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Large rocks tumbled down from the mountaintop unexpectedly.

It crashed into the bus, which Noelle Xanthos happened to be in, and the two cars ahead. The cars were buried beneath the rubble right away. Meanwhile, the bus got struck so hard that it shaked violently before flipping onto its side.

"Wren, we encountered a landslide! I'm going to die!" A woman on the bus bawled while shrieking into her phone.

With trembling hands, Noelle fished her phone out and sent Quentin Lowe a voice message. "I'm scared, Quentin… Can you come and get me?"

The shivering in her voice made it evident that she was crying.

Yet, there was no response from the other end.

Noelle sat near the window, so her head smashed into the glass when the bus flipped over. The girl sitting beside her also crashed into her. When everything finally stilled, Noelle could no longer move one of her arms.

Pain, chaos, stuffiness, fear, and helplessness overwhelmed the small, cramped space. Noelle felt as if she were drowning in a torturous sea of flames.

"Will you rescue me, Quentin?" she wondered while also feeling hopeful.

Alas, he never came.

Her heart grew heavy with disappointment as time passed from the start of the landslide to her arm dislocating and popping back into place.

She found herself ridiculous for texting him.

After all, everyone in Dragfort City knew about Quentin Lowe.

Quentin was the owner of Stille Industries. He was the most handsome and wealthiest man in Dragfort. Apart from work, he only cared about Xyla Cadwell.

…

It was already dusk when Noelle returned to Windsor District.

Quentin's tall, slender figure was in the living room by then.

It seemed like he had just returned home. While undoing his shirt, he asked, "What were you afraid about? Sorry, I just saw your text."

He was gentle and polite.

Quentin didn't appear to know about this afternoon's incident, which had five casualties and over 30 injured people. He was unaware of the news that alarmed the internet and the government. On top of that, he had no clue about the trauma his wife had endured.

"It's nothing." Noelle shot him a blank stare. It had been five hours since the landslide. Her corpse would've already started stinking if she had passed away under the rubble.

Regardless, she didn't bring it up to Quentin.

Noelle supported her injured arm before turning on her heel to walked into the kitchen. Yet, she stopped in the next second and turned her head around. She watched as a curious gleam flickered in Quentin's dark gaze.

He asked, "Is something the matter?"

Noelle replied, "Would you be sad if I passed away?"

The darkness of dusk had concealed her pale countenance. She stood before Quentin. Her build was tall and slim. Yet, something also felt off about her.

Quentin held her gaze, then smiled after a moment. His smile was strikingly beautiful. He strolled ahead, sat on the couch, and crossed one leg over the other. "Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me what you want!"

Three months ago, someone had captured a photo of him and Xyla leaving a villa in the western suburbs. The person claimed Quentin hid Xyla, whom they believed was his mistress, in that fancy villa.

Quentin bribed Noelle with a brand new, fancy house called Lindbarry Estate to prevent Noelle from telling the press anything. It was a lucrative property due to its good location in the south of the city. The house was around 2200 square feet and worth over ten million.

Since then, he always thought she was blackmailing him whenever she tried to talk.

Noelle lowered her gaze to conceal the bitterness she felt. Then, she blandly replied, "The villas in Crystal Bay Residential seem nice."

After that, she headed to the kitchen. Nobody knew that all she wanted was a little love from him.

Disdain filled Quentin's gaze as he fixed his gaze on her back. He soon took his phone and called his assistant. "Reserve a villa in Crystal Bay Residential!"

Those properties were all developed by Stille Industries, so it was easy for him to reserve a villa.

Noelle heard his contemptuous tone, which made her heart shrivel with irony even more. He was the one who swore to shower her with riches since he couldn't love her. Yet, he was now acting reluctant. It was as if he was forced to do it.

Noelle spent over half an hour cooking a creamy pasta. She tossed garlic, shrimp, bacon, some cheese, and butter together, allowing them to cook at the right temperature.

It was just the way Quentin liked it.

One could say that she poured all her love from the past three years of marriage into the pasta. On top of that, she had engraved the habit of caring for her husband's meals and daily needs deep into her bones.

However, she was almost at death's door today. She was too traumatized and worn out to make homemade pasta. So, she used boxed pasta instead.

Quentin was on a phone call when Noelle brought the creamy pasta out of the kitchen.

The living room's bright lights shined onto his tall frame as he spoke. "Yes, I was at the hospital the entire afternoon. Xy was hurt, so I accompanied her for her check-up."

His warm voice made its way to Noelle. She froze midstep. A sharp ache plunged deep into her heart just then. It turned out that Quentin had no time to check his phone because he was busy accompanying Xyla for her checkup.

It just so happened that Noelle was in dire straits while he was keeping Xyla company.

That upset Noelle, so she placed the creamy pasta on the table before heading upstairs.

Quentin eventually finished his phone call. He noticed the delicious creamy pasta on the dinner table, put away his phone, and headed over.

Alas, he couldn't stand eating the food after a few bites. It was the first time he had tasted such sickeningly sweet pasta. Plus, the pasta wasn't soft and didn't have a rich taste. It was different from homemade pasta.

He looked up at the stairs and bellowed, "Noelle!"

At that moment, Noelle was taking a shower in the bathroom. She was still deep in her depressed thoughts, so she didn't hear him shouting from downstairs. She also hadn't realized she was so depressed earlier when cooking that she mistook sugar for salt.

Quentin flung the bathroom door open just then.

Chills traveled down Noelle's spine as she jolted and whipped her head toward the door. There, she saw Quentin standing by the door with brows deeply furrowed into a stern frown.

Noelle instinctively crossed her arms around her shoulders.

