Chapter 12
The night before Juliet was reborn, Norman climbed the stairs and pushed open the door to her room.
To his surprise, the room was empty. The collection of bottles and jars that had once filled her vanity was gone, and the wardrobe stood bare
He turned sharply to the housekeeper behind him, his expression hardening with annoyance. “Who gave you permission to touch Mrs. Walsh’s things? Have her clothes washed and put back where they belong. And return that framed photo to its place. She’s coming back tomorrow!”
The housekeeper answered carefully, “Mr. Walsh, Mrs. Walsh gave all her makeup away to us before she left. Her clothes were donated as well. And… she burned the photo of the two of you.”
Norman’s eyes widened in shock, and he staggered back as if he’d been struck.
Juliet had been upset with him on those nights he hadn’t come home, but she’d never gone so far as to destroy their photo.
That photo, taken at Water Lily Park, was the only one they had together. Jullet had treasured it, keeping it on her nightstand. She would dust it every day, refusing to let anyone else touch it.
Norman’s decision to force Juliet into Iris‘ place seemed to have broken her heart for good, and now she was set on divorcing him
Fortunately, Juliet would be back tomorrow. There was still a chance to mend what he’d destroyed.
Norman paused for a moment, then said, “Jerome, go and buy a selection of the latest haute couture outfits in Mrs. Walsh’s size. Have them hung in the wardrobe immediately. And don’t forget her undergarments, shoes, and socks. Make sure everything is taken care of.”
Jerome hesitated, his expression uneasy. “Mr. Walsh, you’ve never bought clothes for Mrs. Walsh before. I don’t know her size. Did she ever mention to you what size she wears?” Norman tried to recall if juliet had ever shared such details with him, but nothing came to mind. His life had always revolved around work and Iris, leaving little room for him to notice things like Juliet’s clothing or shoe size
Yet, jubet had always known his measurements by heart. With every change of season, she would thoughtfully arrange his wardrobe, ensuring everything was in perfect order. she’d managed the household so seamlessly that he’d never had to lift a finger
The realization struck Norman, and a heavy wave of guilt settled in his chest.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Ask Seth. And while you’re at it, have him compile a list of all of Mrs. Walsh’s preferences for me
Though he couldn’t say he’d ever been particularly fond of juliet, she’d been a gentle, devoted, and dutiful wile, cherished by everyone in the Walsh family. He should have treated her better.
That evening, Norman had the housekeepers put together a memorial space for Lenny in the house, complete with his photograph, toys, and personal items.
He also had someone restore the photo of him and Juliet, which he placed on the nightstand in her bedroom. Keeping Juliet’s tastes in mind, he made sure to arrange fresh phalaenopsis orchids in the living room.
“Julie’s going to love what you’ve done here, Norman, I can’t wait for her to come back, too,” Iris said, her smile gentle and warm,
Norman noticed her spraying medicine on her ankle and asked, “Is your right foot still bothering you?”
“Yeah, it hurts a bit when I walk, Iris plied with a soft laugh. “But it’s nothing serious. A few more days of rest, and I’ll be fine. Honestly, I’ve loved staying here. I can see the mountain blanketed in those red leaves from my bedroom window. But since Juliet’s coming back tomorrow, I should probably head out”
“Alright, F’ll have someone drive you to Cattleya Manor,” Norman said, his eyes dropping
Caught by surprise, Iris looked his way, her voice tinged with uncertainty, “Y–You’re not going to see me off?”
“I don’t have the time,” Forman replied curtly.
That night, Norman sat staring at his phone. He waited until morning, but jullet never called. He poured himself a glass of iced coffee and kept waiting.
Out of nowhere, the phone rang. It was Juliet!
Agitated, Normani answered the e „his voice quivering “Jullet, have you come back to life?”
