Chapter 16
“How can you even suggest something like that about me and Winter? It’s not because….
“Stop! Just stop. I can’t listen to another word, Xavier. You’re making me sick. Get out now before there’s nothing left of you in my heart.” Noelle shoved Zaver back, shooting him a look that could freeze lava. “And don’t you dare come back.”
With that, she fished her keys out of her bag, strode to the apartment door, flung it open, and disappeared inside. She felt like she would totally lose it if she spent one more second with
Xavier
Xavier watched Noelle’s back as she left, completely lost. How had things between them gone so horribly wrong?
Even if they could not be a couple, the bond they had once shared still lingered. He believed that if Noelle had even the slightest affection left for him, she would be mindful of his feelings. She should be cool about him and Winter being together, especially since Winter had once saved her life.
He planned to make things right with her, hoping they could return to the way things once were. Noelle would remain the same big–hearted, empathetic girl he had always known.
He was certain a shift had occurred due to that guy she had been with in the car. Otherwise, Noelle would never have acted so coldly towards him. She would not have!
Noelle was completely drained. That talk with Xavier had her questioning everything about
her life.
Noelle spent the weekend trying to shake everything off before returning to work. She believed that no matter what, life went on and one could not just ditch work. However, she had given herself too much credit and underestimated the gossipmongers.
Noelle was met with stares and whispers upon stepping into the company lobby. “Look, that’s her! The girl who stooped so low as to snatch her sister’s fiance.”
“Totally! I heard her sister even saved her life when they were little.”
“Seriously, how can someone bite the hand that feeds them?”
“Let’s be real, she’s never been Ms. Congeniality. Did you know she’s one of us? She’s the reason a bunch of women here got edged out.”
Noelle stomped her foot, her piercing gaze landing on the group of gossiping women. Maybe It was the commanding air she carried or her standing in the company, but the women quickly scattered with their heads bowed. One of them could not resist a parting shot before leaving. “You think being the third woman in someone’s relationship is something to brag
about? We can’t even talk about it now, huh?”
+15 BONUS
Noelle’s breathing was erratic, her chest rising and falling as she fought to steady her roiling
emotions.
With a bitter laugh, she watched the women’s retreating figures. She knew returning to the company would stir up drama, but expecting it and facing it head–on were two different things.
Shaking her head, she turned to walk away.
“Ms. Shaw.” The receptionist, Alice, stopped her. Her eyes flickered to Noelle’s with a mix of concern and awkwardness. “Just so you know, pretty much everyone in the company’s heard about… your situation. Brace yourself, okay?”
“Thanks for the heads–up, Alice.” Noelle sighed. This was one storm she would have to weather. “You’re on my side, right?”
“Ms. Shaw, I know you’re not that type of person, and…” Alice hesitated, her voice trailing off. She had seen Noelle and Xavier together before. They had been the real deal.
“Thanks, Alice. I appreciate it. I’ve got to head up now, so you should get back to work.” She was genuinely thankful for the support, especially now.
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