Quentin's Adam's apple bobbed as he stormed inside. "We'll shower together!"

He wanted to question her awful cooking at first. However, the sudden sight of her irresistible body sparked his lust.

Quentin unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his firm muscles. He approached Noelle and towered over her. His frame was tall and broad.

Whenever it came to sleeping together, he was always in control. He decided where and what position to use.

Noelle never resisted him. Even so, she wasn't up to having intimate matters with Quentin today.

She turned her head the other way to dodge his incoming kiss. At the same time, she raised her knee to block him. "I'm unwell today, Quentin! You should go to Ms. Cadwell instead!"

Quentin paused and narrowed his eyes. To him, she was only saying that to provoke him. He stared into her stubborn eyes, clouded by the shower steam. He snarled, "Are you really alright with that?"

"Yes, I am. I'm very much alright with it!" Noelle instantly replied without giving it any thought.

Her words seemed to frustrate Quentin.

A frown marred Quentin's face while he exuded a threatening vibe. Immediately after that, he grabbed her thin waist and forced her to turn around. "We'll discuss it after!"

…

Quentin plunged into her harder each time.

After an hour, Noelle almost thought she'd die in that bathroom.

Quentin carried her limp body back to the bedroom before tossing a set of keys beside her.

Noelle glanced at it and vaguely saw the label, "Crystal Bay Residential." In the second, she fainted.

It was 9:00 a.m. when she awoke. By then, Quentin wasn't around anymore.

Her entire body was sore, and she felt like her waist was about to snap in two. She wondered, "How the rotten Quentin have the desire to be intimate with me and sleep with Xyla on the side? Isn't he afraid of physical damage?"

Noelle mentally cursed him out. Then, she ignored her sore legs and aching waist to clean herself up before going to Harborview Retreat in the western suburbs.

Chapter 2
Noelle had an incomplete business contract discussion with a client yesterday. The client had to leave abruptly, so they needed to continue their discussion today.

Two dolled-up women walked over from not far away. One said, "I heard that Xyla got into a car accident while shopping yesterday. She had a minor injury on her forehead, but Mr. Lowe spent all afternoon accompanying her for a full body check-up! He treats her so well!"

"Yeah! I don't know where Xyla got all her luck from," replied the other.

The two were wives of wealthy families and donned stylish outfits. They gossiped about yesterday's scandal while walking by.

Noelle's mind went blank as the pair's words stabbed slowly but deeply into her heart.

As she was unloved in her marriage, she had to face her fears and pains alone.

Meanwhile, Quentin kept Xyla company and cared for her even though she only had a mild injury.

Tears welled in Noelle's eyes as she had never experienced such sorrow.

The thick, overwhelming pain swirled in her body. It took her a long time to steady her breathing. After that, she dried her eyes and headed for the cafe.

Her client was the highest executive of Dinoways Corporation. His name was John Xenos. He was in his early 40s, had dashing good looks, and carried himself gracefully.

John had an 8.6 thousand square foot villa in the retreat and was ready to renovate it. He browsed through countless design companies' blueprints but preferred Noelle's.

Upon seeing Noelle, he handed his half-read document to his secretary and spoke in concern. "I heard a landslide happened along the road into the city yesterday. You weren't involved in the incident, were you?"

"Nope." Noelle chuckled but sighed deep down. She wanted to say she nearly passed away in that incident, but she couldn't talk about her fears and sadness to a stranger.

"That's good to hear." John motioned for his secretary to bring over the contract. "All we need is your signature here. You'll receive a transfer of the payment to your bank in a bit."

Noelle didn't conceal her joy. Her eyes scrunched up as she beamed. "Thanks, Mr. Xenos."

John fell into a brief but stunned daze while staring at her youthful and beguiling face. "You're welcome."

John's signature was already on two separate copies of the contract. After Noelle signed them both as well, she handed one copy to John and kept her copy in her bag.

When she was about to leave, John also had to go elsewhere. So, the two exited the private room together.

That was when a group of people approached them.

The leader was a handsome, suave man with an elegant bearing as he strolled over.

Noelle fell into a trance for a split second when she saw him.

It was like when she first met Quentin back when she was 15. She became enthralled with Quentin throughout her youth. Little did she know she'd end up loving the wrong person.

"Watch out!" cried a waiter who was serving some coffee.

Noelle was so distracted that she almost bumped into the waiter. Fortunately, John held her in place.

Quentin turned when he heard the commotion. Soon enough, Noelle's familiar figure with another man's hand on her waist came into view. A dark, sullen expression crept onto his handsome face.

John was a gentleman. He prevented Noelle from falling over by supporting her waist and retracted his hand once the ordeal ended.

Even so, Quentin couldn't tolerate it. Tension filled the air around him as he marched to a secluded spot, picked up his phone, and called Noelle.

Noelle answered the call and heard his gloomy voice.

He snapped, "Aren't you aware you should keep your distance from other men when outside?"

Noelle's eyes widened. She soon whipped her head around and made eye contact with Quentin, who was far away. She took in his stern, dark expression and felt her heart wither from merely staring at him.

With a sarcastic tone, she refuted, "I should be asking you that, Mr. Lowe!"

Quentin tensed.

Noelle's striking eyes were crystal clear but glowered at him with sarcastic irony. After she said that, she hung up the call and left.

A thunderous scowl shrouded Quentin's face. He couldn't believe she'd challenge him like that. It had never happened before.

His mood remained foul the entire afternoon. Even his client needed to be careful when chatting with him.

…

Soon enough, it was nighttime.

Noelle was in a good mood when she headed back. She had successfully settled the contract. Its profits could cover the down payment for a big apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room in Dragfort City.

