"Was that your ex-boyfriend?" asked Seline the moment they entered a private room.

Noelle was stunned, and she shook her head.

"No? Why do I feel like you guys-

"He's my ex-husband," answered Noelle.noveldrama

Seline was rendered speechless. After a while, she suddenly clapped and said, "I remember now! Is he from Amity Group in Coppersville?"

"You know him?

"Um... I guess so? Since I used to keep myself updated with the news in Coppersville back then. Compared to those fat and bald men in other companies, he's the most outstanding one.'

Noelle just smiled in response.

"Who's that girl beside him

"She's the adoptive daughter my parents have adopted."

Noelle's words contained a lot of messages here.

Seline's jaw dropped slowly, the kind of exaggerated gape that looked like it could fit an entire egg.

Noelle couldn't help but chuckle, raising her glass again. "But now, they don't have anything to do with me anymore. I've had fun these past few days. Thank you."

Seline studied Noelle's expression, trying to reconcile the words "had fun" with the face in front of her. The math just didn't add up.

Still, she chose not to call her out, instead lifting her own glass. "That's good to hear. Next time you're around, you can always find me to hang out."

"Sure." Noelle nodded and downed the remaining alcohol her cup in one swift motion.

The alcohol here wasn't particularly strong, but as it slid down her throat, Noelle felt an intense burn, sharp enough to make her eyes water.

Seline instinctively patted her on the back. "You're drinking too fast! Didn't you say the other day that you couldn't handle alcohol? What's changed today?"

"Hmm, I can drink today." Noelle smiled faintly, though her hand unconsciously drifted to her lower abdomen.

She had thought, or hoped, that fate might show her a little mercy, just this once. But now, even that last shred of hope had slipped through her fingers.

Maybe it was foolish to ever wish for it in the first place. Same things were never meant to be hers-a complete family, her parents' love, the companionship of someone she cherished, or a child.

At the age of 26, she realized that she was still void of anything.

She lightly pushed away Seline's hand. Then, she poured herself another cup. "Drink up. I'm leaving tomorrow. Thanks for taking care of me these past few days."

With that said, she downed the entire cup once again.

Seline knew Noelle was feel, set, so she didn't stop her. She just continued pouring alcohol for her. "Aren't you drinking?" Noelle asked.

"I can't really drink. It's fine. I'll just stay by your side."

One of them had to remain sober so it would be easier to pay the bill and call for a taxi later. Seline, being

a professional local guide, naturally took charge of the situation.

Later, Noelle drank two full bottles of alcohol on her own.

The alcohol wasn't very strong, but she still became intoxicated.

When Seline led her out of the bar, she noticed that it had started snowing, though she didn't know when it had begun.

Seline was about to pull out her phone to make a call when Noelle suddenly pulled her hand away and took a few steps ahead. She seemed to be in a good mood, stretching out her arms to catch the snowflakes falling from the sky.

Seline was worried that Noelle might slip and fall on the snow, and she was about to rush to catch her when a figure appeared behind them, moving even faster.

Noelle's body wobbled, and the figure immediately reached out and caught her, which made her turn her head in confusion.