Nora and I used to be close, so naturally, I was glad to know that she was still alive. However, because of her relationship with Nathaniel, I was unsure how to feel about her then.
The man was like a walking disease because he had infected the minds of many around Ashton and me.
Even Marcus told me that he would never have made a deal with Nathaniel if it were not for me, for he knew that nothing good ever came from dealing with that devil.
I did not mind Nora blaming us for not saving her, but I worried for her well-being if she continued to stay with Nathaniel.
“But she’s a mother. Armond thought he could control everyone, but like everyone else, he fled in the face of death. If Nora had been left behind, there’s a chance that she could’ve survived. I believe she was only able to look like you because she could not escape in time,” suggested Ashton calmly.
“You mean she got disfigured and had plastic surgery?”
With Ashton’s help, I finally figured out what happened back then.
Nora had a chance at survival because Armond left her behind before the explosion. Forced to choose between living on for her child and dying with the man she loved, Nora hesitated when she should be running.
In the end, she decided to choose her child but barely survived the explosion because of her hesitation. Then, Nathaniel somehow managed to save her and turn her into my doppelganger to serve him.
Still, that did not explain why Nora was so hostile toward Ashton and me.
I remembered how surprised I was to see her on the island and how strong she was then. Even though Armond was no longer around, she was ready to raise their child all on her own.
“How did you convince Nora to go to the island anyway?” From the way the woman talked to Ashton, I could tell she was more upset with my husband than me. Ashton is a businessman, so if I had to guess, I would say that he promised Nora something in exchange for her to go to the island. She probably got upset because Ashton didn’t live up to his promise.
Ashton then chuckled at my question. “You’re definitely on to something here. How did you get so clever? At this rate, I don’t think I’ll be able to keep anything from you anymore.”
“Don’t change the subject; I’m being serious now. You had amnesia after the explosion, so do you think that’s the reason why you couldn’t remember what you promised Nora? If that’s the case, that means we’re still in her debt.”
Ashton tightened his grip on the steering wheel and straightened his back before replying, “I promised her that I would keep Armond alive for her.”
“What?” At that moment, I did not know what else to say.
What Ashton meant back then was that he would not harm Armond. However, nobody expected the man to give up on his own life like that.
I don’t think Nora is an unreasonable person. Even though Ashton failed to keep his promise, she should know that he was not to be blamed for what happened. She’s not trying to make Ashton pay for Armond’s demise, is she?
Fortunately, what Ashton said next relieved me of my puzzlement.
“The child. He’s not with Nora or Nathaniel; I’ve checked. Nora must’ve lost him in the explosion.”
With that, Ashton finally cleared things up for me.
Nora only went to the island with her child because she trusted Ashton. What started with the hope of saving Armond eventually ended with Nora tragically losing both her loved ones.
Although nobody was at fault for Armond’s demise, Nora had more than enough reasons to blame Ashton for what happened to her face and her child. To her, Ashton was the one who ruined her life.
