Chapter 21
Noelle woke up with a soft yawn, stretching her arms wide as
the first rays of sunlight streamed through the gaps in her
curtains. Her room already felt warm as the gentle, golden light
welcomed itself in her room. She smiled to herself at the
thought of a new day and it filled her with a sense of joy. It was
going to be a beautiful day.
She slipped out of bed with her feet grazing the smooth, cool
wooden floors beneath her. She then made her way to the
bathroom and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. There
was still a bit of sleep lingering in her eyes, but her smile was
bright nonetheless. She turned on the tap and let the cool water
run over her hands before splashing her face, feeling it awaken
her senses. Then, she stepped into the shower letting the
warmth of the water envelop her body. As the steam rose
around her, she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. She
allowed the water to ease away any lingering drowsiness,
taking her time as the steam filled the bathroom. Each drop of
water that trickled down her skin felt like a gentle release,
relaxing her muscles and clearing her mind.
After a few minutes, she stepped out, feeling completely awake
and refreshed. She wrapped the soft cotton towel around her
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body letting herself dry off. Noelle went to her closet and
pulling out her favorite floral dress. It was a simple, light piece
with delicate flowers that seemed to dance across the fabric.
The soft cotton felt comforting against her skin as she slipped it
- on.
It was a Sunday, and the easy, effortless look felt just right for
the day ahead. She stood in front of the mirror for a moment,
braiding her hair into a neat plait that trailed down her back.
She left the ends loose, letting them fall naturally, and admired
her reflection. She wore no makeup like always–just her bare,
natural face since it was something she’d always felt
comfortable with. She smiled at herself, feeling light and free.
Excitement bubbled up inside her as she grabbed her bag from
the chair by the door. She slung it over her shoulder and finally
headed out.
Her first stop was the library. It was her favorite place to visit
on days like this. Quiet, peaceful, and full of the comforting
smell of old pages and ink. She loved the feeling of getting lost in
a book, the way the hours would slip by unnoticed as she read.
She was looking forward to spending a few hours there before
heading to her shift at the restaurant later.
With a skip in her step, she made her way to the direction of the
library.
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The peaceful day ahead seemed promising. Until her eyes landed on something–or rather, someone who looked familiar.
Her heart stuttered in her chest as she froze in place. Just up
ahead, standing by the sidewalk where she had walked last
night, were the boy and his father. The same man with the cold, silver–grey eyes. Noelle’s stomach dropped, and her hand shot up instinctively, clutching her purse in front of her face as if to
shield herself from their view.
The boy was with his father, and flanking them were several
suited men, all sharp and imposing. They seemed to be scanning the area, looking for something, orsomeoneand Noelle’s breath
hitched. She didn’t want to meet those two, especially the boys
father who looked every bit the judgmental man that he is.
“Okay… maybe not the library for today!” Noelle muttered
under her breath as her nerves tightened. She was about to
pivot and head in the opposite direction when a loud voice
pierced through her hiding.
“Noelle!” Evelyn’s voice rang out cheerfully, as if she were
calling her name at a party.
Noelle’s heart leaped into her throat. She straightened,
instinctively lowering her purse and trying her best to act
natural despite the heavy presence of the men just a few meters
Chapter 23
behind her.
The older woman was making her way toward Noelle, her steps
light and carefree. Noelle exhaled shakily and plastered on a
smile, turning her attention away from the boy and his father
to face the older woman.
“Oh, God…” Noelle muttered under her breath, hoping Evelyn
wouldn’t notice her discomfort. She forced herself to speak
normally, clearing her throat.
“Where are you off to?” Evelyn asked, her eyes twinkling with
curiosity as a smile stretched across her face.
Noelle hesitated for a moment, trying to push the anxiety out of
her chest. She needed to keep things casual.
“Ah… well, I… I’m heading to the restaurant!” she said, offering a
nervous, awkward laugh as she fidgeted with the strap of her
purse.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, amused. “What are you talking
about, silly? The restaurant isn’t open yet. My husband and I are
still heading to the market to buy meat and vegetables for
today’s menu.”
Noelle blinked, caught off guard. Her cheeks flushed as she
mentally cursed herself for forgetting that the restaurant didn’t
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open until later. Evelyn’s casual comment helped ground her,
but Noelle couldn’t shake the fact that she could feel the stares
from behind. She was suddenly aware of the boy’s father and
his men whose attention were now on her.
But still, she forced herself to smile at Evelyn, praying the
woman wouldn’t notice how her thoughts were scattered.
“Right… of course. Silly me,” Noelle replied, trying to laugh it off,
but her thoughts were miles away.
Still, there was no avoiding it.
“Oh well, I’ll see you later at 10. Don’t be late.” The older
reminded her before leaving.
And when Noelle thought she could finally leave, before she
could even take another step, the little boy’s voice already called
out to her with a “Hey!”
“Hey! Ha ha…” Noelle awkwardly laughed trying her best to act
casual, but her body had already stiffened. She knew she had
been caught.
Slowly, she turned around, pasting on the most innocent smile
she could manage. “Oh! It’s you!..” she said, her voice slightly too
high.
The little boy was staring right at her, his silver–grey eyes wide
Chapter 21
with recognition. He took a step forward while his expression
was filled with childish certainty. “You’re the lady from last
night! Do you remember me?”
Noelle’s stomach twisted. She forced another laugh, waving a
hand dismissively. “Oh? I think you must be mistaken,
sweetheart. I-”
But before she could finish, the boy turned to the man whom
she scolded last night. “Uncle! I found her!”
Her breath hitched!
Uncle??? I thought he was his father?‘Noelle thought almost
slapping herself mentally.
The man, who had been standing a few steps behind, looked at
her. His sharp silver–grey eyes locked onto hers, assessing her
from head to toe which somehow made her anxious. He was tall
and imposing, his expensive black coat clearly told Noelle he
wasn’t an ordinary man. The men surrounding him remained
still, but their presence alone sent a prickle of unease down
Noelle’s spine.
‘Now I can clearly see I messed up. What’s gotten into me last
night?!”
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The noise of the street
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seemed distant, muffled by the rush of blood in her ears. She
was painfully aware of how easily she could be cornered.
Noelle swallowed hard, gripping her purse tighter. She needed
to think fast.
“I–uh, sorry, I really have to go!” She blurted out, taking a quick
step back. But the boy wasn’t letting her off so easily.
“Wait! You helped me last night! Remember? When I was cold
you gave me your cardigan?” His voice was insistent, filled with
excitement rather than suspicion.
Noelle’s heart pounded. The little boy was innocent, but the
man standing behind him was not. His gaze never left her.
She let out a nervous chuckle, glancing around for an escape.
“Ohhh, right! Last night! You were cold–yes, yes, I remember
now!” She clapped her hands together as if the memory had just
clicked. “I’m so glad you’re alright! What a relief!”
The boy beamed, his small hands gripping the hem of his uncle’s
coat. “You got scolded by her last night, uncle.” The little boy
teased, laughing with a grin on his face.
Noelle’s stomach dropped. ‘Oh, God‘
She quickly forced a strained laugh, waving her hands. “Oh,
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well, you know… kids say the funniest things!”
The little boy pouted. “But I’m not lying-”
“Okay! Anyway!” She cut him off, taking another step back. “I
really have to go! Work calls, you know how it is!”
She was just about to turn when the man finally spoke.
“Miss McGrath.”
Noelle instantly froze.
Her breath caught in her throat as she turned back to face him.
“…Uh, do I know you?”
His lips slowly curved into a charming smile that caught Noelle
off guard.
‘How dare this man look so… beautiful?!!‘
