"I-I didn't push her that hard," the woman said in a daze.But as soon as she spoke, Hendrix snapped out of it and immediately rushed after Noelle. But by the time he stepped out of the supermarket, she was nowhere in sight.A frown immediately appeared on his face. After a quick glance at the street signs, he drove straight to the nearest hospital."Where are you going? Hendrix!" the woman called after him, but Hendrix didn't slow down.He arrived at the hospital in no time, but when he checked the emergency room, Noelle wasn't there.His frown deepened as he approached the nurse. "Was there a little girl brought in here just now? She's about two years old and has a nosebleed. The woman who brought her in looks like this."Hendrix quickly showed the nurse a photo from his phone."Oh, you mean the little girl with leukemia? She was taken directly to Dr. Moore. She should be in—""What did you say?" Hendrix cut her off. His voice dropped, laced with a chill and a hint of disbeli
Seline arrived at the hospital very quickly."What happened? Didn't Rosie just get discharged this morning? How—"She wanted to ask more, but when she saw Noelle's red-rimmed eyes, she swallowed her words back down."It's all my fault," Noelle said softly. "I shouldn't have taken her to the supermarket. I shouldn't have argued with them. If only I had—"Noelle didn't finish her sentence. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and her hands were clenched so hard that her nails dug into her palms.Seeing this, Seline quickly grabbed her hands. "Nonsense! This isn't your fault. I know you, out of all people, would never want to see Rosie hurt."Noelle remained silent, but this was even more alarming than before.Seline opened her mouth to speak but quickly noticed something. Her voice rose slightly as she said, "Rosie, you're awake!"At those words, Noelle seemed to come back to life. She immediately took Rosie's hand. "You're awake? Does it still hurt?"Rosie shook her head slo
Hendrix was standing right outside.The moment they locked gazes, Seline let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, if it isn't you, Mr. Freeman! What? Do you think you haven't done enough? Here to continue your role as the great educator?"Hendrix ignored her, his eyes fixed on Noelle. "I need to talk to you."Before Noelle could respond, Seline cut in, "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk to Noelle like that?"He stood there silently. Throughout the entire conversation, he didn't even spare Seline a single glance.His dismissive attitude only made Seline's expression darken even further. Just as she was about to speak again, Noelle had already stood up."Can you watch Rosie for me?" she asked softly.Seline clenched her teeth but finally nodded.Noelle walked past her without a word, not even looking at Hendrix, and headed down the hallway.Hendrix glanced at Rosie on the hospital bed first.Her eyes were closed, and her small face was pale. A thin IV needle
Noelle said she was sorry.If her earlier response had merely left Hendrix a little surprised, then these two words were like a stab into his chest.His lips moved, but it took him a long moment to find his voice. "Why are you apologizing?""I should've made Rosie apologize to you right away," Noelle said softly, eyes downcast. "You were right. When someone does something wrong, they should apologize. If she had done so then, none of this would have happened."As her mother, I failed to teach her properly. So, I'm apologizing to you for that. And about what I said to you earlier… I wasn't trying to be difficult. I was just too anxious at the time, so I hope you won't hold it against me."When she finished speaking, Hendrix fell into complete silence."Oh, and thank you for the arrangements you've made with the doctors. I—"Seeing that Noelle was about to continue, Hendrix cut her off sharply, "That's enough."He slowly clenched his teeth. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't y
Noelle sat there for a moment, watching Hendrix's retreating figure before finally returning to the hospital room.Seline was by the bedside, mindlessly scrolling through muted videos on her phone. It was obvious her focus wasn't on it. As soon as she saw Noelle walk in, she immediately stood up. "You're back?"Noelle nodded."What did you guys talk about? That bastard—""He said he didn't know about Rosie's illness," Noelle interrupted.Seline choked on her words. "What… What do you mean?"Noelle didn't respond.But Seline shot up from her seat as if something had bitten her. "That's impossible! How could he not know? He told me him—"Before she could finish, Noelle covered her mouth and glanced toward Rosie.Realizing her mistake, Seline lowered her voice. "He told me himself that he knew! He even said it was your choice! He said he was going to find someone else to marry and have kids with."Seline was in the middle of throwing one accusation after another when Noelle sudd
The passionate lovemaking in the bedroom finally came to an end two hours later. Soon, there was the sound of water splashing on tiles coming from the shower. After resting for a few minutes, Noelle Swanson got out of bed with trembling legs as she picked up her clothes from the floor.Hendrix Freeman had been rougher than usual today, so she felt a little bewildered. She fumbled with the buttons of her pajamas several times but couldn't get them done up. Soon, Hendrix came out of the shower. He was tall, with strong, handsome features. He'd just showered, so he only had a towel wrapped around his waist at the moment. Droplets of water trickled down his abs. When he noticed that Noelle was still there, he frowned a little. Noelle didn't look at him. She kept her head down and continued to struggle with the buttons. "Sandra will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow," Hendrix suddenly said as he walked past her. "Go pick her up. I've already promised your mother that she c
