Noelle seemed quite busy.Dylan didn't say much, only nodding in response. Only then did Noelle turn and push open the bedroom door.Rosie was still asleep on the bed. She looked so peaceful and soft, clearly undisturbed by the commotion outside.Noelle crouched by her bedside, carefully tucking her in before leaving the room.The front desk had already delivered the first aid kit. Dylan was sitting on the couch nearby, the kit open but unused.Noelle quickly walked over. She took out an ice pack and handed it to Dylan."Thank you," he said with a smile.Noelle, however, pursed her lips. "I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess.""Drag me into your mess?" Dylan was taken aback. Then, he smiled again and said, "What are you talking about? How is this your fault?""But—""Besides, didn't you also get hurt because of me before?" he asked. "And the pain you went through was much worse than this, so my little scratch is nothing."This was the first time Dylan had brought up what
Two months had passed since their last visit, and the mangoes in Sienna Villa had indeed ripened.Rosie had been craving them for a while. She loved standing under the tree, tilting her head back to count the fruits one by one.Today, as soon as they arrived, she insisted on picking the mangoes herself. Beatrice, who always indulged her, immediately had someone bring over a ladder and made sure there were people to support her as she climbed."Be careful," Beatrice said, standing nearby with a furrowed brow. "Don't go too fast. Yes, just pick the one at the bottom."It was true Beatrice doted on Rosie, but so was her concern for her at that moment. Only when Rosie successfully picked a mango and climbed down did Beatrice finally let out a sigh of relief.As soon as Rosie climbed down the ladder, she didn't even wait to steady herself before running over, clutching her hard-earned prize."Mommy, this is for you!" Her face was glistening with sweat, but her smile was radiant. She f
After the incident involving Nathan back then, Hendrix had used the excuse of Ophelia's advanced age to move her into a nursing home.Although it was touted as the best nursing home in Coppersville, its management was extremely strict. Outsiders couldn't visit freely, and those inside naturally couldn't leave, either.As for whether Ophelia was truly enjoying her retirement there or not, who could say for sure?If it weren't for the sudden appearance of Grant, Noelle might have almost forgotten that Ophelia even existed."Mrs. Freeman, the doctor has already examined Mrs. Freeman Senior today," Grant said respectfully. "She doesn't have much time left. Mrs. Freeman Senior no longer cares about worldly matters. Her only wish now is to see her grandson.""By grandson, do you mean Nathan?" Beatrice's tone was indifferent. "But he's abroad now, and I doubt he can make it back in time.""If Mr. Hendrix is willing to give his permission, there's still time. That's why I'm asking for yo
This was Noelle's first time visiting the nursing home where Ophelia lived. And barring any unexpected circumstances, it would likely be her last.Rosie was also visiting such a place for the first time, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looked around. She turned to Noelle and asked, "Mommy, why are all the people sunbathing over there so old?""Because this is a nursing home. It's where elderly people live.""Where are their children?""Probably working outside," Noelle answered."They don't stay with them? That must be so lonely for the old people."After Rosie said that, Grant, who was leading the way, glanced back at them.Noelle didn't respond, only tightening her grip on Rosie's hand.Beatrice had come with them today, but she had no intention of seeing Ophelia. She knew she wasn't the person Ophelia wanted to see in her final moments, so she waited outside the room."Ms. Swanson, this way, please," Grant said, as respectful as ever.Only then did Noelle lead Rosie in
Noelle pursed her lips and finally took the document. "Thank you."After speaking, she glanced at Rosie. Rosie immediately caught on and said, "Thank you, Great-Grandma."Ophelia didn't say anything more. She just leaned back on her bed and looked at Rosie.Noelle didn't have much to say to her, and Rosie was still a little afraid of Ophelia, so they didn't stay long.Once Ophelia drifted off to sleep involuntarily, Noelle quietly led Rosie out of the room. She had expected Beatrice to still be waiting outside, but when she stepped out, she found Hendrix standing there instead.A frown immediately appeared on her face when she saw him.Hendrix, however, looked calm. When his gaze fell on Noelle, it first swept over the folder in her hand.After hesitating for a moment, Noelle handed the folder to him. "Mrs. Freeman Senior gave me these shares, but they're of no use to me. You can have them back."Hendrix smirked and said, "She didn't give them to me. Are you sure you don't wa