She had drunk some, so her round face turned a slight pinkish shade. Upon walking into the house, she kicked off her shoes and hummed. She wanted to go upstairs.

That was when she noticed the person on the couch. She blinked innocently at him while exclaiming, "Oh? You're home! Why aren't you keeping your precious little Xy company if you adore her so much?"

Noelle wouldn't have dared utter such words if she weren't drunk.

She continued, "What if she hits her head again? Won't you have to spend another two hours accompanying her through a full body check-up again? Won't you be like, 'Oh, my crybaby, Xy! My poor little crybaby, Xy! My heart aches for you!'"

Noelle's pretty face distorted theatrically as she spoke.

"Just how much did you drink?" Quentin kept a calm composure while staring at her with beady eyes. His presence was suffocatingly domineering.

Noelle was a little drunk, but she could still think clearly. She raised three fingers as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. Her eyes lit up. "Three—oh wait, no! It was two glasses!"

She folded one finger down. Her slim fingers swayed before Quentin like grass stalks blowing in the wind. Her gleaming, scrunched-up eyes were adorable yet serious.

Quentin had never seen Noelle like this before.

She was always cautious and catered well to Quentin in their three years of marriage. Due to that, she was too afraid to utter a word if he were in a foul mood. In fact, she wouldn't even have dared to behave this boldly.

Quentin grabbed her fingers and pulled her forward.

Noelle wasn't prepared for such an attack, so she yelped as she nearly fell over.

Quentin grabbed her hand and used it to hold the pen he had readied on the coffee table earlier. On a blank A4 sheet of paper, he forced her to scribble the messy words, "I, Noelle Xanthos, am willing to give up my job. I'll stay at home as Mrs. Lowe to look after my husband and children—"

Quentin froze upon seeing that last sentence. That brief moment was enough for Noelle to break free.

Noelle shook her hand, which ached from Quentin's tight grip. She murmured, "You barbaric! You're so inconsiderate!"

That rendered Quentin speechless.

Meanwhile, Noelle was so furious she kept cussing him out as she turned to go upstairs.

She left Quentin behind. It was unclear whether he was upset from his neutral expression. That said, his breathing became heavy.

…

Noelle awoke early the next day and planned to visit John's villa for on-site measurements.

Not remembering what happened last night, she chose a casual outfit and rushed downstairs.

A well-dressed Quentin stood in the living room, yet Noelle walked past him as if he didn't exist. He had been waiting for breakfast. At that moment, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you preparing breakfast?"

Noelle wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt and low-rise jeans. She was about to put on a pair of sports shoes. The entire outfit made her look youthful and pretty.

She didn't bother looking at him once while speaking calmly. "I've gotta go to work. I don't have time to prepare food for you. You should get something to eat at the nearby hotel's restaurant. Don't you have an annual pass there?"

Noelle was already at the door by then. She bent down to grab her shoes. The smooth skin of her waist peeked out from beneath the hem of her shirt. After putting on her footwear, she opened the door and headed out.

Quentin's brows twisted into a tight frown. Even his breathing intensified. He couldn't believe Noelle had the nerve to talk to him like that.

His expression darkened when he caught a glimpse of her waist again. "Get back here!"

He seethed in his mind while thinking, "Is Noelle dressing like that to go to work or seduce others?"

To his dismay, Noelle had long driven away.

….

Week after week, Noelle immersed herself in work and no longer saw Quentin.

Yvette Lowe, Quentin's younger cousin, said he went to Merania to settle an issue with a project.

Quentin never told Noelle where he was going.

Most of the time, Noelle wouldn't bother asking him, either. However, she couldn't help feeling shocked and slightly concerned just then. She wondered if Quentin would get scammed while in Merania.

Unease stirred in her as she recalled the terrifying information about Merania online. She ultimately wanted him to be safe because she had once loved him.

Noelle couldn't sleep that night. She sent Quentin a WhatsApp text and expressed her hopes that he was okay.

Chapter 3
Of course, Noelle's text went unanswered.

The next day, she went to John's villa with two dark circles around her eyes. She was halfway through dealing with work when Yvette came looking for her.

Yvette drove a trendy red car, and she donned a fashionable, neat outfit. She brought Noelle to watch a movie.

Noelle couldn't refuse her, so she had no choice but to go along. After the movie, Yvette treated her to Frosan cuisine. She couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard any news about your cousin?"

"Why don't you call Quentin if you miss him that much?" asked a giggling Yvette. She took her phone from her bag, dialed Quentin's number, and shoved the phone to Noelle. "Go on, talk to him!"

Noelle was only worried Quentin would get scammed in a foreign country and never asked to speak with him. So, at that moment, she was at a loss. The phone was like a ticking time bomb in her hands.

"Yes?" A calm voice rang out from the other end of the call.

Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the phone.

At the same time, someone stepped out from the opposite booth in the restaurant. The person held his phone beside his ear. He styled a smokey gray shirt with pressed, straight dress pants.

He had a mature and magnetic charm.

Noelle stiffened once she looked up at him.

The man, who was none other than Quentin, noticed her, too. His brows furrowed.

"Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Quint!" As that sweet voice rang out, a stunning and slender woman in a long white dress stepped out from the booth. She linked arms with Quentin affectionately.

It was Xyla. She even wore a brilliant diamond necklace around her neck.

A dull ache gnawed at Noelle's temples as she watched the two. The man she had been worried about all this time was celebrating another woman's birthday.

He had already returned in one piece, yet she worried about him and struggled to sleep all night.

"You again?" Yvette was so furious she wanted to go over and beat Xyla up. "How can you keep clinging onto a man who has a wife? How can you be so shameless?"

