Norah Fisher poured the wine over Hattie Ross's head, her expression hard with cold, steely determination.
"Maybe this will help wash that filthy mouth of yours out," she said, her voice steady as stone.
Before, whenever Hattie belittled her, Norah had always bitten her tongue for Lionel's sake. Lionel knew exactly what kind of woman his mother was, yet he always told Norah to just let it go. But now that she was cutting Lionel loose, she saw no reason to swallow Hattie's insults anymore.
Hattie let out a shocked shriek—more stunned than furious. Norah Fisher had actually dared to pour wine on her.
Standing at the gates of her childhood home, Norah hesitated. She and Lionel had been childhood sweethearts, but her parents had never approved of their relationship. Marrying Lionel would've been a strategic alliance for the Fisher family, but her father had always been dead set against it for reasons he never explained.
She had moved out to live with Lionel, defying her parents' wishes. Now, after everything that had happened, returning home only filled her with shame. Surely, they would be upset with her.
"Norah?" Her mother's voice broke through her thoughts as Karina Fisher stepped out and called to her softly.
"Mom," Norah whispered, unable to meet her mother's eyes.
Karina took Norah's hand in both of hers, her touch warm with empathy. "It's alright. You're home now."
The engagement party disaster had been public enough that her parents were surely aware of it.
"Come inside. Let's talk," Karina said, guiding Norah into the house.
The second they stepped into the living room, the tension hit Norah like a wall. Her father, Meir Fisher, stood with his arms crossed, his face flushed with anger. "So you're finally back? I told you Lionel Ross was trouble, but you just had to marry him anyway. Now the whole family's a laughingstock."
"I'm sorry, Dad," Norah murmured, guilt pressing down on her chest.
Seeing how dejected Norah looked, Karina gently stepped in. "That's enough, Meir. Norah is already upset. There's no need to pile on."
Meir's expression softened slightly. How could he not be angry when his cherished daughter had been treated so poorly?
"What do you plan to do now, Norah?" He needed to know where her head was at before deciding their next move.
Norah lifted her chin, her eyes blazing with resolve. "From this day forward, I have nothing to do with Lionel Ross. We're done."
She had realized—perhaps too late—that from the moment Vivienne Powell had returned, the writing was on the wall. Despite all her efforts, it was clear their love was never going to be enough.
Karina pulled her daughter into a hug, understanding all too well how deeply Norah had loved Lionel and how painful it must be to say those words out loud.
Meir nodded approvingly. "That's my girl. You're a Fisher, after all. Stay home and don't worry about a thing. Your mother and I will take care of you."
A wave of relief washed over Norah, steadied by her family's unconditional support.
Just then, the butler entered the room. "Sir, Mr. Jamie Olson is here to see you."
Meir's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Show him in!"
"Jamie Olson?" Norah echoed, confused.
Karina chuckled at her daughter's confusion. "Don't you remember? He stayed with us for a while when he was younger."
Norah's memory stirred. "You mean the little crybaby?"
Karina nodded, amused. "Yes, but you definitely can't call him that now. He's all grown up and running his family's business. I hear he's planning to build his career right here in Boston."
As they spoke, the butler led Jamie Olson into the room. Norah's curiosity piqued as her gaze landed on a tall, striking man bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows. It was hard to believe this was the same boy she remembered.
"Mr. and Mrs. Fisher," Jamie greeted them warmly, his manners polished and his handsome face flawless.
Meir nodded with satisfaction. "It's been years, Jamie. You've grown so much."
Jamie's gaze drifted to Norah. "You must be Norah."
Norah's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name on his lips, stirring echoes of a time when Lionel had used that same affectionate tone.
Meir noticed Norah had gone quiet and jumped in. "Yes, this is Norah. She's had an exhausting day, so excuse her distraction. Jamie, please, have a seat."
Jamie nodded, taking a seat beside Meir, though his eyes never left Norah.
"Are you planning to set up your business here?" Meir asked with interest.
Jamie nodded. "That's the plan."
While the two men talked, Norah's mind wandered, sifting through her years with Lionel and the heartbreak that had followed. The pain was still raw, like a blade slicing through memories she had once cherished.
"Sir, Mr. Ross is here. He's asking for Miss Norah."
The mention of Lionel's name snapped Norah back to reality. Meir's face darkened immediately. "Tell him Norah doesn't want to see him."
"Wait." Norah stopped the butler.
Meir and Karina exchanged surprised looks. After everything that had happened, for Norah to insist on seeing him was baffling.
Before Meir could protest, Norah reassured him. "Dad, some things have to be settled in person. I'll be back soon."
With that, she left the room, Jamie's eyes following her as she exited.
Outside, Lionel stood beside his car, a huge bouquet of roses in hand. As Norah approached, he straightened his suit and walked toward her.
"These are for you," Lionel said, holding out the flowers.
After going home and replaying the day's events, he'd realized just how much pain he'd caused Norah.
She eyed the vibrant roses, her gaze ice-cold.
"What happened today was my fault, but there were reasons. You shouldn't have stormed off like that. Come back with me, and I'll throw us an even bigger engagement party," Lionel said, his tone commanding, carrying no real trace of an apology.