In the end, Hendrix made the call. It was the first time in over two years that he had contacted Nathan. But to his surprise, the person who answered wasn't Nathan."Who are you? Are you a family member of Nathan's?"The way the person spoke on the other end made Hendrix frown. He immediately sensed something was wrong. "What happened to Nathan?""He was in a car accident, and the wound got infected," the person replied. "If you're a family member of his, you'd better come quickly and have him transferred to another hospital."The country Nathan had gone to had extremely poor sanitation and healthcare. Countless people died from malaria every year. Even the locals struggled to get access to quality medical care. What was more to say for someone like Nathan, who was alone with no support?Hendrix had originally planned to let Nathan fend for himself there. After all, from the very beginning, he had never intended for him to return alive.But what Grant had said earlier had deeply
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
In the end, Hendrix made the call. It was the first time in over two years that he had contacted Nathan. But to his surprise, the person who answered wasn't Nathan."Who are you? Are you a family member of Nathan's?"The way the person spoke on the other end made Hendrix frown. He immediately sensed something was wrong. "What happened to Nathan?""He was in a car accident, and the wound got infected," the person replied. "If you're a family member of his, you'd better come quickly and have him transferred to another hospital."The country Nathan had gone to had extremely poor sanitation and healthcare. Countless people died from malaria every year. Even the locals struggled to get access to quality medical care. What was more to say for someone like Nathan, who was alone with no support?Hendrix had originally planned to let Nathan fend for himself there. After all, from the very beginning, he had never intended for him to return alive.But what Grant had said earlier had deeply
Noelle pursed her lips and finally took the document. "Thank you."After speaking, she glanced at Rosie. Rosie immediately caught on and said, "Thank you, Great-Grandma."Ophelia didn't say anything more. She just leaned back on her bed and looked at Rosie.Noelle didn't have much to say to her, and Rosie was still a little afraid of Ophelia, so they didn't stay long.Once Ophelia drifted off to sleep involuntarily, Noelle quietly led Rosie out of the room. She had expected Beatrice to still be waiting outside, but when she stepped out, she found Hendrix standing there instead.A frown immediately appeared on her face when she saw him.Hendrix, however, looked calm. When his gaze fell on Noelle, it first swept over the folder in her hand.After hesitating for a moment, Noelle handed the folder to him. "Mrs. Freeman Senior gave me these shares, but they're of no use to me. You can have them back."Hendrix smirked and said, "She didn't give them to me. Are you sure you don't wa
This was Noelle's first time visiting the nursing home where Ophelia lived. And barring any unexpected circumstances, it would likely be her last.Rosie was also visiting such a place for the first time, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looked around. She turned to Noelle and asked, "Mommy, why are all the people sunbathing over there so old?""Because this is a nursing home. It's where elderly people live.""Where are their children?""Probably working outside," Noelle answered."They don't stay with them? That must be so lonely for the old people."After Rosie said that, Grant, who was leading the way, glanced back at them.Noelle didn't respond, only tightening her grip on Rosie's hand.Beatrice had come with them today, but she had no intention of seeing Ophelia. She knew she wasn't the person Ophelia wanted to see in her final moments, so she waited outside the room."Ms. Swanson, this way, please," Grant said, as respectful as ever.Only then did Noelle lead Rosie in
After the incident involving Nathan back then, Hendrix had used the excuse of Ophelia's advanced age to move her into a nursing home.Although it was touted as the best nursing home in Coppersville, its management was extremely strict. Outsiders couldn't visit freely, and those inside naturally couldn't leave, either.As for whether Ophelia was truly enjoying her retirement there or not, who could say for sure?If it weren't for the sudden appearance of Grant, Noelle might have almost forgotten that Ophelia even existed."Mrs. Freeman, the doctor has already examined Mrs. Freeman Senior today," Grant said respectfully. "She doesn't have much time left. Mrs. Freeman Senior no longer cares about worldly matters. Her only wish now is to see her grandson.""By grandson, do you mean Nathan?" Beatrice's tone was indifferent. "But he's abroad now, and I doubt he can make it back in time.""If Mr. Hendrix is willing to give his permission, there's still time. That's why I'm asking for yo