Quentin's face grew stormy. "Yvette!"

Yvette wanted to keep yelling, but Noelle stopped her.

"Let's drop it, Yvette!" Noelle urged. She returned Yvette's phone and turned to go outside.

A scoff left Yvette as she ran after Noelle with her phone.

Quentin turned to say to Xyla, "Don't take Yvette's words to heart."

Xyla's eyes had reddened. She sniffled as if about to cry and replied, "She's right. I shouldn't cling to you. You're already married, after all!"

After saying that, she covered her mouth and sprinted out the door like she was in great misery.

Quentin frowned but still chased after her.

Noelle got into the car. Her heart tightened uncomfortably, and she couldn't forget how intimate Xyla seemed when getting out of the booth to link arms with Quentin earlier. The two looked more like a couple while she looked more like the homewrecker instead.

Ironically, Quentin was the one who agreed to his and Noelle's marriage three years ago.

Upon seeing Noelle in a glum mood, Yvette consoled her. "Don't be sad, Noelle. Our entire family loves you!"

Noelle shook her head, and her eyes were moist with tears. What was the use of the entire Lowe family loving her? Ultimately, it was her husband who didn't love her.

All she wanted was to go back in time to speak with her younger self, who was brave and determined to marry Quentin. She wished she could tell her younger self, "Don't marry him! You'll never replace his other woman and become the only one in his heart."

"Take me home, Yvette." Noelle felt utterly awful and only wanted to go home and be alone for a bit.

Yvette had no choice but to send Noelle back to Windsor Villa.

…

That night, Quentin didn't come home.

Xyla updated her social media status to "I won't give up on us as long as you don't."

In the morning, Xyla posted a photo of two yummy breakfast dishes with two sets of knives and forks beside them. There was a sticker in calligraphy writing on the photo. It read, "Good morning, my love…"

Even an idiot would know Quentin had spent the night with her.

Noelle kept looking at the photo in a daze for a long time.

…

Janet Burns, Quentin's mother, phoned Noelle that afternoon. She invited Noelle to visit Lowe Mansion because she had a gift for her.

Once Noelle arrived, Janet took out a diamond necklace and placed it around Noelle's neck. "Take a look at this, Elle. Do you like it?"

Janet had given Noelle plenty of gifts throughout the latter's three years of marriage. The gifts ranged from jewelry to clothing, shoes, and hats. Noelle's closest was filled with them.

Noelle seldom spent time with her mother since she was a child. As Janet showered her with motherly love, she cherished her relationship with Janet dearly.

"Mom, you're spoiling me too much again!" Noelle felt bad that Janet had spent so much money. "I still have many jewelry pieces in my closet that I haven't worn…"

Janet chuckled. "You could sell those, then."

That rendered Noelle speechless.

Janet had specially picked out each gift, so everything represented her blessings and kind wishes. How could Noelle be cruel enough to sell them?

The two were chatting when someone came into the mansion.

Quentin had changed into a new suit and also switched up his hairstyle. He was more handsome and stylish than before.

Noelle looked at him and immediately recalled what Xyla posted. It made her heart sink.

Three years ago, Quentin was in a severe car accident and needed a massive blood infusion. However, the hospital had run out of blood.

Only Xyla's blood type and qualities matched what Quentin needed, yet she fled at the last minute.

Quentin nearly died.

Janet was so enraged that she arranged a marriage for Noelle and Quentin. It lasted peacefully these past three years.

Alas, Xyla later returned. Quentin fell in love with his old flame again. Meanwhile, Noelle became an awkward figure in that love triangle.

"I need to use the washroom, Mom." Noelle hinted that she didn't wish to see Quentin.

Janet's features softened. "Go on."

Noelle left.

That was when Quentin's gaze settled on Noelle's neck, and his brows furrowed.

Once Janet noticed Quentin's face, her eyes turned frosty. "I need a word with you!"

She then headed upstairs.

Quentin frowned once more as he had an inkling about what would happen next. Still, he followed her upstairs into the sunroom.

Janet spun on her heel once they arrived there. Her features contorted into a deep scowl. She finally unleashed her rage after suppressing it for the entire day. "I never should've let Elle marry you! In doing so, I've greatly wronged my best friend!"

Noelle's mother was Janet's best friend.

Quentin's eyes narrowed to slits. A hint of malice flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "What did Noelle say to you?"

A scoff came from Janet. "She didn't tell me anything. Everyone knows about you and Xyla's repulsive affair! Instead of going home after returning from Merania, you went to celebrate Xyla's birthday?

"Just how little do you value Noelle? And what about last time at Cedarfield Villa? What is the meaning of that?"

Quentin's gaze turned sinister. "You seem to know everything!"

Janet sneered frostily. "Don't commit such heinous acts if you don't want anyone to know about them! You know well enough how Xyla treats you. If you still plan on marrying her, I suggest you cut ties with me ASAP!"

All color drained from her face while she panted heavily. She reached a hand forward to snap off all the leaves from her valuable orchid plant.

Quentin's features had also darkened as his heart rose and sank rapidly. In the end, he turned to leave.

Noelle was playing chess with Fred Lowe, Quentin's grandpa, downstairs. He was over 80 years old and had a head full of white hair. Despite his old age, he had good vision and could hear well.

He was also as playful as a boy. He chatted with Noelle to distract her while he cheated at chess. He'd even secretly shift the pieces they had already put down.

Fred proudly declared at the end of their match, "It seems your chess skills haven't improved one bit, little girl!"

Noelle was speechless.

Robert McCarthy, the Lowe family's butler, greeted Quentin just then. "Mr. Quentin!"

