio. But now she knew the truth. He had done all of this for someone else. Unaware of Norah's thoughts, Antonio hugged her and said, "Norah, I'm finally going to make you mine. Tell me, once today is over, you'll belong to me forever, won't you?" Norah shook her head. She thought, "No. The moment you lied to me, it was already over for us." Just then, the butler entered. "Mr. Emerson, the bride and groom shouldn't see each other before the wedding. It's time for you to head to the hotel." Antonio didn't budge. Instead, he wrapped his arms tightly around Norah. "I want to stay with her." "But, sir—" Before the butler could continue, Antonio's phone buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID and froze. In the end, he let go of Norah and stepped aside to answer it. Whatever was said on the phone shifted something in Antonio. When he returned, his demeanor had changed, though he still leaned in to embrace Norah one last time. "Norah, I'll see you tomorrow." Norah knew it wasn't the butler's insistence that made him leave. It was the phone call—and it was from Isabella. She didn't try to stop him and simply watched as his figure disappeared through the front door. Once he was gone, she quietly moved the packed boxes to the front yard. Earlier, she had instructed the house staff to prepare a firepit in the garden. Though they had been confused by the unusual request, they had complied without question. One by one, Norah tossed the items into the flames—the photos, notebook, and diary. When the last photograph curled and blackened in the fire, Norah smiled faintly. "Antonio, even the memories are gone. There's nothing left for us now." Later that night, no one noticed the bride-to-be dragging her suitcase out of the villa. She walked with decisive steps and didn't look back.