"That's different," said Noelle.

"How is it different?" Hendrix shot back.

Noelle turned her head to look at him. "Why bother asking when you already know the answer?" Hendrix fell silent, but the hand gripping his cutlery tightened abruptly, causing his veins to bulge. Noelle quickly averted her gaze. Her voice still calm, she added, "Besides, it's our second marriage. What's the point of having a big ceremony?"

Hendrix was about to argue when Beatrice cut him off, "I agree with Noelle. You've already got the marriage certificate, and a wedding is just a formality-it's not that important. But we should still make a public announcement about the marriage, so why not plan a nice banquet instead?"

This time, Noelle didn't argue with Beatrice's suggestion.

"No. We're having a wedding ceremony," insisted Hendrix flatly. "I've already asked the wedding planner to arrange it."

Beatrice frowned, but Hendrix didn't spare her a glance. Instead, he turned and fixed his gaze on Noelle. But Noelle didn't give him any reaction at all.

Hendrix suddenly felt deflated. He was like a fully inflated balloon suddenly released, flailing in the air with a hint of comical helplessness.

Or perhaps more like a petulant child, resorting to tantrums in a desperate attempt to draw the attention

of an indifferent adult. But Noelle merely stood there, watching coldly from the sidelines, unwilling to spare him even

the faintest reaction.

As a result, everything he did seemed utterly ridiculous. Finally, Hendrix stopped looking at her altogether. He then stood up abruptly and said, "I have things to take care of, so if you'll excuse me." "Where are you going?" Beatrice asked.

"The office."

"What about Noelle?" she pressed, though Hendrix could help but hope she might ask how he planned to arrange things for her.

But she didn't.

Noticing the way he was looking at her, Noelle finally glanced at him-just briefly. Then, she simply uttered at faint, indifferent "oh"

Hendrix said nothing more and simply turned and left, his steps brisk and determined. In truth, there was no urgent maller waiting for him. He just needed to leave this place as quickly as possible-just like a man fleeing in

defeat.

After finishing her meal, Noelle hailed a cab and left Freeman Manor on her own.

As she was leaving, Beatrice stood there, looking as if she wanted to say something, but Noelle didn't

pay her any mind. She simply offered a faint sinile before turning and getting into the car.

As the cab merged into the city streets, Noelle found herself momentarily at a loss for where to go. In the end, shenoveldrama

instructed the driver to take her to the hospital.

But it wasn't to visit Craig-it was to see Cynthia.

Over the years, Noelle had rarely visited her. It wasn't because she didn't want to-it was because she couldn't bring herself to.

Noelle couldn't shake the feeling that she had let her down. Her life had been far from good. Even after all these years, all grown up as she was, she still couldn't freely make her own choices.

It was as if the stake tied to her leg had never been removed keeping her tethered in place. No matter how far she tried to walk, she could never escape that circle.

Cynthia had hoped Noelle would live a fulfilled and happy life, but Noelle couldn't even manage the simplest kind of joy.

When Noelle reached the doorway of the hospital room, he steps faltered. She could almost see the bed inside, but in the end, she began to retreat. Finally, she turned and walked away. Her steps were unsteady, almost frantic.

When she reached the hospital lobby, a voice suddenly called out, "Noelle!"

The sound stopped her in her tracks instantly. She turned around just in time to see someone striding toward her. But before she could react, the person raised a hand and slapped her across the face.