Noelle and Dylan met at a café in the city.

The moment they met, Dylan first turned his gaze on Noelle's cheek.

Noelle immediately realized what he was thinking, but she didn't call him out. Instead, she asked, "How's your grandfather doing now?"

"He's fine, but there's no cure for Alzheimer's. So, I'm planning to take him out more while he's still in good spirits."

Noelle was momentarily taken aback, but she nodded quickly. "Are you taking him on a vacation? That's a good idea. Once-

"It's not exactly a vacation," Dylan interrupted, his voice lowering.

Noelle suddenly realized what he meant. "So... you're planning to move abroad?"

"Yeah, something like that." Dylan took a deep breath before continuing, "I've already resigned from the school, and most of the paperwork is done. So, I'll probably be leaving next month.

"Things are going to get busier for me from here on out, and I was worried that you wouldn't have the time. That's why I wanted to meet today to say goodbye."

Noelle didn't say anything, though her hands-which were resting on her lap-tightened involuntarily. "I'm sorry," Dylan said suddenly.

She smiled. "Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong to me."

"If it hadn't been for-"

"It wasn't just hard for you back then. It was the same for me," Noelle interrupted him. "You know as well

as I do that the situation with Elm Group wasn't looking that great, either. I was also struggling, and in thenoveldrama

end, the one who made the decision was me. So, there's no need for you to apologize."

Dylan fell silent and simply gazed at her quietly.

Noelle gripped the edge of her cup, her fingers tightening and relaxing repeatedly before she finally asked, where have you decided to go?"

"Caledon."

Okay. If I get the chance, I'll come visit you sometime."

Noelle released her hold on the cup and offered him a small smile.

1150,

Dylan wanted to return her smile, but when he tried lifting the corners of his mouth, they felt stiff. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't form a genuine smile, so he simply gave up in the end

"Is that not okay?" Noelle asked with another smile.

'Of course, it's fine," said Dylan finally. "If you come, I'll definitely pick you up from the airport."

"Alright. It's a deal, then " Noelle nodded firmly before finishing the coffee in her cup. "It's about time for me to get going now

"Wait," Dylan suddenly called out to her.

Noelle immediately paused and looked at him.

"About what my mother did yesterday-1 want to apologize on her behalf," Dylan said.

Noelle had already guessed this was one of the reasons he had come to see her. Or perhaps it was just

an excuse. She knew that with him living, he would definitely find a way to say goodbye.

Hearing his apology, Noelle quickly shook her head. "It's fine. It didn't hurt much anyway." After a brief pause, she couldn't help but add, "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask you." "What is it?"

"Does your decision to move abroad have anything to do with the document Hendrix received?" Noelle had been wondering about this ever since she learned of his decision. Now, she couldn't hold back any longer.

Dylan fell silent, and from that silence, Noelle already had her answer.

It made sense. After all, they had decided to get married before. Even if it was just a contractual marriage,

he would have told her that he'd planned to move abroad at that time.

The fact that he hadn't mentioned it could only mean it was a last-minute decision. Or rather, that he had been forced into it. And now, it seemed her suspicions were confirmed.

Noelle couldn't help but clench her fists. She then lowered her gaze and said softly, "I'm sorry for dragging you into this.