[///ON HOLD///] Animal House (Rendezvous #2)

Chapter 24

Nora should've seen it coming. She couldn't possibly get involved with the Bishops and not expect any attention of some sort.

Paparazzi outside the Animal House, however, was a rather stranger result.

It wasn't like the Bishops were celebrities. They were a family of businessmen and woman. But for some reason, the public couldn't keep their eyes off of them. Sure, they were as attractive as celebrities, and their business ventures ranged far and wide, but there was really no need for them to have a following besides on the corporate end. And yet, they did have a following.

And now, Nora had a connection to them.

But who tipped off the paparazzi?

Luckily, they only lingered outside and didn't actually enter the building. Business ran as usual, but she also made sure to inform Declan of the situation. Though he wanted to visit, he also warned her that it was better if he didn't.

Declan Bishop had no need to visit a small pet clinic in the suburbs. If he did show up, then their suspicions would be correct. Better to keep them on their toes than confirm the gossip so soon. Besides, there was still a month left before the wedding.

Work easily distracted Nora, but her worries lingered in the back of her mind all the way until the end of the work day. Her brothers were also uncomfortable with the situation, but rather than blame Declan—as they would've in the past—they agreed to push through with it. After all, the breach in privacy was going to be expected on some level after marrying someone like Declan.

To her own surprise, though Nora hated the idea of losing privacy, it didn't deter her decision to stay with him.

"It's love."

Nora blinked at Mrs. Mills. She had just consulted her worries to the older woman—and earned that as a reply.

"I'm not in love with Declan."

Mrs. Mills raised her brows. "I didn't say it was love for Declan. I was referring to Denora."

She blinked and stuttered, "O-oh. Of course."

The older woman slowly smiled. "Not that there would be anything wrong with loving Declan as well. I reckon that would make a successful marriage."

Nora did not reply, but she knew Mrs. Mills was correct. However, when it came to their marriage, their mutual love for their daughter was enough. Or at least, it should be enough.

Shouldn't it?

"Declan and I know what kind of marriage ours will be."

"And what kind is that?"

She paused for thought. "One of respect."

Mrs. Mills nodded. "Of course. That should be expected out of every relationship." When Nora added nothing more, the older woman raised a brow. "Is that all?"

"Is there more?"

Silence stretched between the two of them.

There was something in the back of Nora's throat that scratched at her to be released, but she refused to acknowledge it. Mrs. Mills looked as if she had something to say as well, but unlike Nora, she had no qualms voicing it out loud.

"I'm sure there are marriages out there that work purely through respect and no love," Mrs. Mills drawled. "But it sounds terribly boring, doesn't it?"

She said it.

"Declan and I do not love each other," Nora spoke. "In fact, we started off hating each other. I think where we're at right now is...good enough."