Two months had passed since their last visit, and the mangoes in Sienna Villa had indeed ripened.Rosie had been craving them for a while. She loved standing under the tree, tilting her head back to count the fruits one by one.Today, as soon as they arrived, she insisted on picking the mangoes herself. Beatrice, who always indulged her, immediately had someone bring over a ladder and made sure there were people to support her as she climbed."Be careful," Beatrice said, standing nearby with a furrowed brow. "Don't go too fast. Yes, just pick the one at the bottom."It was true Beatrice doted on Rosie, but so was her concern for her at that moment. Only when Rosie successfully picked a mango and climbed down did Beatrice finally let out a sigh of relief.As soon as Rosie climbed down the ladder, she didn't even wait to steady herself before running over, clutching her hard-earned prize."Mommy, this is for you!" Her face was glistening with sweat, but her smile was radiant. She f
Noelle seemed quite busy.Dylan didn't say much, only nodding in response. Only then did Noelle turn and push open the bedroom door.Rosie was still asleep on the bed. She looked so peaceful and soft, clearly undisturbed by the commotion outside.Noelle crouched by her bedside, carefully tucking her in before leaving the room.The front desk had already delivered the first aid kit. Dylan was sitting on the couch nearby, the kit open but unused.Noelle quickly walked over. She took out an ice pack and handed it to Dylan."Thank you," he said with a smile.Noelle, however, pursed her lips. "I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess.""Drag me into your mess?" Dylan was taken aback. Then, he smiled again and said, "What are you talking about? How is this your fault?""But—""Besides, didn't you also get hurt because of me before?" he asked. "And the pain you went through was much worse than this, so my little scratch is nothing."This was the first time Dylan had brought up what
Then, Hendrix walked toward Dylan with his fist already raised. But the next moment, his hand froze midair. It wasn't because he no longer wanted to throw the punch. It was because Noelle had stepped in front of Dylan.She simply stood there with her eyes fixed on him. Her cold, piercing gaze made Hendrix calm down. He looked at her with confusion and disbelief."Get out!" Noelle said. "You listen to me, Hendrix. Whether I cut my hair or do anything else, all that has nothing to do with you, got it? If you don't leave right now, I'll call the police. This is a hotel, so go ahead and try me if you don't mind making a scene."Hendrix didn't speak. He only stared at her quietly and slowly lowered his raised fist. Then, he turned to look at Dylan.Frowning, Dylan stared straight back at Hendrix.Hendrix smirked. "Are you even a man? How can you hide behind a woman and let her protect you?""I'm fine with it," Noelle cut in before Dylan could respond. "Dylan's my boyfriend, so what's
The faint smirk on Hendrix's lips slowly faded away. He turned his gaze back to Noelle.She was glaring at him, her impatience and disgust unmistakable in her eyes.Yes, it was definitely Noelle.She had cut her hair short. She and Dylan had checked into a hotel room together.These two realities hit Hendrix hard in the chest. He clenched his hands, his teeth biting down on his lips so hard that he drew blood.Yet, he still refused to give up. He asked her, "And you? What are you doing here?"As he spoke, Hendrix began walking toward her.The answer was already painfully clear. What else could a man and a woman do in the middle of the night? Surely, they were just chatting in the room.To make it worse, Noelle had already taken a shower! So, while Hendrix was outside smoking, what had she and Dylan been doing inside?Hendrix had thought he had already come to terms with it—that he had accepted Noelle was now Dylan's girlfriend. Or that they held hands, ate together, and talked
Hendrix trailed behind Dylan the entire time. He knew how despicable his actions were—this wasn't something he should be doing, but he couldn't help himself.He even wished he could live-stream the scene to Noelle, letting her see the true colors of the man she had chosen. But he didn't.Doing something like that wouldn't carry much weight. Besides, he didn't want to stoop to that level. All he needed to do was tear off Dylan's mask and make sure he stayed away from Noelle.Dylan didn't deserve her—not even a little!Dylan soon led the woman into a room. Hendrix didn't approach immediately. Instead, he stood outside, finishing a cigarette before slowly making his way forward. He moved in a calm and deliberate manner, and when he reached the door, he gave it several light knocks.There was no response from inside. Hendrix narrowed his eyes, the mockery in his gaze growing more pronounced.He knocked again.This time, Dylan answered. "Who is it?"Hendrix remained silent.Dylan