Following that, a tall figure entered the space. His presence suffocated the others around.

Fred was baffled as he remarked. "He has such a nasty scowl. He looks like he has stepped in dog poop. Who upset him this time?"

Then, he raised his voice to call out to Quentin. "Hey, your wife is still here! Why are you leaving alone? Aren't you afraid your wife will leave with another man if you keep this foul temper of yours?"

Chapter 4
Noelle was speechless.

Quentin continued to walk away without stopping once.

Noelle's heart sank into her stomach as she wondered whether she had to do with Quentin's sudden departure. Unease filled her heart as she finished the chess match and stood to leave, too.

She had just arrived at the yard when a blinding beam of light shined at her, so she covered her eyes.

That was when a deep voice rang out from behind the light. "Get in."

Noelle frowned. The car's headlights had switched off when she approached it. She got into the backseat.

She once saw Quentin driving and Xyla sitting in the front passenger seat. Due to that, she never sat in the front with Quentin.

Quentin's threatening voice sounded from the driver's seat. "Did you tell my mother?"

"Tell her what?" Noelle was confused.

Quentin scoffed lightly. He was evidently feeling infuriated by her innocent reaction. "I gave Xy a diamond necklace worth one million for her birthday.

"It seems you, my wife, got jealous and demanded a five million diamond necklace from my mother. You even complained about me spending time with Xyla to her while you were at it."

He didn't care about Noelle getting the expensive necklace. What annoyed him to his core was she had complained to his mother.

Noelle was so upset that she straightened her back and snarled, "Have you lost your mind? Who cares about such superficial things!"

If she liked expensive jewelry that much, her jewelry wouldn't be sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Besides, how would she know what present Quentin had given Xyla?

Her breathing had grown heavy. Yet, she couldn't help but add, "Why would I need to complain to your mother about you and Xyla's affairs? Everyone alive knows about it!"

She said the same thing as Janet.

Quentin snorted.He rolled up the window before driving.

However, he had only driven a short distance from the villa when he stopped. He barked, "Get out!"

Noelle jolted, then widened her eyes in disbelief at him.

Various cars' headlights flashed by. They illuminated Quentin's dashing side profile. Noelle had a better look at his grim expression.

She realized he was serious about asking her to get out. So, she no longer hesitated as she opened the door and exited the car.

Quentin's car soon drove away and blended into the other cars in the night traffic.

Noelle watched the car leave with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe the rotten man she had married. She could let it slide that he had accused her of things she didn't do, but how dare he dump her in the middle of the road?

Lowe Mansion was in the suburbs. Although many cars traveled down this stretch of road, it wasn't easy to wave down a taxi. Noelle waited for half an hour before she finally got a cab.

…

Noelle stood beside the bar table at Summer Night Bar. She chugged the cocktail prepared by the owner, Lorraine Summer.

"He ticked you off again, huh? I told you! You can't rely on a man like Quentin Lowe!" Lorraine smirked as she mixed a drink and handed it to another customer. Her captivating figure leaned closer to Noelle while she spoke. "Shall I introduce you to some hunks, so you can have some fun?"

Noelle choked on her drink. "No!"

She refused to stoop as low as to fool around with other men.

Lorraine chuckled yet motioned someone over. "Bring them all here!"

Soon enough, many good-looking and built young men arrived before Noelle.

Lorraine declared, "Have a look and take your pick. You can have one or all of them! I, the generous Lorraine, won't charge you a single cent for it!"

A mouthful of drink spattered from Noelle's lips. "Stop it! Stop this right now!"

She wouldn't feel sorry for Quentin if she actually screwed these men. After all, he sleeped with another woman behind her back first. However, she'd feel terrible and couldn't bear to face Janet.

Janet had raised her like a daughter. Not to mention, Fred also treated her like his granddaughter.

Lorraine's lips curled up with mischief. "Oh, alright. Whatever you say."

Noelle stayed in the bar and only left in Lorraine's car after midnight. Even so, she didn't return to Windsor Villa. Instead, she headed to her loft apartment. It was her private property, and Quentin had no idea it existed.

She stayed here for two consecutive days.

By the third day, Lorraine came to pick Noelle up, stating she wanted to introduce a few friends to Noelle. She even brought Noelle for a makeup appointment before heading to the event.

Noelle was much more captivating than usual after wearing some makeup and a long white dress gifted by Janet. She saw her graceful figure in the mirror and thought, "It's no wonder Quentin is into women like Xyla. Dressing this way does indeed exude a feminine charm."

Lorraine brought Noelle to a manor in the western suburbs. There, Lorraine introduced the latter to her friends.

That was when a man arrived. It was Quentin, and he donned a dark suit while exuding an air of grandness. His dark gaze settled on Noelle for a second before flickering elsewhere.

Beside Quentin was a man who had waited for the chance to converse. He pointed out, "That woman seems to be your wife."

He had met Noelle at Lowe Mansion once.

Quentin rolled his eyes. "You've got the wrong woman."

Not far away, Noelle raised her glass but froze upon realizing the men's conversation.

She and Quentin had a low-profile wedding. Plus, Quentin never publicly disclosed her identity as his wife. Still, it pained her to see him cruelly deny their relationship.

"Apologies, I need to use the washroom," Noelle said to the man opposite her. Then, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the washroom. Once she turned around, her face paled as she couldn't conceal her emotions.

The path to the bathroom had an antique archway with beaded curtains strung from its frame. As Noelle walked past the archway, someone threw one of the beaded curtain strings at her face.

Noelle let out a dull cry before cupping her face and turning to find the culprit.

A towering Quentin walked past the beaded curtains. His condescending tone filled the air. "Aren't you drained from trying to imitate another woman, Ms. Xanthos?"

