Honestly, Noelle didn’t really care whether or not Sebastian had health issues. But what stung was Yvette’s cutting remark she’d overheard.
“A divorced woman who can’t even have children.”
It suddenly struck Noelle that Sebastian had plenty of better options. She just wanted to know why he’d
chosen her.
Now that she had her answer, it was enough. She had no intention of saying it out loud.
The Coles, in her eyes, outclassed the Ashfords by a mile–especially after how swiftly they’d handled
Patrick’s situation.
Noelle took Mary’s hand and gently said, “Mom, you’re overthinking it. There’s nothing wrong with Mr.
Cole. I was just curious.”
She had come to accept that in this world, actions mattered more than intentions. Those who took action
stood out, and to Noelle, the Coles were among them.
She also realized that instead of clinging to something vague and uncertain, it was better to be with
someone who truly cared about her and the Spencer family.
“Mom, the Coles have already set the wedding date, right?”
They had, but Mary hadn’t told Noelle yet.
Her main concern was not to rush Noelle into another marriage, especially so soon after Conner’s death.
“They did,” Mary finally said. “They’re thinking of the end of this month.
“But it’s okay, Noelle. If it feels too rushed, we can talk to them. The Coles may have a powerful legacy,
but they’re not the kind to be disrespectful.”
Noelle gave Mary a faint smile and shook her head. “Not at all. Honestly, I think that’s a bit late.”
News that Sebastian was marrying a divorcée had stirred up gossip across Norland. However, the Coles
had kept Noelle’s identity tightly under wraps. So, though rumors were swirling, no one really knew who
she was.
Through idle chatter in her social circle, Yasmine had picked up the gossip about Sebastian’s proposal to
a divorcee as well.
Bored at the Ashford dinner table, she brought it up.
As Sabrina savored her lemon juice–drenched fish and chips, she listened to Yasmine gossip about the latest scandal in Norland.
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Either from the sourness of the lemon or from shock, she frowned and blurted, “How could that be possible? That has to be a wild rumor.
“Caleb and I met Sebastian a couple of years ago. He’s strikingly handsome and impeccably poised. The Coles are on the rise, so why would he marry a divorcee?”
Yasmine pursed her lips, clearly irritated by Sabrina’s doubt. “All my friends are part of high society. If they’re not in the know, what standing would they have in Norland?”
Sabrina caught Yasmine’s displeasure and fell silent, not daring to question her again.
Meanwhile, Conner sensed the tension and smoothly changed the subject, sliding food onto Sabrina’s plate as he did so. “The blood test results are in.
“Mom, you were right. Sabrina’s carrying a boy.”
The news hit Yasmine so hard her cutlery nearly slipped from her hand. She was so thrilled that she
almost leapt up to hug Sabrina.
“I knew it! Sabrina, you’ve made us so proud. Your first baby is a boy.
“Sure enough, that barren hen will never hatch anything. She latched onto Conner, contributed nothing,
and almost ruined our family’s future!”
Sabrina was puzzled. “Mom, what do you mean she latched onto Conner and contributed nothing?”
It was then that Yasmine realized she had run her mouth and quickly backpedaled. She forced a smile. “I
got carried away. Once you’re feeling up to it, I’ll take you shopping as a treat.”
Sabrina smiled sweetly.
This was the kind of life she had never dared to dream of.
Ever since she became pregnant, Yasmine’s attitude toward her had done a complete 180 degree change,
and she had become the Ashford family’s cherished favourite.
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