Chapter 26

Chapter 26:

The mere thought sent a thrill of excitement through her, a tender sweetness blossoming silently in her chest.

A low, insistent buzz filled the air as the phone on the bedside table rattled against the wood, breaking the quiet.

Sadie reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she answered.

On the other end of the line, a warm, motherly voice spoke with gentle concern. “Mrs. Wall, I’ve prepared some chicken soup for you. Be sure to have some once you’re up; it will help you recover faster.”

The voice belonged to Rosa Barrett, the devoted housekeeper who had faithfully served Sadie and Noah for years.

“Thank you, Rosa. I appreciate your concern,” Sadie replied, her voice polite but tinged with unmistakable disappointment.

As she set the phone down, her face drained of all color.

So, it wasn’t Noah.

The faint spark of hope that had flickered to life in her chest was ruthlessly snuffed out.

A self-deprecating laugh escaped her lips; she had let her imagination run wild again.

How could Noah, with his life of privilege, ever stoop to care for her—the wife he was planning to leave behind?

No doubt he was with Kyla now, lavishing her with affection and warmth.

Sadie sipped her steaming chicken soup, a semblance of comfort seeping into her weary bones.

She applied some blush to mask her pallor, grabbed her bag, and made her way to work.

As soon as she entered the office, Tina immediately came over, her expression clouded with worry.

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“Sadie, are you alright?” she inquired, her brow furrowed.

“Just a slight cold. I’ll be fine after some rest,” Sadie replied, managing a weak smile.

“But you look terribly pale,” Tina noted, setting a cup of hot apple cider on Sadie’s desk. “Drink this; it’s great for boosting your immune system and fighting off colds—it’s amazing!”

With a genuine smile and an enthusiastic thumbs-up, Tina warmly recommended the concoction.

Amusement flickered in Sadie’s eyes as a soft warmth filled her heart. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice a gentle whisper.

“It’s nothing. We’re colleagues after all, and it’s only right we look out for each other,” Tina responded, giving Sadie’s shoulder a comforting pat.

Sadie nodded her head in acknowledgment, her heart caught in a tangled mix of emotions.

Despite her marriage, it was a colleague, not her husband, who offered her solace and concern.

And then there was Noah—where was he right now? And who was he with?

Just then, a soft, apologetic voice drifted from the hallway, halting Sadie’s spiraling thoughts.

“Noah, I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time—sorry about that.”

There was no mistaking that voice—it could only be Kyla.

A chill ran through Sadie as she instinctively turned, her eyes meeting the silhouette of the woman. Her body tensed, her complexion paler.

Tina, noticing the sudden shift in Sadie’s demeanor, followed her gaze and caught sight of a sophisticated woman facing away from them. The woman slightly tilted her head, exposing the graceful curve of her slender neck, her lips curled into a radiant smile directed at the man before her.

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