The spot on Noelle's face heated up as she seethed, "Cut to the chase if you want a divorce that badly, Quentin! Let's meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't go is a coward!"

She left after that. She could no longer tolerate coexisting with the awful Quentin.

Quentin tensed as the beaded curtains separated him from her.

Noelle had never thrown such a temper at him before. She didn't react this way when someone snapped a photo of him and Xyla exiting Cedarfield Villa together or when he stayed the night at Xyla's place—not even when he ditched her alone in the middle of the road.

Yet, all it took was the phrase "imitate another woman" to hurt Noelle deeply.

…

The next day at 8:00 a.m., Noelle arrived on time and waited at the courthouse's entrance for Quentin.

However, he didn't show up, even after an hour.

Noelle phoned him, but he didn't answer.

She called Quentin's assistant, Martin Powell, who informed her that Quentin was in a meeting.

At 10:00 a.m., she called Quentin again, only to get the automatic reply that he was busy. So, she called Martin to ask, "Has Mr. Lowe's meeting not ended?"

Martin peered at Quentin, whose head was lowered and seemed hard at work beside him. He was unsure why Quentin claimed to be busy this early in the morning. He even lied about having a meeting when there was never one.

He then chuckled awkwardly at his phone. "Yeah, he's still in the meeting."

A frown marred Noelle's face. "Then, please ask him to come to the courthouse once he's done."

"Got it," replied Martin.

Another hour passed, and Noelle realized the courthouse was about to close for the day. She called Quentin's phone again, but he had switched it off. With her patience running thin, she phoned Martin once more. "Hello, please get Quentin to answer his phone."

Martin glanced at the tall figure who ascended the plane's ramp then. He didn't quite understand what was happening. He hadn't heard any project issues on the other end, so why was Quentin suddenly leaving on a business trip?

He barely had enough time to pack Quentin's luggage, even.

Regardless, he spoke into the phone. "Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Lowe is going on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane!"

Noelle was speechless.

…

Later, Quentin wore an eye mask, shut his eyes, and rested on the plane.

Martin spoke with the utmost cautious tone. "Why are we traveling to Havenport City now, Mr. Lowe?"

Quentin's low voice rang out. "You're my assistant, yet you don't know and are asking me instead?"

That rendered Martin speechless. Deep down, he thought, "I bet you don't even know why we're going there!"

Chapter 5
A light bulb went off in Martin's head, and he spoke confidently. "I bet you fought with your wife, right, Mr. Lowe? A man should set aside his pride to appease his woman whenever she's angry. Your wife is more important than your pride, background, and status!"

After all this time, he realized that Noelle was waiting for Quentin at the courthouse because she wanted to threaten him with a divorce. As for why Quentin suddenly had a business trip, he did it to avoid the divorce.

"Is that so?" Quentin shot a stern and pointed look toward Martin. Martin jolted and stopped talking.

Martin recalled how the elders of the Lowe family had arranged the marriage between Noelle and Quentin. Like everyone else, he knew Quentin only had eyes for Xyla. So, he couldn't believe he had made such a blind assumption.

Quentin readjusted his eye mask and looked like he was about to rest. Alas, he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't believe Noelle was that adamant about divorcing him when all he did was say she was imitating another woman.

He had noticed how Noelle seemed to imitate Xyla's appearance at the time. So, he mindlessly voiced it to vent his frustrations. He never expected Noelle's explosive rage to follow. It all seemed unreasonable to him.

…

Noelle had to temporarily delay the divorce since Quentin had gone on a business trip.

She focused all her attention on work instead.

After a week of working overtime, she offered to buy some of her colleagues supper. They headed to Bellagio Bistro for their meal.

Noelle went to pay the bill while everyone was halfway through eating. That was when a man bumped into her and caused her to crash into the booth table beside her.

The man reeked. He suddenly grinned when he noticed Noelle's attractive face. With a tut, he remarked, "Aren't you pretty? Come over here! Let me have a taste! I'll pay you for a kiss!"

He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out some cash. Then, he threw the money at Noelle while reaching for her face with his other hand.

"What are you doing?" a voice rang out. Then, a manly, big hand grabbed the drunk man's collar and yanked him aside.

The drunk man turned around and saw a handsome but furious face staring at him. Before he could react, the latter slapped him.

It felt like being slapped by a metal paddle, which caused the drunkard to fall to the ground at once. Blood leaked out from his nose and mouth.

"You must have a death wish. How dare you touch my woman!" Quentin casually rolled up his sleeves. He squatted, grabbed the drunkard's collar, and lifted the drunkard off the ground. Then, he hit him again.

The drunkard's nose seemed crushed as he lay on the ground. He cried out in pain and couldn't get up. It appeared that Quentin had broken the drunkard's nose bridge.

Noelle watched the scene in shock. Her gaze ultimately settled on the tall and charming but aloof Quentin. She mused, "So, he's already back from his business trip, huh?"

The phrase, "How dare you touch my woman," echoed in her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the first time he had confirmed their relationship to an outsider. She was surprised and couldn't help but tear up.

Her emotions in that instant were indescribable.

Quentin recalled something after straightening his back. The realization caused his shoulders to stiffen. He turned around and happened to meet Noelle's clouded, teary, and complicated gaze that focused on him. That left him frozen.

"How dare you mess with my friend's wife, you ungrateful guy?" Dennis Jackman's gaze sharpened like a merciless blade as he approached to kick the drunkard. After that, he turned to ask Noelle, "Are you hurt, Noelle?"

Noelle shook her head while her eyes moistened so much that tears almost poured out. Yet, she didn't say a word and only turned to leave.

