Chapter 23

Chapter 23:

The realization sent a sharp ache through her heart, prompting her to wriggle desperately, trying to escape his hold.

“Let me go! I can walk on my own!” she asserted defiantly, her voice laced with frustration.

Her vigorous struggle irked Noah, and in response, he tightened his grip, his resolve firm.

“And risk you hurting your foot again?” He chided her softly, his voice a blend of reprimand and tenderness.

Sadie’s resistance faded; she reluctantly ceased her efforts and settled down.

Noah’s gaze softened as he looked upon her calm, delicate features, stirring a storm of emotions within him.

He carefully lowered her onto the sofa, his movements tender and deliberate, and he knelt to examine her swollen ankle.

His fingers, articulate and precise, brushed against her skin with a gentleness that contrasted with his earlier firmness.

Sadie cast her gaze downward, her eyes settling on the crown of Noah’s head, momentarily adrift in thought.

These instances of tenderness from Noah were few and far between.

Every gesture he made seemed to strum a chord deep within her heart. Once Noah confirmed her ankle was fine, he carefully placed her feet on the sofa and draped a blanket over them with a soft touch.

“You haven’t had anything to eat yet, have you? I’ll whip up some clam chowder to fill you up,” he offered, his voice soft and filled with concern.

At his words, a surge of warmth fluttered through Sadie’s chest. She raised her eyes to meet his, her gaze lingering on his striking features, rendered speechless.

She meant to insist that it wasn’t necessary, yet before the words could leave her lips, Noah said firmly, “Just relax,” and made his way to the kitchen.

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm is a world of wonder

The kitchen’s open layout allowed Sadie a clear view from the sofa. She watched as Noah rolled up his sleeves, exposing his muscular, well-toned forearms.

The way he chopped ingredients was pure artistry—fluid, precise, and nearly enchanting to watch.

Sadie’s thoughts swirled in chaos—she just couldn’t make sense of him. They were on the brink of divorce; why then did Noah continue to perform these thoughtful, intimate acts that only fueled her confusion?

Before she could delve too deep into her thoughts, Noah returned, setting a steaming bowl of clam chowder before her with a gesture that suggested she enjoy it while it was hot.

The enticing aroma of the clam chowder wafted through the air, but to Sadie, it was more of an assault than a comfort, making her stomach twist in revolt. She instinctively clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening as she fought the urge to gag.

Noah’s brow furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Sadie shook her head and mustered a feeble smile. “Nothing, just not feeling very hungry,” she responded, hoping her voice sounded convincing enough. She desperately wanted to keep her discomfort hidden from Noah, to mask the turmoil that churned within her.

Noah’s expression softened, though his concern didn’t wane. “Sadie, it’s your own body,” he reminded her gently, his voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and tenderness. “You know about your stomach issues. If you don’t eat on time, you’re the one who’s going to suffer later.”

His words were firm, underscored by a palpable sense of concern that seemed to fill the room.

Sadie felt a sudden pinch at her nose, and before she could stop them, tears began to stream down her cheeks. Memories flooded back—of years ago when she first started working at Noah’s company, of the countless nights spent toiling away, skipping meals in a vain attempt to gain his approval. It was during one of those grueling nights that her neglect had caught up with her, her stomach condition flaring up so severely that she had collapsed and curled in on herself on the floor, pain clouding her vision. In her haze, she vaguely remembered being lifted, carried with a steadiness that had felt strangely comforting at the time.

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