The person speaking was Sandra's good friend, Ruth Upton. She was a heiress of a wealthy family. Ruth and Sandra had grown up together. She had always been the biggest supporter of Hendrix and Sandra's relationship. Now that Noelle had become Hendrix's wife instead, it came as no surprise that Ruth was unfriendly toward her.Even when she noticed Noelle standing at the door, she didn't feel the least bit embarrassed or uneasy about what she'd said.It was Sandra who greeted her first. "You're here, Noelle."Noelle nodded. "I'm here to take you home. Have you packed your things?""Yes. I'm all set. Let's go," Sandra replied good-naturedly. Ruth couldn't help but ask, "Where's Mr. Freeman? Sandy is being discharged today. Isn't he coming to pick her up?""He's gone to the office," Noelle replied."Oh, he seems really busy. I wonder if he's too busy to come or if you didn't let him come," Ruth conjectured with disdain.Before Noelle could respond, Sandra interrupted softly, "Ru
At 7:00 pm, Hendrix returned to the villa right on time. Sandra happened to be in the living room when he returned. The moment she saw him, she walked over excitedly to greet him. "You're back, Hendrix!"Hendrix gave her a slight smile as he looked up at her. Noelle pursed her lips and stepped forward to take his coat. She said to him, "Dinner is ready."…"I'm sorry, Hendrix. Am I encroaching on you and Noelle by staying here?" Sandra asked quietly at the dinner table. She snuck a glance at Noelle before continuing, "I told Mom I could stay home on my own, but she insists that she doesn't feel at ease if I'm alone at home…""It's fine. Stay as long as you like. If you need anything, just ask," Hendrix replied."Really? I don't want to be too much trouble.""It's no trouble at all.""Ms. Sandra, it's better that you're staying here," Mabel chimed in as she served the dishes. "It's been a long time since this house has felt so lively."Upon hearing that, Noelle's hand that w
Noelle sat there for a moment, watching Hendrix's retreating figure before finally returning to the hospital room.Seline was by the bedside, mindlessly scrolling through muted videos on her phone. It was obvious her focus wasn't on it. As soon as she saw Noelle walk in, she immediately stood up. "You're back?"Noelle nodded."What did you guys talk about? That bastard—""He said he didn't know about Rosie's illness," Noelle interrupted.Seline choked on her words. "What… What do you mean?"Noelle didn't respond.But Seline shot up from her seat as if something had bitten her. "That's impossible! How could he not know? He told me him—"Before she could finish, Noelle covered her mouth and glanced toward Rosie.Realizing her mistake, Seline lowered her voice. "He told me himself that he knew! He even said it was your choice! He said he was going to find someone else to marry and have kids with."Seline was in the middle of throwing one accusation after another when Noelle sudd
Noelle said she was sorry.If her earlier response had merely left Hendrix a little surprised, then these two words were like a stab into his chest.His lips moved, but it took him a long moment to find his voice. "Why are you apologizing?""I should've made Rosie apologize to you right away," Noelle said softly, eyes downcast. "You were right. When someone does something wrong, they should apologize. If she had done so then, none of this would have happened."As her mother, I failed to teach her properly. So, I'm apologizing to you for that. And about what I said to you earlier… I wasn't trying to be difficult. I was just too anxious at the time, so I hope you won't hold it against me."When she finished speaking, Hendrix fell into complete silence."Oh, and thank you for the arrangements you've made with the doctors. I—"Seeing that Noelle was about to continue, Hendrix cut her off sharply, "That's enough."He slowly clenched his teeth. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't y
Hendrix was standing right outside.The moment they locked gazes, Seline let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, if it isn't you, Mr. Freeman! What? Do you think you haven't done enough? Here to continue your role as the great educator?"Hendrix ignored her, his eyes fixed on Noelle. "I need to talk to you."Before Noelle could respond, Seline cut in, "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk to Noelle like that?"He stood there silently. Throughout the entire conversation, he didn't even spare Seline a single glance.His dismissive attitude only made Seline's expression darken even further. Just as she was about to speak again, Noelle had already stood up."Can you watch Rosie for me?" she asked softly.Seline clenched her teeth but finally nodded.Noelle walked past her without a word, not even looking at Hendrix, and headed down the hallway.Hendrix glanced at Rosie on the hospital bed first.Her eyes were closed, and her small face was pale. A thin IV needle