Dennis shot a confused look at Quentin.

A ding rang out just then. Quentin received a WhatsApp notification, so he clicked on it, only to see a text from Noelle. It read, "Meet me tomorrow at the courthouse in the morning. Please don't forget, Mr. Lowe."

Quentin's heart sank all at once. It had been days, but Noelle was still hung up over the incident.

…

Noelle paid the 300 bill to Wren, an employee at Bellagio Bistro. After that, she headed home to Windsor District.

…

A confusing mix of emotions weighed down her heart as she squatted on the floor and stared at the half-packed suitcase. She couldn't file for a divorce since Quentin was away these past few days, so she wasn't rushing to pack her things.

A loud thud sounded from outside. It was as if something had gotten knocked over.

Noelle was startled but quickly got up to check.

Downstairs, Quentin swayed as he walked into the living room. Shattered vase shards littered the ground near the front door. It was evident he had knocked the vase over.

Noelle frowned before instinctively rushing to help him. Little did she expect Quentin to lose control of his body and crash down onto her. He towered over her at six feet two inches, so he nearly crushed her against the staircase railing.

His dark eyes focused on her."Why are you in such a rush to get divorced? Is it because of your old flame?"

Noelle could barely breathe from being crushed by him. With her brows furrowed, she snarled, "What are you talking about?"

She had been in love with him since she was 15 years old. Why was he talking about an old flame that was non-existent?

Quentin snorted, released her from his hold, and went upstairs.

The upstairs bathroom suffered from his drunken wrath.

Noise filled the air as Quentin knocked over the shampoo bottle, toothbrush holder, and toothbrush.

Noelle arrived upstairs and saw Quentin squeezing the contents of a face wash onto his toothbrush. He was about to clean his teeth with it.

Noelle stopped him at once. "That's not toothpaste!"

She bent down to pick up the toothpaste. She intended to squeeze it onto his toothbrush for him.

That posture exposed the smooth skin on her waist. It also emphasized the curves of her body. She had a slim waist, which made her look great.

Quentin couldn't help recalling the night he struggled to keep himself under control. His body heated up as his lust grew.

Noelle had just picked up the toothpaste and stood when she noticed the growing arousal in his eyes. It made her freeze. In the next second, Noelle felt herself being lifted.

Quentin had grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the sink.

Noelle yelped. Before she could react, Quentin kissed her. Frustration and anger brimmed in her then.

She mentally cursed him out for being a pervert. At the same time, she wished she had just allowed Quentin to brush his teeth with face wash instead. She couldn't believe he was getting excited so randomly.

Noelle fought back with all her might. She did not want him to have his way. Alas, no matter how hard she resisted, her efforts were no match for the taller, more powerful Quentin.

Quentin soon gained control over everything.

…

Once they wrapped things up, Quentin carried a worn-out Noelle back to her bed like she was a child. Noelle fell asleep once she touched the bed.

Quentin didn't look one bit drunk by then. In truth, he was only pretending to be drunk earlier to avoid Noelle's demand to get a divorce. He lazily leaned against the balcony.

Thunder rumbled continuously from afar.

Tensing, Quentin recalled something.

Noelle slept peacefully under the moonlight. She stayed in whatever position he had left her in on the bed.

Quentin thought, "I bet she wouldn't even notice if someone abducted her in her sleep."

His once-nervous heart settled as he wanted to stay on the balcony longer.

That was when thunder rang out loudly outside the window.

Noelle, still sound asleep moments ago, jerked upward and screamed.

Quentin bolted over to Noelle, who was about to cry from fear. He wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid! I'm right here!"

Noelle feared thunder. She had been this way since the day they met.

…

When Noelle awoke, she realized she had sprawled all over Quentin. His massive palm was pressing against her body, and neither of them were wearing clothes.

Noelle's cheeks heated up as she carefully removed herself from Quentin. Alas, she had only moved a little when he opened his eyes. He seemed wide awake all of a sudden.

"You slept all over me for the night and flattened me. Yet, you plan to just leave like this?" Quentin spoke. His voice sounded crisper and more pleasant to the ear this morning.

Chapter 6
Noelle's cheeks burned. She had no idea why she'd habitually clung onto someone else whenever there was thunder. As the victim, she somehow became the perpetrator in the situation.

"I-I'll make breakfast for you." As she dodged Quentin's glare, she gritted her teeth, put on her clothes, and sneaked away.

When she was busy cooking in the kitchen, she heard him speaking from the living room. "The sea urchins delivered by air from Nordenia will arrive soon. Pick them up and deliver them to Ms. Cadwell. She loves sea urchins."

Noelle paused upon hearing his words. Her mood was utterly ruined. Half an hour later, she tossed a package of bread and a carton of milk on the dining table. "Mr. Lowe, here's your breakfast; take it or leave it. Remember to meet me at the courthouse after breakfast." With that, she made her way upstairs.

She had merely taken the food out of the fridge, which was still cold to the touch. Quentin seethed. He couldn't believe that she gave no thought to his breakfast.

What upset him the most was her reminder to meet at the courthouse. All she could think about was the divorce.

Noelle emerged again. She was dragging a suitcase with her this time. Upon hearing the sounds of the wheels on the ground, Quentin went up to her. He questioned, "Why do you insist on getting a divorce? Is it because of what I said? That you were trying to imitate a superior woman? Hm?" His eyes flashed with anger.

She spun around and replied, "There are too many reasons. I can't list them out right now." She seemed very calm as she met his eyes with her crystal-clear gaze.

Feeling frustrated, he snapped, "Fine! You'll get what you want!" He grabbed his car keys and left without having breakfast.

