Hendrix gave Jennifer a number. "At 8:00 am tomorrow, go to Room 1613 and bring the occupant to the hospital."His request confused Jennifer, and she stared at him in confusion."Don't let anyone know about this. Do you know the consequences you will face if this gets leaked?"Hendrix's expression remained unchanged, but the intensity in his eyes grew sharper.Jennifer quickly realized she had misunderstood, and she nodded in response. "Understood.""Leave," Hendrix said, not bothering to look at her again.Jennifer quickly exited the room, and the surroundings returned to their usual quiet.Hendrix didn't think about the situation any further.But that night, as he lay in bed, he suddenly had a dream.He dreamt of… a child.Hendrix didn't have strong feelings toward children. He had always been indifferent to emotions. As a child, he didn't rely on his parents, and his adult life was far from harmonious.However, he didn't completely reject the idea of having a child.Perh
Noelle had already finished her blood test. And now, she was sitting in a chair, waiting for the results. After a night of restless thoughts, her mind still felt a little empty. She wasn't sure whether she was hopeful or fearful.She certainly wanted a child. After all, it would be a living part of herself, something that would be forever connected to her. She had always felt alone in this world, and having a child would mean she would have a family. It was the one thing Noelle had longed for since she was young.But she was also afraid. She feared she wouldn't have the strength to protect the child. Even if she could bring the child into the world safely, what would happen if the Freeman family came to take them?Given Hendrix's attitude, he likely wouldn't allow her to keep the child. In that case, what could she do to fight him for custody?The thoughts from the night before were still vivid in her mind. That was why she had done the test with just water. She had hoped
Noelle looked at Hendrix in confusion.Hendrix didn't say a word. He took out his coat and put it around her waist.This surprised Noelle."What are you—"Before she finished her question, she felt something warm flowing out.This feeling… She was well aware of what was happening. She then looked at Hendrix in a daze.……"You're not pregnant," said the doctor. "Your period came late because you are too stressed. If you are still not reassured, you can do a scan after your period."Although Noelle had already known the answer earlier, hearing the exact news from the doctor made her grip her hands tightly."Are you trying to conceive?" the doctor asked, looking at her with disappointment. "N-No," she replied. However, the doctor ignored her answer and continued, "This kind of thing doesn't happen quickly. The more you care, the harder it gets. You need to relax..." She couldn't remember what else he said.In reality, she should feel relieved about not being pregnant. An
When Noelle walked out of the washroom, Hendrix was still standing there.His coat was still with Noelle, and he was only wearing a shirt. The cufflinks were undone, and he had rolled up the sleeves, revealing his fair and toned forearms.With his distinguished demeanor and striking features, passersby couldn't help but glance his way. But he seemed used to being watched, keeping his eyes fixed on his phone without even lifting his gaze.Noelle watched him. Her steps, which had been headed toward him, came to a halt. Hendrix still kept his head down.Normally, he wouldn't have noticed the attention from those around him, but when Noelle looked at him, it was as if he sensed something. He quickly lifted his head.After biting her lip, Noelle walked over to him."Your clothes got dirty," Noelle said softly. "I'll wash them and return them to you."Hendrix was about to say it wasn't necessary, but after glancing at her, he suddenly changed his mind and just gave a quiet "mm".Th
Hendrix's words stunned Noelle.And he glanced at her suddenly.That look made Noelle tense up instantly. It was as if she were eagerly trying to get involved with him in some way.Noelle bit her lip and was about to say something, but Hendrix spoke first, "I just don't want you getting too close to Brandon. Now that Sandra is engaged to Maxwell, I don't want to become fodder for their gossip or used for publicity. Do you understand?"His analysis remained calm and collected.Noelle wanted to say something else, but Hendrix quickly made the decision for her. "This is how it's going to be. Keep this business card, and if you need anything while you're here, just contact her."Noelle, I only have one request for you right now. Don't cause me any trouble. Understood?"…When Jennifer called, Noelle was on the hotel bed."Ms. Swanson, hello." Jennifer's voice was soft and alluring. "I'm Jennifer Weber, the guide Mr. Freeman arranged for you. I was wondering if you have any plans f
In the days that followed, Noelle didn't see Hendrix at all. Jennifer, however, proved to be a very competent guide. Over the past few days, she had taken Noelle to explore many places in Sintrun. They weren't all the typical tourist hotspots, either. Jennifer arranged the itinerary thoughtfully, with a perfect balance of activity and rest, making the outings enjoyable and never tiring."There's going to be a fireworks show tonight," Jennifer said as they ate. "It's not an everyday event. It's for Thanksgiving. I've reserved a spot for you upstairs—at one of the most famous viewing points. Once we finish dinner, head up there and take a look. It's absolutely spectacular!""Are you not going to be with me?"Jennifer smiled and said, "Ms. Swanson, I have a boyfriend, too. I have been ignoring him the past few days. If I don't go back now, he's going to be mad.""I'm sorry. You…""It's nothing, really. This is my job, and it's what I should do. If you're truly satisfied with my a
