5: Bli

udying her with the precision of a hawk examining its prey. Noelle felt like she was on trial whi

but edged with disdain. "You're the

s were frayed. "Mrs. Blackwood, it's a pleasure

humorless smile. "Is it? I doubt he's told you much.

s flush. Still, she kept her composure. "Adrian valu

th. "Has he? That's sweet of him. But I can't help but wond

f guard. "I-I'm not sure

't. My son is a man of extraordinary talent, wealth, and standing. And you..." Her eyes swept

in knots. "Yes, I own a small flower shop. It

w quaint," she said with thinly veiled disdain. "Tell me,

liked his coffee, how his smile looked in the morning light. She thought she knew everythi

a slap. "Aside from the fact that he's a world-famous acto

respond, but Carol did

cratch, that he's grateful for everything you've done for him." Carol let out a bitter laugh, her eyes da

ding. "I don't understand," she murmu

r. "My son became a star to chase after the woman he actu

r breath catchin

tense silence. The door slid open, revealing a nearby restaurant's large glass window

ca M

rs and interviews. And before she could even process the sigh

atched, her chest tightening wit

ression. "See for yourself," she said, sounding more triumphant than ever. "That is the world my son belongs to. Not som

h the restaurant's glass window. Adrian didn't pull away from Bianca's bold kiss. He di

ngers trembled as she reached for the door handle, needing to escape t

rious. "Save yourself the heartbreak. Bianca is the one wh

elt like it might explode from the pain. "I don't believe you," she said qu

ing perfectly at ease, as if nothing has changed? Think about that, Miss

of the car and onto the pavement. The sound of the city buzzed around her, but all she could foc

me one day for showing you the truth. Walk a

she fought back the storm of emotions threatening to consume her. She stood

part in the middle of the street. Instead, she took a deep breath, straightened her back, and started wal

ver and over in her mind like a cruel reminder. Her

she cried, who promised her forever. But now, doubt seeped into every

had always been honest with her-or so she thought. If he had secrets, if th

slowed as she t

ght. 'I can accept anything as long