In the quiet, empty room, the sound of Noelle's stomach growling was impossibly loud.

Even Hendrix froze in place.

For the first time, Noelle caught a flicker of something unexpected in his gaze-surprise. Her jaw clenched tightly, and she turned her face away, refusing to look at hi

Hendrix didn't continue walking. Instead, he released her and stood up.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked.

Noelle didn't answer him.

Hendrix waited for a while, then shrugged and left the room

Noelle stayed motionless on the bed. It wasn't until his footsteps faded away that she reached up and covered her eyes with her hand. She wasn't sure how much time passed, but Hendrix eventually returned.

"Come and eat," he said.

Noelle had no intention of entertaining him. However, she hadn't eaten in nearly an entire day. The dizziness behind her eyes was growing unbearable, and her empty stomach churned uncomfortably. Eventually, she gave in to her body's demands.noveldrama

Hendrix had brought back a spread of food.

The dishes were light and carefully chosen-similar to what they had eaten at Nivis Villa before. But what caught Noelle's eye wasn't the food itself. It was the cake placed on the side.

It was a cake made with dark chocolate and topped with bright red cherries.

Her hands balled into fists at her sides, her gaze snapping to him.

Hendrix met her stare with calm indifference. He sat across from her, leaving the seat with the cake untouched- as though it had been reserved just for her.

He really knew how to train a pet. He made it seem so natural-offering a treat after giving out a punishment.

Noelle walked over, but she didn't touch the cake. Instead, he picked up her cutlery and ate quietly. Neither of them spoke.

Noelle could feel Hendrix's gaze drifting to the cake a few times, but he ultimately didn't say anything.

Despite her hunger, Noelle's appetite was faint at best. After forcing herself to eat less than half a plate, she set her cutlery down.

"Wait," Hendrix said abruptly.

Noelle turned to look at him.

He pressed his lips together, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. Whatever he intended to say, he ultimately kept to himself.

"Noelle didn't press him. Without another word, she got up and returned to the bedroom. She had slept enough earlier, and she didn't plan on sleeping anymore. But she didn't want to stay outside, so she could only stare out the window.

When footsteps approached outside the door, she shut her yes and pretended to be asleep.

She wasn't sure if her act looked convincing, but in the darkness, she could feel Hendrix's gaze lingering on her for a long moment.

Then, the mattress dipped as he lay down beside her.

His action made her whole body stiffen.

They had been husband and wife once, and they had shared countless moments far more intimate than this. But this was the first time they simply lay beside each other in the same bed.

As her mind spiraled with thoughts, she suddenly felt his arm wrap around her, pulling her into his chest. Noelle couldn't keep up the act any longer. She opened her eyes, shoved him away, and sat up in one swift motion.

Hendrix let out a low chuckle. "Why stop pretending?"

He had done it on purpose.

Noelle clenched her teeth.

Just as she was about to say something, Hendrix got up and said, "Get some rest."

With that, he left the room.

Noelle sat frozen on the bed, caught off guard.

Was all of that just to call her out for faking sleep? What the hell was wrong with him?

She didn't have an answer, and Hendrix didn't return to the room for the rest of the night.

The night passed like that, and Noelle returned to Serene Street the following day on her own.