The rooftop grew increasingly crowded, with the sound of fireworks blooming above adding to the chaos. But for some reason, Noelle suddenly felt as if everything around her had gone quiet. It was as if the entire world had faded away, leaving just the two of them.The people, the noise, even the fireworks overhead, all seemed to vanish.Then, the words Jennifer had told her some time ago began to echo in her mind. At the time, she hadn't reacted to Jennifer's words. On the surface, she had even dismissed them as nonsense.After all, Hendrix didn't seem like someone who would ever do such a thing. Even if he did, it wouldn't be toward her. However, those words had been like a stone dropped into the calm surface of her heart. It hadn't caused a storm, but it had left ripples that lingered. Those ripples hadn't faded, even until tonight.And now, Noelle saw Hendrix's steps shifting forward one step closer. That single step felt like a jolt of adrenaline, shooting straight into her
The snow outside the window continued to fall. Inside, the heating was on full blast, and Noelle didn't feel cold at all.In fact, she thought the room's temperature might be too high, leaving her emotions feeling overly saturated.It wasn't just her. Hendrix felt the same. Only a month ago, they had been arguing. She had even resolved never to see him again in this lifetime. Yet, she always found it so easy to forgive him. He was like a persistent illness lodged in her heart. She had tried countless times to heal it. Yet, it kept flaring up again and again.The step he took toward her on the rooftop earlier had been enough to give her boundless courage. After all, he was someone she had loved for so many years.No one could resist imagining being with the person they loved. What one couldn't have would always leave regret. No one would want to live with regret.Noelle turned her head to look at the snowflakes falling softly outside, paired with the glittering night view of Sint
Noelle had no choice but to say, "I forgot. I just remember having a few meals with him.""So, it was a man?" Hendrix asked.Noelle nodded.Hendrix stared at her for a moment, then let out a cold laugh. "Then, he wasn't really paying attention to you. He didn't even remember you played an ordinary housemaid in that performance. You didn't even have a single line."After he said that, Noelle suddenly laughed.That small, sudden laugh made Hendrix frown deeply. Then, he realized something."See? You do remember!" Noelle said.Hendrix had no response. He probably hadn't expected that she would manage to trick him like that."So, you loved me back then, didn't you?" Noelle asked."No," Hendrix answered just as quickly.Noelle didn't press further. She just gave a soft "oh", then lowered her eyes. "I'm already like this—I even almost died. Even if it's a lie, you still can't bring yourself to say you love me?"As she spoke, her voice dropped a little, and she looked as if she wer
"No, not him," Noelle replied, but then, she seemed to think of something. "How is he now?""He's dead," Hendrix answered irritably, then asked, "So, who was it?"But Noelle was stunned by his previous answer."Noelle," Hendrix's voice came again, darker now. "I'm asking you—who was it? How many exes do you have exactly?""What do you mean, how many exes?" Noelle frowned as well. "He's just someone I know. Besides, how are you so sure it was a man?""Wasn't it?"Noelle paused, then said, "Tell me what happened to Dylan first.""Why are you still worried about that psycho? Tell me first—who else was watching you back then?""Are you out of your mind? I was on stage. There were tons of people watching me. Are you going to track them all down?"After she said that, Hendrix suddenly fell silent. Maybe he realized she had a point, or maybe he was too angry to speak.Noelle didn't speak again, either. She figured that if Hendrix had been able to say so casually that Dylan was dead,
The moment Hendrix fixed his eyes on Noelle, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words. As their eyes met, even the tips of her ears began to flush red without her realizing it."Why are you looking at me like that?" Noelle couldn't help but ask."So, have you remembered everything?" Hendrix asked instead. "Everything about us?""No," Noelle replied, turning her head away. "My head hurts. Didn't you say you were going to get the doctor? You can go—"But before she could finish, Hendrix suddenly grabbed her hand. His grip wasn't strong, but the way his fingers gently moved across hers felt like an intimate caress.Noelle couldn't help but tremble, and she instinctively tried to pull her hand back.But then Hendrix suddenly said, "Actually, even before we got married, I'd seen you many times."Noelle hadn't expected him to bring this up. She froze for a second. Then, she quickly said, "I know. Back then at college—""Not just at college. After I graduated, I went to see you,
