Cruel

Noella's POV

What kind of tension I felt with this family? It was like shackling myself and not letting Mr. Enrick breathe freely while in this place. This is the first time I've seen a wealthy family impose their lives on another family as if they only value dignity and status as a conglomerate.

"Gosh, it's like I can hardly breathe here. Are they going to continue arguing about the life Mr. Enrick took again?" I was so anxious in my heart, thinking about what else they would say after this.

The atmosphere was so tense a few minutes ago. I, who had been silent since their exchange of words, now began to feel claustrophobic and wanted a breath of fresh air. I also said to Mr. Enrick, "Sorry, I'll excuse myself to go to the toilet."

I looked at Mr. Enrick as if he understood my current state. Then, my gaze wandered towards the family, and Darren's mother gave me a sharp look. So were Darren and Emma, who couldn't accept my presence among them in the first place.

"Alright, come back when you're done." Mr. Enrick smiled as he told me it was like he was waiting for me not to leave him there for too long.

I could certainly feel how Mr. Enrick was putting up with his family. If it were me, I would probably go crazy. How can a family suppress another family just for a life that doesn't necessarily make them happy?

Before leaving, I nodded in response to Mr. Enrick's words and did not forget to return his smile. I stood up and bowed slightly out of respect for those who were still looking at me intently. I continued my steps towards the door in one corner of the room.

"Hah... I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. For a few moments, I was able to breathe in some fresh air. The atmosphere there was so domineering. Especially Darren's mother, who was always pressuring Mr. Enrick." My lips really couldn't help but mumble all the way to the restroom.

Until I was inside, I still regretted the Stuart Family's strange behaviour. I couldn't even call them family. Although I only had Uncle Martin, I was lucky that he didn't have their attitude.

In fact, Darren's presence there still makes me incredulous. Especially his mother's status as Mr Enrick's brother, which is really something surprising. I knew that Darren had a lot of money. However, I didn't know that his last name was Stuart, one of the wealthy families in this town. Indeed, Mr. Enrick's family seems to me to be very complicated.

Now, I was in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection that looked different. Mr. Enrick completely changed my appearance to match his. Money can indeed change everything, including my appearance.

After a few minutes in the restroom, I realised Mr. Enrick must be wondering why I was gone for so long. I didn't want him to look for me here, so I finished my activities in the toilet and went out.

Earlier, I washed my hands and fixed some makeup on my face. After that, I stepped outside. But, just as I was outside the restroom, once again, the feeling of discomfort and surprise arose as Darren was suddenly in front of me with his arms crossed.

He looks so arrogant in his current appearance. Although his body still looked tempting, I always thought of his horror so that I wouldn't fall into the same hole again. Darren looked at me from head to toe, stiffly smiling wryly at my different appearance from usual.

What was now going through his mind? I really didn't want to know. It would only make me upset and emotional as I recalled the past.

At first, I wanted to ignore this man, but one of his hands blocked my way. "Darren? What are you doing?" I asked to make sure, rather than for my heart to calm down, to face him directly.

Darren is really showing who he is now. He showed me the power he had and what he could do to me easily. However, I'm sure he'll think more if he wants to do so, that's because there's Mr. Enrick behind me, which is Darren's consideration not to be careless.

Before I could answer my question, Darren grabbed my hand quickly and held me back from leaving. "Cheap woman. If you want money, I'll give it to you. Quick! How much do you want to get away from my family?!"

Money can indeed be used for anything. In fact, Darren has plans to separate me from Mr Enrick using his money. What a petty thought, and it certainly won't affect me. Darren didn't know what happened to me and Mr. Enrick before this. He must have had some bad thoughts after our incident at the apartment."I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in your offer, Darren." My answer was so firm and certain that Darren would not underestimate me again. Moreover, the incident before this had left a lasting impression on me, and I remembered how he had treated me when Uncle Martin was in dire need of help.

I swatted Darren's hand away with a single blow. Once released from his grip, I resumed my walk. Unfortunately, Darren again made me hold back as his voice was heard speaking. "Stay away from my uncle, Noella. I warned you."

It was such a classic line. I had expected it. That the Stuart family, including Darren, would not accept my presence among them. Clearly, Darren was doing this to bring me down and scare me into taking a step forward with Mr. Enrick.

I was so annoyed by Darren's words that I turned around and snapped back at him. "I really didn't expect you to say that, Darren. You're just like that family."

I could see Darren's angry face, his emotions provoked. I saw him clench his hands, trying to hold himself back, but he wasn't one to hold back. "I know you're with my uncle just for his money, right? So, there's nothing wrong with you accepting my offer of the money you need. Isn't that the same thing?"

It was as easy as that for Darren to say that about me. It looked like Darren was going to try harder about my relationship with Mr Enrick after this. Moreover, I refused his offer as it was so tempting.

My feelings were mixed, I had just gotten some peace of mind, and now I had to get uncomfortable again because of Darren. This man only knows that I'm using his uncle for money. What a small mind. Seeing what Mr. Enrick was going through, I felt more sympathy for him than having to think about money.

My heart, which had felt the pain after Darren's treatment during our time together, was now stinging again at his harsh words to me. It's just that I don't want to show my weakness to Darren. I'm trying to keep Darren from further humiliating me here.

"What a heartless man. He said that in front of me without even thinking about my feelings." My mind hurt so much that I had to suppress it and keep it inside so it wouldn't show in Darren's eyes.

I acted firmly. I straightened my body in front of Darren. Then, I stared intently at Darren, wondering if he really didn't know who I was. Even though we've been living together for a while now, he seems to have forgotten about how I was during his time with me.

"You really don't know who I am, Darren. What do you really think I am? In fact, you have such a short mind about me and your uncle. So what if I'm in a relationship with him? He's so much better than you." Darren's emotions were so obvious, his face turning red after hearing my words.