Seline arrived at the hospital very quickly."What happened? Didn't Rosie just get discharged this morning? How—"She wanted to ask more, but when she saw Noelle's red-rimmed eyes, she swallowed her words back down."It's all my fault," Noelle said softly. "I shouldn't have taken her to the supermarket. I shouldn't have argued with them. If only I had—"Noelle didn't finish her sentence. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and her hands were clenched so hard that her nails dug into her palms.Seeing this, Seline quickly grabbed her hands. "Nonsense! This isn't your fault. I know you, out of all people, would never want to see Rosie hurt."Noelle remained silent, but this was even more alarming than before.Seline opened her mouth to speak but quickly noticed something. Her voice rose slightly as she said, "Rosie, you're awake!"At those words, Noelle seemed to come back to life. She immediately took Rosie's hand. "You're awake? Does it still hurt?"Rosie shook her head slo
"I-I didn't push her that hard," the woman said in a daze.But as soon as she spoke, Hendrix snapped out of it and immediately rushed after Noelle. But by the time he stepped out of the supermarket, she was nowhere in sight.A frown immediately appeared on his face. After a quick glance at the street signs, he drove straight to the nearest hospital."Where are you going? Hendrix!" the woman called after him, but Hendrix didn't slow down.He arrived at the hospital in no time, but when he checked the emergency room, Noelle wasn't there.His frown deepened as he approached the nurse. "Was there a little girl brought in here just now? She's about two years old and has a nosebleed. The woman who brought her in looks like this."Hendrix quickly showed the nurse a photo from his phone."Oh, you mean the little girl with leukemia? She was taken directly to Dr. Moore. She should be in—""What did you say?" Hendrix cut her off. His voice dropped, laced with a chill and a hint of disbeli
Hendrix's words and tone immediately dragged Noelle back to the past. Countless times before, he had forced her to apologize in the same way to Sandra. And now, the same thing was happening to Rosie. She clenched her hands tightly, but she managed to keep her voice calm. "I've already apologized. What more do you want?""But you're the one who did wrong," Hendrix replied expressionlessly."I'm her mother, so what's wrong with me apologizing on her behalf?""Can you take responsibility for her for the rest of her life?""Are you lecturing me on how to be a good mother? I don't need you to teach me that!"Sensing the growing tension between the two, the woman beside Hendrix couldn't help but have a slight change in expression. She tugged Hendrix's arm and said, "Maybe we should just let it go."But Hendrix didn't even glance at her. He chuckled coldly and said, "I wouldn't dare lecture you. I'm just teaching your daughter that when she does something wrong, she needs to own up to
Although Rosie hadn't said much in the hospital, Noelle could clearly sense her excitement once they stepped outside the building.She skipped and hopped all the way while holding onto Noelle's hand. Every now and then, she would turn to look at Noelle with a bright smile.Noelle reached out and ruffled her hair. "What do you want to eat today?""I want the grilled chicken wings you make!""Alright! Then, let's go to the supermarket together, okay?"Rosie nodded eagerly. "I want to ride in the cart!"Noelle agreed.Rosie had lost some weight recently, so sitting in the shopping cart wasn't a problem. Under the bright supermarket lights, her cheeks finally showed a hint of color.Noelle felt a wave of relief. At this point, nothing else mattered to her other than Rosie's health."Mommy, Mommy! I want that!" said Rosie excitedly.Rosie hadn't been to such a lively place in a while, so she was rightly excited. She started swinging her legs, trying to move the cart in the directi
The moment Noelle entered the hospital room, Seline noticed something was off with her leg.But with Rosie present, she didn't ask about it. Instead, she said, "Rosie woke up and didn't see you, so I called you.""I saw, but I couldn't pick it up in time," Noelle answered as she sat down by Rosie's bed. "What's the matter, Rosie? Did you miss me?"Rosie nodded, then glanced at Noelle's hands."Where's my lion plushie?"It seemed she had been crying earlier. Her eyes were red, and her voice was hoarse.Noelle hesitated, then bit her lip. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I couldn't find the plushie. How about I buy you a new one?""Will the new one be the same as the old one?"Rosie's question caught Noelle off guard.Without waiting for an answer, Rosie seemed to already know. She lowered her eyes and said, "But I want the original one.""I know. I really do," Noelle said, her voice trembling. "I'll go back and look for it again, okay? Don't worry. The little lion is just hiding. I
The blunt dismissal was not the response Hendrix had expected. His expression darkened instantly.Just then, Noelle's phone rang. She paused her search to answer it. But before she could pick it up, Hendrix suddenly strode forward and grabbed her wrist.Her phone fell to the floor, the caller ID clearly visible to Hendrix. It was Seline who was calling.Hendrix's smirk deepened when he saw the name. "You and Ms. Swift seem quite close. If I'm not mistaken, she's the one who got this place for you, right? How did you end up like this? I thought once you left me, you'd immediately find some rich guy to shack up with."Oh, if I'm not mistaken, there was one, wasn't there? A minor celebrity, I heard? Too bad, though. Why didn't he say a word in your defense when his fans insulted you in hordes?"As he spoke, the mockery in his eyes intensified, but Noelle remained unmoved.Anger? Indignation? Sadness? There was none of it.Hendrix stared intently into her eyes, searching for even a