Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Noelle watched Adrian adjust Bianca’s posture, their faces close,
their conversation private. A dull ache settled in her chest, but
she kept her expression neutral.
“Grace?” she said softly.
Grace turned to her, snapping out of her glare. “Yeah?”
“I think I left my phone in your car. Could you grab it for me?”
Grace paused, studying her. “You okay? You’re acting off.”
“I’m fine,” Noelle said with a small smile. “Just need my phone.”
Still suspicious, Grace sighed. “Alright. Stay put.” She squeezed
Noelle’s shoulder and walked off.
As soon as Grace disappeared, Noelle pulled a velvet box from
her purse. Her fingers shook as she opened it and removed the
engagement ring. She stared at it a moment before slipping it
off.
“You were never meant for me,” she whispered. She placed the
ring back in the box and shut it.
Chapter 6
Looking around, she spotted a woman with glasses and a
clipboard nearby. Noelle walked up and tapped her on the
shoulder. “Excuse me.”
The woman turned. “Yes?”
“I have a gift for Bianca Monroe. From Adrian Blackwood,”
Noelle said, holding out the box.
The woman’s eyes widened when she saw what was inside. “Oh
my god,” she whispered. “Is this the Soul ring?”
Noelle didn’t answer.
“It’s legendary,” the woman went on. “Valerie Aleeksev
designed it. There’s only one. It was made to represent the giver‘
s soul. Adrian bought this? For Bianca?”
Noelle said nothing. The woman’s excitement made it harder to
breathe.
“Oh, sorry,” the woman said quickly. “I’m Chloe Daniels, Bianca’s
manager.”
Noelle nodded. Chloe took the box like it was treasure. “You
must be Adrian’s assistant. Thank you–Bianca’s going to love
this.”
Chapter 6
Noelle just smiled weakly and walked away.
As she turned, she ran into Grace, who looked confused.
“Noelle? I couldn’t find your phone. Are you sure it’s in my car?”
Noelle froze for a second. “Maybe it’s in my bag,” she said.
quietly.
Grace narrowed her eyes. “You’re lying. What’s going on?” Her
gaze shifted to the photoshoot. Adrian and Bianca were
laughing now. “Noelle… what did you do?”
Noelle shook her head. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
Grace grabbed her arm gently. “Wait. Why are you-”
“I said drive me home!” Noelle snapped.
The shout silenced Grace. Noelle’s face was wet with tears. She
turned and walked quickly toward the exit.
“Noelle, wait!” Grace called, heels echoing on the floor as she
chased after her.
Noelle didn’t stop until she reached the car. She leaned against it,
breaking down completely.
Grace caught up and pulled her into a hug, holding her tight.
Chapter 6
“What happened?” she asked gently, brushing Noelle’s hair
back.
Noelle only shook her head, her face buried in Grace’s shoulder.
“Nothing,” she said between sobs.
Grace held her close. “Please talk to me.”
But Noelle stayed silent.
Eventually, Grace pulled back and cupped her face. “Okay. Let’s
get you home. We’ll talk later.”
Noelle nodded. Grace helped her into the car and got behind the
wheel.
As they drove off, Grace glanced at her. Noelle stared out the window, tears still falling. Grace gripped the steering wheel
tighter.
This wasn’t over.