"Who are you?"That was the first thing Noelle said when she opened her eyes.Hendrix had still been basking in the relief of her waking up, but the moment he heard those words, the expression on his face vanished completely."What did you say?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.Noelle didn't answer. She simply stared at him, confusion clear in her eyes.Hendrix clenched his fists tightly. Maybe it was because he had gone through something like this before that he was able to calm himself down quickly this time."I'm your husband. My name is Hendrix Freeman. Do you still remember your own name?" he asked."Husband?" Noelle frowned slightly. "As in—we're married?""Yes. And we have a daughter. Her name is Rosie. She's three years old. This is her picture."As he spoke, Hendrix started to pull up a photo on his phone.But Noelle quickly asked, "Then why don't I remember you?""You were injured. But don't worry. I'll get the doctor to take a look at you."As Hendrix moved
Dylan had been wrong all along.Money and power—none of that had ever been what he was truly meant to chase. Because no one could stay at the center of power forever, and no one could possess those things for all time. What he should have been chasing was just that one light. That one light that would stay on for him late into the night. But now, he knew it was all too late.As he closed his eyes, Dylan suddenly thought of his mother, Leah. He remembered how, as a child, he had longed for a new set of paintbrushes. He had asked his parents for them many times. He even wanted to use his own Christmas money to buy them. But they refused.They believed it was wasteful. It didn't align with the frugal and disciplined lifestyle they lived by. So in the end, Dylan stole the set of paintbrushes from the stationery store.Because he came from a prestigious scholarly family and always kept a refined, gentlemanly image in public, the store owner never suspected a thing.But his parents fo
"Are you crazy? Noelle, let go of the wheel!" Dylan struggled to regain control of the car, but Noelle held onto the steering wheel tightly, refusing to let go.The car didn't slow down. On the contrary, it raced forward at an even faster pace.How long did this go on? Maybe it lasted only dozens of seconds. But for Dylan, it felt like the blink of an eye. Because the next moment, he saw the oncoming car.That car was speeding as well.Dylan didn't even have time to grab his gun. Just as he was about to slam on the brakes, the two cars collided at high speed. There was a deafening crash as the cars were thrown into the air, then slammed back down.Dylan's eyes widened. But in that instant, his first instinct was to turn and look at Noelle. Her eyes were already closed. She looked as if she had been prepared to face death all along. She must have known what he intended to do, and she also knew he didn't actually want to die.The only reason he took her away was so he could use her
Erwin was just about to repeat his question when a voice came from behind."Excuse me, but I think I know where your wife is."Hendrix spun around immediately.Standing behind them was a woman with long hair and big eyes. "I saw her just now in the backyard. Someone was taking her away. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was Mr. Pritchett from Morphy Fund?"At the mention of Dylan, Hendrix's expression turned dark as thunder. He charged up to the woman. "Where did they go?""I'm not sure. But I did take down his license plate number. Do you need it?""Where is it?" Hendrix barked.The woman held out her hand. "I'll give it to you for 1,000 dollars."Hendrix didn't carry cash with him. But he shoved his bank card into her hand without hesitation. "The license plate number!"The woman looked at the card, a little dissatisfied. But considering Hendrix's status, she figured he likely wouldn't care about such a small amount of money. Thus, in the end, she still showed Hendrix the phot
"Erwin!"The voice came just as Erwin stood on the terrace, smoking a cigarette in frustration.Although they had technically won the battle and he had earned a great deal from it, he felt, strangely enough, not the slightest trace of satisfaction. Maybe it was because Hendrix had forced him into the game. Or maybe, by now, winning and losing simply didn't stir anything in him anymore.At the beginning, Erwin had been somewhat excited. He had thought Dylan would be a difficult opponent—someone who could cause serious trouble, maybe even defeat them entirely. That would have been interesting. But instead, everything had gone far too smoothly. There had been no twists and no turns. Just a clean finish. It was boring, to say the least.And the current victory party? Equally so.Hendrix had insisted Noelle attend the party, saying she had flawlessly completed her part of the plan and that this victory was also hers. So, the party had turned out very wholesome, or rather, dull.Erwi
Erwin still showed signs of dissatisfaction. It seemed he was saying something, but Noelle could no longer hear him. She didn't look back either, instead turning her gaze to the other people at the party.The loud music continued, and the excitement and energy of the crowd remained high. But Noelle knew that this wasn't the usual celebration. This, in fact, was just Hendrix's way of making her adapt and accept the situation.Though she had known this for some time, the realization still made Noelle uncomfortable. Then, she suddenly remembered something Dylan had told her a few days ago about her past with Hendrix.Even though she knew Dylan's words weren't necessarily true, that didn't mean everything he said was a lie. How much of the past he mentioned was real, and how much was false?Noelle actually thought her life was fine now. She was willing to accept her past choices and believed in Hendrix's feelings for her. At least, this was what she thought sometimes.But at other tim