Noelle received a call from John right after she left Windsor Villa. He requested her help to pick a wallpaper for his living room, which she readily agreed to. Then, she called Quentin.

Quentin didn't sound at all happy when he picked up. "Stop hurrying me! I'm almost there."

Noelle, rendered speechless, suddenly felt embarrassed to bring up the topic. "Uh, Mr. Lowe, something came up. I can't go to the courthouse today. Can I trouble you to meet me there tomorrow?"

Quentin choked in anger when she addressed him as "Mr. Lowe." He thought, "Woah, she's putting distance between us right away. Wasn't she calling me darling just last night?"

He hung up in a fit of rage before sipping on the coffee that his secretary just served. Then, he hurriedly let go of the cup as though he was scalded. He hissed, "Do you want me to burn my tongue?"

The secretary chattered in fear. "B-But it's not that hot!" She had clearly tested the temperature of the drink before serving it to him. He seemed unusually irritated over the past few days.

"Get out!" Quentin scowled.

The secretary hastily exited the office.

Meanwhile, he was struggling to keep his temper in check. His anger had ballooned from the first time Noelle brought up divorce. Today, his anger grew. Even Martin got into trouble a few times with him.

By 11:00 am, he finally called up Dennis. "Let's have a drink."

…

Noelle accompanied John to visit a home improvement store selling imported goods. He had chosen a wallpaper imported from Swintonia, which cost around 50 thousand. It would arrive by air in a few weeks' time.

John later treated Noelle to lunch. By coincidence, she spotted Quentin and Dennis in the lobby. Quentin seemed quite moody and irritated.

Dennis gasped in disbelief. "I heard you booked a box of sea urchins for Xyla! I bet you've never treated Noelle like that before!"

"She isn't worth the special treatment," Quentin carelessly remarked.

He thought of the time he asked her for the reason behind the divorce. To his dismay, she answered in a troubled manner. She claimed that there were too many reasons and that she couldn't list them all right off the bat. Was he really that lousy?

Dennis was dumbstruck by his friend's blatant ignorance. He thought, "Well, let's see if you're going to learn your lesson soon."

Noelle, who happened to overhear the conversation between the two friends, found herself struggling to breathe. A raw pain shot through her heart. She had to take deep breaths to keep her emotions in check as she headed to the booth that John had reserved for them.

During lunch, John offered her a sea urchin dish. "This is a sea urchin freshly flown over from Nordenia. Give it a try. It's pretty tasty."

Noelle was taken aback. Though she didn't like seafood, for some reason, she beamed at John and replied, "Sure!"

Quentin witnessed the exchange between Noelle and John when he returned from the washroom. He knitted his brows as his expression stiffened.

He then called a waiter over and whispered something. Soon, the waiter headed to Noelle's table and served her a bowl of vegetable consommé. "Madam, Mr. Lowe ordered this dish for you because you dislike seafood."

Noelle was stunned at the soup. Then, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Mr. Lowe? That was likely Quentin.

The vegetable consommé, a clear soup, was him dropping a subtle hint that she needed to "steer clear" of developing a relationship with her clients—in this case, John.

The audacity of him to even warn her about it!

Smirking, she replied to the waiter, "Please thank Mr. Lowe on my behalf. Do tell him that one will get sick of a type of food if they have too much of it. Besides, once you taste the food, you'll realize that it's nothing special anyway."

Done with roasting him, she picked up the sea urchin with her fork and took a bite.

In another room, the waiter conveyed Noelle's full message to Quentin. Just as Quentin was frowning and trying to put it together, Dennis got the hint and chuckled with glee. He taunted Quenton, "Serves you right!"

Quentin was a bad man who deserved every bit of the roasting, as he had treated Xyla much better than the way he treated his wife.

Dennis raised a glass of wine with a satisfied look.

On the other hand, Quentin looked rather cross. Noelle had taken a jab at him with the food analogy, describing him as underwhelming after getting to know him better. In another sense, she had described him as appearing better than he really was.

"I'm not eating!" Fueled by anger, he stormed out of the room.

Back at the booth seat, John cast a searching look at Noelle's face. Grinning, he leaned into the seat. "Is that dish from your admirer, Ms. Xanthos?"

She shook her head. "I have no admirers." When she took a bite of the sea urchin, she realized it tasted pretty decent, even though she had never liked it much.

Perhaps, the sea urchin lesson indicated that she was right to divorce Quentin. There were plenty of suitable men out there. One day, she'd surely meet a man who loved her with his entire existence.

Suddenly, John felt more relaxed and bold in her presence. Raising a glass, he said to her, "Cheers!"

She clinked glasses with him. "I find that sea urchin is not that bad. Mr. Xenos, I'm afraid I'll burn a hole through your pocket today."

He beamed warmly at her. "That's not a problem at all."

…

After lunch, John drove Noelle back to her apartment. He watched her enter her apartment from his car before he drove away.

As Noelle didn't sleep well the night before, she fell asleep right as her head hit the pillow. As for Quentin, the poor man paced in anger but failed to get over the incident at lunch. He called Martin. "I need you to look into where Noelle is staying now."

Soon, Martin sent him an address and explained, "This is Mrs. Lowe's private residence. She's always here when she's not at Windsor Villa."

Quentin immediately drove to the address without hesitation. He had planned to stop her when she returned home to demand an answer. He would like to know the reason she described him as appearing better than he really was. What did she mean by getting sick of a type of food that one frequently ate?

Was she tired of him?

When he arrived at her apartment, he was aghast to see John driving out of the compound. As they were business rivals, Quentin instantly recognized John's car and grew upset.

He thought, "Seriously? Has John Xenos been visiting her at home?"

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