Chapter 23

Noelle lay in Cedric's arms, looking dazed and confused. He looked down and saw only her smooth forehead, her wet hair falling between them. He swallowed, then gently let her go. "The clothes are new. You can make do with the footwear for now." Noelle saw the clothes he had left by the door and blushed. "Thanks," she said. He noticed her unguarded expression and couldn't help but scold her gently. "Don't just open the door at night." She met his eyes with calm certainty. "I knew it was you knocking." He looked away awkwardly. "Just remember to lock the door." She stood by the door, her lips curving into a faint smile. Glancing back at the unfamiliar room, she felt that she was about to start a new chapter of her life. As she charged her phone while in bed, she noticed dozens of missed calls, mainly from Frank. There was also a call from Lucas, but it rang only three times before it was dropped. She opened her WhatsApp and saw Frank's texts. "Noelle, where are you? Stop being stu