CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN

NORA

I walked into the mansion, feeling emotionally drained from the burial ceremony. I was still reeling from the loss of Chris, and I just wanted to escape into my room and sink into my pool of tears.

But then, I saw Aiden sitting at the bar in the mansion, looking so broken and sad, I felt really bad for him. I slowly approached him, unsure of what to say.

I wondered what was going in with him. I hoped it was something I could be able to handle. I hoped more that it was something we could be able to sort out together.

I walked up to him and sat on the stool beside him.

"Hey, Aiden," I called him softly.

He didn't respond at first, just staring into his drink.

"Are you okay?" I asked, patting his shoulder.

"I am not okay," he responded and buried his head on the table.

I held his head and helped him lift it to look at me.

"How can I be okay?" He questioned. "I am such an irresponsible child. So irresponsible, Nora. I just sat there and watched. "

He s