It seemed that Nora Stovall was the new identity Nathaniel had arranged for the former Ms. Oberick. I realized that Nora was determined to conjure a relationship with me.
Outwardly, Ashton and I appeared unaffected by her announcement, treating it as a terrible joke.
Audrey, however, took Nora’s words seriously. “You’re twins with Mommy? Is it like Greg and me? Greg is a boy, and I’m a girl, so we look different. Do you look the same because you’re both girls?”
Before I could clear things up, Nora cut me off. “That’s right! You’re such a smart girl, Audrey!” She smiled so brightly that her eyes had narrowed into slits. Nora added, “You and your brother can call me Aunt Nora from now on!”
I could not explain why, but Nora’s face that so perfectly mirrored mine suddenly became a glaring sight.
I would not have minded the children calling her Aunt Nora in the past when she was still a kind person. Now that she was notorious for her greed and ambition, I could not find it in me to allow my children to acknowledge such a relative.
How should I explain this to the kids, though?
Thankfully, Ashton spoke up and freed me from my dilemma.
Quietly and somewhat sternly, he said, “Gregory.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Ashton continued without blinking, “Was what Uncle Nathaniel said true? Are you struggling with your computer science homework?”
His words implied that he was blaming Gregory.
If Gregory could solve his computer science problems alone, he no longer needed Nathaniel’s help, and we could leave for good.
I thought it rather inappropriate to drag the children into this, yet I remained silent. I was aware this would be the wrong time for me to voice my opinion.
Everyone had their way of solving things, after all.
It turned out my worry was for naught. Gregory had lived with Ashton for many years, and he was well aware of his father’s expressions and intentions. Some thought later, Gregory had an answer for his father.
“No, Daddy. I can solve them on my own now.” With that, Gregory turned to Nathaniel next and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Nathaniel. I can solve those problems alone now, and I shan’t need to trouble you again. I don’t have any more questions on computer science.”
Whether it was Gregory putting up a tough front or caving out of fear toward Ashton, I was relieved that he had not made the wrong choice despite his past relationship with Nathaniel.
Ashton nodded lightly as satisfaction flashed through his gaze. He stared at Nathaniel and said, “You heard that.”
It was impossible to discern Nathaniel’s true feelings on the matter behind his smile. He chuckled and replied to Ashton, “What about Nora and Letty’s long-awaited reunion? We were so excited to introduce you to some of our friends. Staying a while longer won’t hurt anyone. Why, Scarlett, don’t you want to get to know your older sister a little better?”
He stressed his last sentence, and his weird tone hinted that he was up to something.
It was not until Audrey piqued up that I knew he was targeting the children.
“Mommy, isn’t Ms. Nora your older sister? Don’t you want to be together if you haven’t seen each other in a long time? Just like how I want to be with Greg forever and ever!”
I explained hastily, “Audrey, don’t say that. Mommy’s just like you as in I only have an older brother. I don’t have an older sister. You know Mommy and Uncle John meet all the time. We have a great relationship, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” Audrey nodded innocently. Barely a moment later, she exclaimed, “But Mommy, the two of you look the same! Aunt Emma said that people who look the same on TV are long-lost twins!”
I held in my urge to hunt down Emma that very instant.
The situation turned incredibly awkward after Audrey’s outburst.
Suddenly, Shaun broke his silence and said, “The dolls you play with every day have the same face, but they’re not from the same family.”
“You’re right, Shaun! Does that mean Mommy and Ms. Nora aren’t sisters at all?”
