**The Goodbye That Never Reached You and My Life Chasing 75**
**Chapter 75**
**Norah’s POV**
As the first rays of dawn crept into the room, I stirred awake. The soft golden light danced across the walls, casting gentle shadows that felt like a whisper of morning.
Beside me, Lucien remained in a peaceful slumber, his breaths deep and rhythmic, a soothing melody that grounded me. I couldn’t help but smile at his serene expression, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Leaning in, I pressed a delicate kiss against his lips, savoring the warmth that radiated from him.
Almost as if sensing my presence, Lucien instinctively tightened his arm around me, drawing me closer to the solid comfort of his chest. I nestled there for a brief moment, allowing the steady thump of his heartbeat to calm my racing thoughts, before I reached out for my phone resting on the nightstand.
The screen flickered to life, inundated with a barrage of news alerts and social media updates that made my heart sink.
“Mrs. Constantine Says Sorry Publicly! Admits to Setting Fire and Will Rebuild ‘Thornbird’ Studio!”
“Big Revelation! Eleanor Constantine Confesses to Hurting Norah Hawthorne’s Business!”
“Norah, don’t be too hard on her. She apologized, right?”
A video played, showing Eleanor bowing deeply to the camera, her expression a carefully crafted mask of remorse.
“…I truly regret the harm I caused Miss Norah Hawthorne and her brand Thornbird. It was my fault. I will rebuild the studio until she is happy…”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, her performance reminiscent of a contrite mother seeking forgiveness from her child.
Lucien stirred beside me, blinking awake. “You’re up? What are you watching?” His voice was thick with sleep, but the concern was evident.
I handed him the phone, watching as he scanned the screen before tossing it aside in disdain. Then, without hesitation, he pulled me back into the safety of his arms.
“She’s putting on quite a show,” he remarked, his tone dripping with skepticism.
“Of course. This public apology is all about her image. If I refuse to forgive her, I become the villain in this narrative.”
“What are you planning to do?” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, his warmth enveloping me like a protective shield.
“If she wants to act, then I’ll play my part too.”
The sight of the studio still lay in ruins, surrounded by barriers that screamed neglect. Just as I expected, Eleanor arrived, flanked by a horde of reporters. The moment her eyes met mine, she rushed over, her expression feigning concern.
“Norah! It’s not safe here!” She reached for my hand, but I instinctively recoiled, creating a distance that felt necessary.
Turning to the cameras, her voice trembled as she continued her charade.
“Everyone, I want to apologize once more to Miss Norah. I’ve hired the best team to rebuild this space. I just want to make things right.”
The reporters nodded in agreement, snapping photos as if they were capturing the climax of a dramatic play.
“But, Norah…” She glanced at me, her eyes searching for an opening. “Is there something about my plan that you still dislike? Just tell me. I’ll do anything…”
Her words dripped with implication, suggesting that I was being unreasonable even after her so-called apology.
I smiled at her, a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.
“Mrs. Constantine, you’ve misunderstood,” I said, stepping closer, my voice steady. “I’m here to express my gratitude.”
Her surprise was palpable, her facade faltering.
“I thank you for your bravery in taking responsibility. And I thank you for your commitment to rebuilding Thornbird.” My smile broadened for the cameras, a veneer of warmth. “Since you’re so sincere, let’s finalize the rebuilding details right here in front of everyone. What do you think?”
Eleanor’s smile faded, and I didn’t give her a moment to collect her thoughts.



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