Noella's POV
What kind of tension I felt with this family? It was like shackling myself and not letting Mr. Enrick breathe freely while in this place. This is the first time I've seen a wealthy family impose their lives on another family as if they only value dignity and status as a conglomerate."Gosh, it's like I can hardly breathe here. Are they going to continue arguing about the life Mr. Enrick took again?" I was so anxious in my heart, thinking about what else they would say after this.The atmosphere was so tense a few minutes ago. I, who had been silent since their exchange of words, now began to feel claustrophobic and wanted a breath of fresh air. I also said to Mr. Enrick, "Sorry, I'll excuse myself to go to the toilet."I looked at Mr. Enrick as if he understood my current state. Then, my gaze wandered towards the family, and Darren's mother gave me a sharp look. So were Darren and Emma, who couldn't accept my presence among them in the first place."Alright, come back when you're done." Mr. Enrick smiled as he told me it was like he was waiting for me not to leave him there for too long.I could certainly feel how Mr. Enrick was putting up with his family. If it were me, I would probably go crazy. How can a family suppress another family just for a life that doesn't necessarily make them happy?Before leaving, I nodded in response to Mr. Enrick's words and did not forget to return his smile. I stood up and bowed slightly out of respect for those who were still looking at me intently. I continued my steps towards the door in one corner of the room."Hah... I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. For a few moments, I was able to breathe in some fresh air. The atmosphere there was so domineering. Especially Darren's mother, who was always pressuring Mr. Enrick." My lips really couldn't help but mumble all the way to the restroom.Until I was inside, I still regretted the Stuart Family's strange behaviour. I couldn't even call them family. Although I only had Uncle Martin, I was lucky that he didn't have their attitude.In fact, Darren's presence there still makes me incredulous. Especially his mother's status as Mr Enrick's brother, which is really something surprising. I knew that Darren had a lot of money. However, I didn't know that his last name was Stuart, one of the wealthy families in this town. Indeed, Mr. Enrick's family seems to me to be very complicated.Now, I was in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection that looked different. Mr. Enrick completely changed my appearance to match his. Money can indeed change everything, including my appearance.After a few minutes in the restroom, I realised Mr. Enrick must be wondering why I was gone for so long. I didn't want him to look for me here, so I finished my activities in the toilet and went out.Earlier, I washed my hands and fixed some makeup on my face. After that, I stepped outside. But, just as I was outside the restroom, once again, the feeling of discomfort and surprise arose as Darren was suddenly in front of me with his arms crossed.He looks so arrogant in his current appearance. Although his body still looked tempting, I always thought of his horror so that I wouldn't fall into the same hole again. Darren looked at me from head to toe, stiffly smiling wryly at my different appearance from usual.What was now going through his mind? I really didn't want to know. It would only make me upset and emotional as I recalled the past.At first, I wanted to ignore this man, but one of his hands blocked my way. "Darren? What are you doing?" I asked to make sure, rather than for my heart to calm down, to face him directly.Darren is really showing who he is now. He showed me the power he had and what he could do to me easily. However, I'm sure he'll think more if he wants to do so, that's because there's Mr. Enrick behind me, which is Darren's consideration not to be careless.Before I could answer my question, Darren grabbed my hand quickly and held me back from leaving. "Cheap woman. If you want money, I'll give it to you. Quick! How much do you want to get away from my family?!"Money can indeed be used for anything. In fact, Darren has plans to separate me from Mr Enrick using his money. What a petty thought, and it certainly won't affect me. Darren didn't know what happened to me and Mr. Enrick before this. He must have had some bad thoughts after our incident at the apartment."I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in your offer, Darren." My answer was so firm and certain that Darren would not underestimate me again. Moreover, the incident before this had left a lasting impression on me, and I remembered how he had treated me when Uncle Martin was in dire need of help.I swatted Darren's hand away with a single blow. Once released from his grip, I resumed my walk. Unfortunately, Darren again made me hold back as his voice was heard speaking. "Stay away from my uncle, Noella. I warned you."It was such a classic line. I had expected it. That the Stuart family, including