"Oh, it's nothing. What have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you in months."

"Nothing much. I'll be around more often from now on." Noelle smiled at the caregiver.

The caregiver casually began chatting with her. At noon, Noelle finally left.

To make her trip to the hospital easier, she deliberately rented a place nearby. The distance was short enough that she could effortlessly walk home with a parasol.

Surprisingly, Matilda was waiting at her door. She was filled with contempt as she scrutinized her surroundings. With furrowed brows, she covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

When she saw Noelle, she blurted, "About time you're back"

Despite saying she would sever ties with the Swansons, Noelle couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?"

"You think I'd be here if you didn't refuse to come home?" Matilda glanced at the rusted door on the side.

"I see you've moved to a place like this after the divorce. You've gone nuts, Noelle!"

"This is my choice, and you shouldn't have to get worked up about it." Noelle was aware of Matilda's disdain toward the place. Thus, she didn't bother to unlock the door or invite her in.

Matilda drew a long breath. "Did you just come from the hospital? You went to see her, didn't you?" "Yeah"noveldrama

"Get this into your head, Noelle-without the Swansons, you can't afford to pay her medical bills!" "I'm aware."

"Why are you still-"

"Why don't you just state your purpose here?" Noelle was unconvinced that Matilda came out of pure worry for

her

Since the phone call from Alfred, she knew the family had something to ask of her. To save time and effort, she decided to be straightforward.

Matilda was about to answer her, but someone came up from the staircase. Noelle's unit happened to be on the third floor, right around the stairs.

When the person passed by, they casually glanced in their way. Though it was merely a passing look, Matilda found it all too revolting

Her face scrunched in disdain as she questioned, "Are you not planning to invite me in at all?"

Indeed, that was Noelle's plan. However, in the end, she pursed her lips and unlocked the door.

The room was in better shape than Matilda had imagined. It was cramped and crowded, but at least it was clean.

reyes i

After sweeping the room, she sat on the couch and placed a tablet before Noelle. "Take a look." "What's this?"

"Just take a look," Matilda urged.

Albeit confused, Noelle took the tablet and subsequently saw a photo.

"What's the meaning of this?" She placed the tablet back onto the table, her voice cold.

"This is the son of the Hawthornes. He's 30-"

"You're the one who's gone nuts. I'm fresh out of a divorce," Noelle said in a strained voice. "If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Hawthorne is disabled."

"And? Are you finally aware of how good you had it with Hendrix? Why did you even divorce him? Do you know how many people were looking forward to this day so they could make fun of you?

"Now that you're a divorcee, this is the only kind of man you're entitled to."