Mr. CEO, You Look Strangely Familiar-Chapter 53: Too Suffocated to Breathe

Nora Ainsworth scoffed, "Is it because the engagement was called off, and you feel you’ve lost out on some great benefit? Or are you planning to bring a new woman into this house? Is that why you’re treating my mother and me this way?"

Before Mr. Ainsworth could speak, Sharon Ainsworth cut in, "Nora Ainsworth, you’ve been living like a princess in our house. No wonder you don’t want to leave. But it’s not up to you. After all, this is *my* home. You’re an outsider, and you’ve already overstayed your welcome. If you know what’s good for you, take your mother and get out!"

Nora Ainsworth looked at her. "So, you’re finally showing your true colors. Sharon Ainsworth, you truly are a born actress. You’ve been working with Mrs. Lynch this whole time, trying to ruin my reputation. Well, you got your wish. The fact that Leon Lynch and I aren’t getting married just means we weren’t fated to be husband and wife. But let me offer you some advice: be careful your schemes don’t backfire. Don’t go around stabbing people in the back too often, or you might meet a swift end."

Sharon Ainsworth burst out laughing. "Nora Ainsworth, you think saying all that in front of my dad will do you any good? As for who’s going to die a quick death, that’s already been settled. Your mom has cancer. If she keeps staying here, she’ll just end up dying in our house. My dad took pity on her and agreed to give you two some money. You should be on your knees thanking him, but instead you’re still here running your mouth. You’ve really got some nerve!"

Nora Ainsworth’s eyes snapped toward her. "Are... are you telling the truth?!"

Sharon Ainsworth taunted, "Why would I lie to you? Your mother is lying in there, she can’t even get up anymore!"

Nora Ainsworth’s mind went blank. She staggered, then bolted upstairs without another word. When she reached Mrs. Ainsworth’s bedroom door, she froze.

She clapped a hand over her mouth as tears welled up, streaming down her face like an open floodgate. An uncontrollable sob caught in her throat.

She tried desperately to regain her composure, but it was impossible.

With trembling hands, she pushed open the door. The woman sleeping inside had a face as white as a sheet, completely drained of color.

"Mom?" It took all her strength to utter that one word.

Mrs. Ainsworth slowly opened her eyes. Perhaps she hadn’t been sleeping at all. Or perhaps she just didn’t want to.

"Nora." Her voice was impossibly faint; she sounded like a completely different person from just two days ago.

Nora slowly walked forward. "Mom, why didn’t you tell me?"

The light had gone from Mrs. Ainsworth’s eyes, which now brimmed with unshed tears. It was as if she had a thousand things to say but didn’t know where to start.

But her mouth just hung open. Nora gripped her hand tightly, as if trying to give her strength.

"Mom, is there something you want to tell me?"

She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face. When she opened them again, she nodded. "Nora, this is my retribution. I made a terrible mistake when I was young, and this is the price I have to pay. Nora, I only realized my mistake later on... I wanted to do everything in my power to make it up to you. I wanted you to marry into the Lynch Family... but it seems my wish didn’t come true."

Seeing her mother trembling all over, Nora quickly cut her off. "Don’t say any more. I’m taking you to the hospital."

She shook her head. "It’s incurable. Just take me away, Nora. Don’t take me to the hospital."

Nora Ainsworth lifted the blanket and saw the blood. A large, bright red patch stained the sheets right beneath her mother’s body. Her pants were completely soaked in red.

Mrs. Ainsworth sighed weakly. "It’s uterine cancer."

Tears streamed down Nora Ainsworth’s face. A suffocating tightness gripped her chest, making it almost impossible to breathe.

"Mom, it’s okay. You’ll be okay. Everything will be okay." She murmured the words, as much to comfort herself as her mother. She opened the wardrobe, took out a clean pair of pants, and then opened a drawer filled with adult diapers. Carefully, she helped Mrs. Ainsworth change, then lifted her onto her back and rushed downstairs.