Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T BE OWNED
Arthur offered Norah a permanent position.
Executive director.
Six-figure salary.
Full benefits.
A company car.
And a private apartment.
Norah listened.
Then shook her head.
“No.”
Arthur went still.
“No?”
She smiled sadly.
“Arthur, I don't want to spend the rest of my life being grateful to you.”
His expression changed.
“I wasn't asking for gratitude.”
“I know.”
She stepped closer.
“But I need to build something of my own.”
Arthur swallowed.
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes.”
He looked away.
For a moment, she saw the old fear.
The fear of losing someone.
The fear that made him want to control everything.
Then he nodded.
“Okay.”
Norah's eyes filled.
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
He smiled sadly.
“You taught me that people should be allowed to leave.”
She began crying.
Arthur reached for her hand.
“Norah.”
“Yes?”
“I think I'm in love with you.”
She froze.
He continued.
“But I'm not going to ask you to stay because of it.”
Her tears fell.
“Arthur.”
He smiled.
“Go build your life.”
She leaned forward.
May you like
Kissed his cheek.
Then whispered, “Maybe you'll be part of it.”
