Now, armed with this shocking revelation, Elaine’s mind raced with dark suspicions.
Could Rafael have discovered Noelle’s secret obsession with his brother? Was the shock too much to bear? Did he let himself spiral until his heart gave out from the sheer torment?
Elaine was horrified by her own thoughts.
Could that really be what happened?
The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became. If that was the true cause of his heart attack, how could she, as a mother, ever live with it?
“Rafael… could you come to me in a dream and tell me? Don’t leave me here torturing myself with these wild guesses.” Elaine stared at the moon, tears blurring her vision.
Noelle was discharged from the hospital. She knew Elaine was deeply disappointed in her and would never allow her back into the Sanders family home. To protect her pregnancy, she kept a low profile upon leaving and moved back into Pearl’s house.
She had texted both Finnian and Elaine when she left. Finnian only replied telling her to get plenty of rest. Elaine didn’t reply at all, treating her as if she no longer existed.
The deeper the love, the sharper the pain. Staring at the one–sided messages in the chat, Noelle felt her heart sink. She had been too impatient. She should have waited, bided her time. But regret was
useless now.
The fact that Elaine hadn’t cursed her out in person was the last shred of dignity she was afforded.
But Noelle knew that dignity was paper–thin–one poke and it would shatter.
The car pulled up to the Shaw family’s modest townhouse.
Pearl was already waiting by the door. David Shaw had taken the day off to help with her bags. Only Chloe stood with her arms crossed, watching the princess step out of the car with an unimpressed
scowl.
Noelle got out, and Martha helped her with her belongings.
“Noelle, you’re back. Come inside quickly, it’s chilly out here,” Pearl hurried over, trying to take her
hand.
Noelle dodged the touch. Pearl froze, then offered an awkward smile. “Mom got a room ready for you. It faces the sun and it’s warm. Go upstairs and take a look. If you need anything else, just tell me, I’ll buy it for you.”
Noelle stared at the front door, feeling as though she had swallowed a fly.
This place couldn’t hold a candle to The Sanders Estate. The courtyard was so cramped you couldn’t even park a car in it. The plants were cheap, common varieties. The iron gate was rusted and plastered with faded decorations.
“Thank you.” Realizing she’d have to live here for the foreseeable future, she forced out the words. Lifting the hem of her dress, she stepped over the threshold and crossed the yard. One glance at her
16.02
Chapter 490
surroundings made her frown and quicken her pace toward the king m
David helped carry her luggage to her room. As he came downstars, Node poty called out “Thank you, David”
He smiled broadly. “I’ll just call you Noelle from now on. Your mother and are very happy to have you stay with us for a while”
“Alright.” She nodded.
“Have a seat, Noelle. I’ll pour you some water” Pearl scurried toward the Kitchen. Noelle glanced at the faux–leather sofa, her face full of blatant resistance. She sat down anyway. She never wanted to move back here, but to keep Elaine appeased, she had no other choice
Chloe watched her every move like a hawk. Seeing Noelle’s spoiled, disdainful attitude, she sneered. “If you hate it so much, why are you here? It’s not like anyone begged you to come.”
Noelle shot a glare at her. “What did you say?”
Chloe was still furious about having a cup thrown at her last time. Now, she was firing on all cylinders. “I said, if it’s beneath you, don’t stay here. Aren’t you used to living like a spoiled princess in the Sanders family? You definitely won’t survive in our little house
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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