Darren, would not accept my presence among them. Clearly, Darren was doing this to bring me down and scare me into taking a step forward with Mr. Enrick.I was so annoyed by Darren's words that I turned around and snapped back at him. "I really didn't expect you to say that, Darren. You're just like that family."I could see Darren's angry face, his emotions provoked. I saw him clench his hands, trying to hold himself back, but he wasn't one to hold back. "I know you're with my uncle just for his money, right? So, there's nothing wrong with you accepting my offer of the money you need. Isn't that the same thing?"It was as easy as that for Darren to say that about me. It looked like Darren was going to try harder about my relationship with Mr Enrick after this. Moreover, I refused his offer as it was so tempting.My feelings were mixed, I had just gotten some peace of mind, and now I had to get uncomfortable again because of Darren. This man only knows that I'm using his uncle for money. What a small mind. Seeing what Mr. Enrick was going through, I felt more sympathy for him than having to think about money.My heart, which had felt the pain after Darren's treatment during our time together, was now stinging again at his harsh words to me. It's just that I don't want to show my weakness to Darren. I'm trying to keep Darren from further humiliating me here."What a heartless man. He said that in front of me without even thinking about my feelings." My mind hurt so much that I had to suppress it and keep it inside so it wouldn't show in Darren's eyes.I acted firmly. I straightened my body in front of Darren. Then, I stared intently at Darren, wondering if he really didn't know who I was. Even though we've been living together for a while now, he seems to have forgotten about how I was during his time with me."You really don't know who I am, Darren. What do you really think I am? In fact, you have such a short mind about me and your uncle. So what if I'm in a relationship with him? He's so much better than you." Darren's emotions were so obvious, his face turning red after hearing my words.Noella's POvI confirmed to Darren that he didn't know who I was. It makes me so upset that Darren doesn't even consider me. It was evident after he ignored me in favour of another woman-Emma-who was now beside him. Emma was lucky enough to be introduced to Darren's extended family.Unfortunately, here, Darren can't judge a woman by his heart. He and his family are all about wealth and power for survival. Surely, Darren wouldn't choose me and take advantage of me being so gullible with the word love."You don't know who I am, Darren. What do you think I am all this time together? You have such a short mind about me and your uncle. So what if I have a relationship with him? He's much better than you." My last words did not end our encounter. Darren is still in front of me right now. He gets more and more angry every time she hears me speak in response. Maybe he was surprised that I had always kept quiet and not fought him.Darren's temper flared again. He was about to speak, but seeing
Noella's POVMr. Enrick's appearance between me and Darren was surprising. Maybe I've been here too long. If it weren't for Darren, Mr Enrick certainly wouldn't have followed me here. It's just that there's a sudden feeling of dread rising within me.Mr Enrick looked ordinary at the moment, but his aura was dominating. In fact, Darren had been silent ever since Mr. Enrick had asked his question. While I was afraid that any of my attitudes or movements would be wrong. That would definitely allow Mr. Enrick to make a lot of unexpected decisions, like asking for back the money I had used for Uncle Martin, perhaps.I hope what's in my mind doesn't actually happen. I must be feeling very sorry for ignoring Darren a moment ago. I should have left here long ago and not cared about anything Darren had to say.Until I finally heard Mr. Enrick ask Darren again, "Aren't you going to answer my question?"I could see the distress on Darren's face. The atmosphere dominated by Mr. Enrick did make Dar
Noella's PovAfter the previous series of events, my body began to feel tired. Even though I felt weak and powerless, I had to go to work to keep earning money. I thought so much last night I almost couldn't sleep because of this. What a complicated life full of obstacles.I went to work as usual, heading to the office where Mr. Enrick was my boss. Although I wasn't directly in the secretarial department, my job was in a division directly under the CEO's secretary. I just hoped that my work would be just as fine as it had been in the past when Mr. Enrick and I had not been in direct contact.As soon as I arrived at the office, my eyes darted around. I was on guard not to meet Mr. Enrick first today. Until I was surprised by one of my coworkers who greeted me. Her name was Mina, she had short shoulder-length hair, and she was quite an attractive woman. That's why I made friends with Mina. "Noella, are you sick? You look tired and have bags under your eyes."Mina always pays attention t
