His Unclaimed Heir
Start the story here.
Rain glossed the windows of Nora Bennett’s condo, turning downtown Chicago into a blur of silver lights.
She stood barefoot in the kitchen, tasting the rosemary sauce on the back of a spoon and trying not to smile at herself.
One month.
Exactly one month since she had married Caleb Whitmore in a ceremony so expensive every lifestyle page in the city had posted photos from it. One month since she had signed her name beside his and told herself that whatever doubts had followed them through their four-year relationship could finally be put to rest.
Tonight was supposed to be simple.
No press. No family. No business dinners.
Just Caleb, the short ribs he loved, the bottle of Bordeaux he had been saving, and the small chocolate cake Nora had ordered from the bakery where they had gone on their first date.
Her phone buzzed across the marble island.
CALEB.
Nora answered with a grin. “You’d better be calling to tell me you’re leaving the office.”
His low laugh came through the speaker. “Not exactly.”
She turned down the burner. “That sounds dangerous.”
“I need a favor.”
“Of course you do.”
“Paige just landed at O’Hare.”
Nora straightened.
Caleb’s younger sister had been living in London for years, first for graduate school and then for work. Nora knew her mostly through video calls and family group chats. Paige had even watched the wedding by private livestream because a passport issue had kept her overseas.
“She’s here?” Nora’s mood lifted instantly.
“Ten minutes ago. I’m buried in a board review, and Mom’s at the club dinner. Could you pick her up?”
“Absolutely.”
“I knew I married the right woman.”
Nora laughed. “Flattery because you’re making me drive to O’Hare in the rain?”
“Strategic appreciation.”
“Same thing.”
“I’ll make it up to you tonight.”
The warmth in his voice settled over her, soothing a tiny tension she had not realized she was carrying.
“Go save your company,” she said. “I’ll save your sister.”
When the call ended, Nora covered the food, changed into dark jeans and a cream sweater, then grabbed her keys.
Before leaving, she sent Vanessa a message.
Paige is finally home. Want to come with me to pick her up?
Vanessa Hart had been Nora’s closest friend since they were thirteen. They had shared detention, college applications, breakups, birthdays, and the strange social pressure of growing up around families with too much money and too many expectations.
Vanessa replied almost immediately.
Obviously. Pick me up on Kennedy. I’m sending my location.
Forty minutes later, Nora was weaving through airport traffic with Vanessa beside her, complaining about a client at the private bank where she worked.
“You look disgustingly happy,” Vanessa said, turning in her seat.
“I am happy.”
“Marriage has made you smug.”
“One month has made me smug. Ask again after one year.”
Vanessa laughed, but there was something strained in it, so slight Nora barely noticed.
They found Paige near baggage claim wearing a cobalt trench coat and balancing two suitcases beside her.
Paige saw Nora and squealed.
“No way.”
She abandoned the luggage and rushed forward.
Nora barely had time to brace before Paige wrapped her in a hug.
“You’re real,” Paige said dramatically. “You’re not just a woman on my phone anymore.”
Nora laughed. “And you’re taller than I expected.”
“Everyone says that because Caleb gives terrible descriptions.”
Paige stepped back and looked Nora over with an approving grin. “Okay, my brother did one thing right.”
“Only one?”
“One thing I’m willing to admit in public.”
Vanessa came up behind them, smiling. “Welcome home.”
Paige’s gaze moved to her.
For one second, something silent passed between them.
Then Paige’s smile brightened.
“Vanessa. God, it’s been forever.”
They hugged.
Nora reached for one of the suitcases. “Come on. I left dinner at home, and Caleb promised me he’d be back at a human hour.”
Paige made a face. “You’re taking me straight home?”
“That was the plan.”
“No. Absolutely not. I just spent nine hours on a plane.”
She hooked her arm through Nora’s.
“There’s a place in River North I’ve missed for five years. One drink. One plate of truffle fries. Then I’ll let you deliver me to the family mausoleum.”
“The Whitmore house is not a mausoleum.”
“It has a portrait gallery.”
“That’s fair.”
Vanessa smiled. “One drink won’t kill us.”
Nora checked the time.
She could still make it home before Caleb.
“Fine. One.”
The place Paige chose was an upscale lounge tucked inside a renovated hotel, all smoked glass, brass lighting, and low jazz.
They found a corner table.
Paige ordered whiskey. Vanessa ordered the same.
Nora asked for sparkling pear tonic.
“No alcohol?” Paige asked.
“I’m driving.”
“Responsible. Tragic, but responsible.”
For the first half hour, it was easy.
Paige told stories about London. Vanessa teased Nora about married life. Nora laughed more than she had in days.
At some point Paige asked about the wedding night, and Nora threw a napkin at her.
“Absolutely not.”
“I watched the ceremony through a laptop.
What would you do when the next turn changes everything?
Continue reading on RossNovel.
https://www.rossnovel.com/novels/577
