After Yasmine’s dramatic outburst, the Spencer family’s party slowly came to an end. Noelle kept her composure as she saw the guests out, exchanging a few polite words with relatives and reassuring them.
about the situation.
By the time everything was handled, the exhaustion was etched into her face.
During the commotion, her aunt, Diana Spencer, had taken care of Mary. Now, she was waiting outside
the bedroom for Noelle.
When she saw her, she said, “Mary’s awake now, so I should head home.”
Noelle nodded as she gently took Diana’s hand. “Aunt Diana, thank you so much for today. You came so
far for the celebration, but instead, you got dragged into this mess. You didn’t even get to enjoy yourself.
“On my wedding day, you’d better come early, and I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”
Diana looked at Noelle who seemed so mature now. Overwhelmed with emotion, she sighed. “Before you
married into the Ashford family, you still had that sweet, innocent charm of a young girl.
“But in the blink of an eye, you’re handling these situations like an adult…”
Upon seeing the sad expression on Diana’s face, Noelle squinted and chuckled. “Aunt Diana, you’re not
allowed to say I’m getting old! I’m obviously still a young woman!”
Diana lovingly cupped Noelle’s face with both hands. “Yes, yes… As long as you haven’t had kids yet,
you’re still a young woman. Besides, what’s so good about having kids anyway? It’s nothing compared to
the joy of staying youthful.”
Obviously, Diana had heard Yasmine’s words and was trying to comfort Noelle.
Noelle froze for a second, but she quickly smiled again and replied, “Aunt Diana, you’re absolutely right.”
Then, worried that Noelle might feel hurt, Diana continued, “Everyone has their own blessings. It’s the 21st
century now. Women don’t have to have children, and lots of young couples are choosing to be child–free
these days. That’s what’s trendy now.”
Noelle nodded. “I understand, Aunt Diana.”
Diana then pointed toward the bedroom. “Mary just woke up and isn’t feeling very well right now. She’s always been wise and understanding, so if you comfort her a bit, she’ll be fine. There’s no point in getting so worked up that it harms her health.”
After seeing off the last Spencer family relative, Noelle pushed open the bedroom door.
Chapter 39
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She had never seen Mary look so haggard before. Even when Patrick was taken away for questioning, Mary had remained resilient and strong.
Thinking about this made Noelle’s heart ache. She sat by the bedside and took Mary’s hand. “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ve brought trouble to the family and embarrassed us.”
Mary’s heart ached for her precious daughter too. “Nonsense. Sweetheart, you’ve suffered a huge insult, and you’re apologizing to me? My silly girl, it’s the Ashford family who should be ashamed, not you.”
After a pause, her expression shifted into one of worry. “Noelle, gossip in these circles doesn’t sleep. By tomorrow, this will have reached the Cole family.
“Once this news gets to them, I’m already prepared for them to call off the engagement.”
Noelle kept her head down, her eyes full of determination. “Mom, I’m prepared for that too. After all, we’re in the wrong for not telling the Coles about my situation from the start.”
She took a deep breath and added, “Instead of waiting for the news to reach them, I think I should go to the Cole residence tonight and explain everything clearly. It’s better to tell them sooner so they can
minimize their losses.”
After all, she’d heard that the Cole family was already preparing an elaborate wedding.
Mary struggled to prop herself up with her arms. “Noelle, I’ll go with you,” she said, her face etched with
worry.
She was afraid Noelle would have to face this alone and that the Cole family’s fury would be mercilessly directed at her. After all, she was only in her mid–20s–she was too young to handle that kind of pressure.
But Noelle was stronger than Mary imagined.
She adjusted the pillow behind Mary, tucked the blanket snugly around her, and softly said, “Mom, you
should rest. I’ll handle this myself. Don’t think too much, and just wait for me at home.”
Chapter 40
Chapter 40