My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage - Chapter 182

Chapter 182:

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Carrie’s smile grew faint. “I’m just glad it brought you joy,” she said, skirting the sentiment.

Guilt flickered in Carrie’s chest. The melody wasn’t entirely hers—it had been Gracie’s favorite tune to hum, her voice carrying it on lazy afternoons. Back in her small town, with no means to afford proper lessons, Carrie had clung to this tune, repeating it endlessly until it was etched into her soul.

She knew its contours more intimately than beginner staples like “Fur Elise.” Who could have imagined that this simple melody, once a private comfort, would turn out to be Josh Morrison’s final masterpiece?

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the venue. Even those who had harbored doubts about Carrie couldn’t deny the undeniable magnetism of her performance, which they lauded with genuine admiration.

One of the crowd, swept up in the moment, exclaimed with a knowing smile, “Mr. Norris has truly outdone himself in his lavish display of love for Mrs. Norris.” As they mulled over the evening, they unanimously attributed its success to Kristopher’s thoughtful orchestration. With his vast wealth and influential connections, particularly his bond with Albin, it was no feat for Kristopher to arrange for esteemed coaches to refine Carrie’s performance.

Yet, Kristopher responded with a humble shrug, his voice steady, “It has nothing to do with me.”

This modest claim met skeptical smiles; the crowd felt he was simply safeguarding Carrie’s honor. The event not only quelled the whispers of marital discord but also reshaped the social narratives, crowning Carrie as the undeniable matriarch of the Norris family, far removed from her Cinderella beginnings.

As the celebration drew to a close and the crowd thinned, Kailee, her voice tinged with disappointment, approached Albin. “My dad couldn’t come tonight,” she murmured, touching his arm lightly. “Could you give me a ride home?” Her eyes conveyed a silent plea for companionship.

Albin edged away discreetly, sidestepping her outstretched hand, and responded, “I can’t. I’ve already had something to drink and shouldn’t be driving.”

𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓼.𝓬𝓸𝓶

Kailee had concocted a plan to make a fool out of Carrie, manipulating Albin as her unsuspecting tool. If not for the occasion being Melany’s birthday celebration, Albin could have openly confronted her.

Kailee attempted to continue, stammering, “I…”

But Albin had already turned, striding away without looking back.

Carrie lingered in conversation with the elderly couple, realizing only later that the courtyard had emptied of guests. She rose to her feet, bidding them farewell. “Melany, Shawn, it’s time for me to head back.”

Melany offered a gentle smile. “Kristopher has had quite a bit to drink and isn’t feeling well. He’s resting upstairs. Could you please check on him?”

Carrie, unsuspecting of any underlying schemes, nodded and made her way upstairs. The Norris Mansion had set aside a room for Carrie and Kristopher on the second floor, the door left invitingly ajar.

“Kristopher?” she called out tenderly, tapping on the door.

Receiving no answer, she nudged the door wider and stepped inside. The room opened into a spacious foyer that hid the rest of the space from immediate view. She moved forward and spotted Kristopher hunched over, rummaging through a cabinet.

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