Nora Vanderbilt's life takes a mysterious turn when a near-death experience grants her extraordinary abilities, catching the attention of the enigmatic Dr. Hunter Aloysius Percy. Invited to join an exclusive research study on NDE survivors, Nora is...
Nora browsed through the aisles of the boutique, her eyes catching on pieces that spoke more to her personal style—less structured, more free-flowing fabrics, and vibrant colors that her counterpart seemed to shy away from. Each piece she chose felt like a reclaiming of her identity, a small rebellion against the life that had been pre-arranged for her in this new world.
Feeling lighter with her new purchases in hand, Nora dialed Hap's number. She heard his voice, always so assured, answer promptly, "Yes?"
She smiled slightly, comforted yet wary of how easy it was to fall back into familiar patterns with him. "I was just out shopping," she explained. "I had some free time and thought I would find some new things. I wanted to come by and see you if that's okay."
"Of course, princess," Hap replied, his voice warm, hinting at a smile. "I'll be in my office. Come whenever you're ready."
Nora ended the call, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She wanted to show him her new finds, to share a part of her day that was entirely hers, yet she couldn't shake the feeling of needing his approval. As she drove to the hospital where Hap worked, she rehearsed in her mind how she would present her new clothes to him, hoping to bridge the gap between her need for independence and her desire for his acceptance.
Arriving at the hospital, Nora made her way to Hap's office, her bags of clothing in tow. She entered without knocking, a privilege she'd come to enjoy, and found him looking over some papers. His office was a controlled chaos of medical texts, patient files, and personal memorabilia, a stark contrast to the pristine condition of their home.
Hap looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw her. "What did you find?" he asked, his curiosity piqued as he noticed the bags.
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Nora began pulling out her purchases, displaying them with a shy pride. "Just a few things that felt like me," she said, laying out a flowing, patterned dress and a brightly colored scarf among other items. "I thought it was time I chose something for myself."
Hap rose from his desk, coming around to examine her selections. He touched the fabric of the dress, his expression thoughtful. "I like them," he said, sincerity in his voice. "They suit you."
Her heart fluttered at his approval, but she quickly reminded herself that this wasn't about him. "I wanted them to reflect who I am," Nora continued, her voice firmer. "Not just who I'm supposed to be here."
Hap nodded, understanding the distinction she was making. "It's important," he conceded, his gaze meeting hers. "You should have things that make you feel like yourself."
Nora started nervously, her eyes flicking down. "Good. I was talking to my father, they really want me to come for Christmas. I was thinking I could go alone."
Nora watched Hap's face as she mentioned traveling to New York alone. His features tightened slightly, a subtle sign of his discomfort. "You want to fly to New York by yourself to meet people you've never met before?" he asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and concern.