Noella's POVOn the way, we were silent. There was no sound other than the engine of the moving car. I, who was confused and scared from the start, didn't dare to ask even though the direction of the destination was taking me.In the end, I could only stare out the window, enjoying the view of the tall buildings lined up neatly. Now and then, I noticed the drivers and pedestrians busy with their business.Until Mr. Enrick's car entered the area of a famous luxury restaurant in this city, I never thought I would eat at this place. Even though I used to date Darren, he rarely took me out to eat at an expensive place like this. I felt nervous and uncomfortable. Inside, there must be many classy and wealthy people enjoying a delicious meal."Should I just refuse?" I thought about refusing, but looking at Mr. Enrick's face, which was always cold and flat, made me afraid that something might go wrong. I felt strange this time because our relationship was just an act.Mr. Enrick stepped in,
Noella's POVMy mind was not at ease, especially after Mr. Enrick said his words earlier about to announce our relationship. This made me unable to think clearly and feel restless. The lunch went by so fast I didn't want to rush back to the office. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep Mr. Enrick out of the office any longer."Gosh... how is this?" My mind was so muddled. It felt like the world was going to collapse right in front of me and fall on me.We were on our way back to the office after lunch. Of course, the lunch made me very unappetising after Mr. Enrick made his wish known. As long as the car moved, we stood still and didn't speak to each other. Mainly while in the vehicle, Mr Enrick was preoccupied with his phone. It must be an essential job. He can work from anywhere and anytime with his cell phone. It's like a new sight because I've only known about him from afar and what people have said about her.I was still lost in thinking about what to say to my coworker until Mr. Enrick
Noella's POVThere were a few documents left before it was time to go home. I quickly worked on it without stopping to avoid meeting Mr. Enrick when I got home. Yes, I don't want to be the centre of attention again like this afternoon. I've had enough of being the centre of attention just by walking beside him, lest they find out I was in the same car on the way home."Hah... my work is almost done. I have to hurry home before Mr. Enrick leaves his room." I thought about getting home on time, knowing that Mr. Enrick must be very busy and couldn't get home earlier than me.Another fifteen minutes and my work will be done. The last document did make my plan to go home easier. I need to send an email to the secretary so that it can be sent directly to Mr. Enrick. So there was no need to meet in person, and I could get ready.After finishing, I stretched before finally standing up and smiling satisfactorily at today's work. "So, now I can go home. I'll reason with Mr. Enrick that I forgot
1Noella's POVMy body froze, and my lips hardly opened when Uncle Martin asked me who Mr. Enrick was. I was at a loss as to where to start this story, while my relationship with Mr. Enrick was limited to my agreement to save Uncle Martin earlier.Should I introduce Mr Enrick to my uncle as a superior who had helped me or as a saviour I had found in times of trouble? In front of me, Uncle Martin was waiting with a face full of questions. Meanwhile, Mr. Enrick, standing behind me, began walking to the other side of the bed to get closer to Uncle Martin.I just hoped Mr. Enrick didn't say any nonsense between us. He was in control at the moment, but I didn't want Uncle Martin to know what I had sacrificed for him. "Good evening, I'm Noella's lover. My name is Enrick. I apologize if my arrival disturbs your company." I rounded my eyes for a moment and looked down then. Mr. Enrick really said something that left me speechless.I saw Uncle Martin was as surprised as I was. He froze for a f
Noella's POVMr. Enrick's question left me speechless. I was surprised when he wanted to know about my relationship with Darren. I swallowed slowly, trying to remain calm to avoid making him suspicious. In the end, I answered the question with some facts I covered."I just know him, not close." I was a little nervous when I answered, but I tried not to make him ask again. After hearing my answer, Mr. Enrick looked sharply at me. The cold air seemed to envelop this car and made me uncomfortable. In his cold tone, Mr. Enrick said again. "Don't let me find out for myself about what happened."My heart skipped a beat as if my life was being threatened. My body stiffened, and I felt guilty for not telling Mr. Enrick the truth. With his abilities and power, it would have been easier for Mr. Enrick to find out for himself. In time, I would definitely get into trouble with this cover-up. Perhaps I should say what I've been saying since dinner that night. About my relationship with Darren, b