Chapter 28
Frank covered his face with a hand as he slowly realized how much Noelle had done for him. Before this, he had always assumed that the medicinal congee was a simple thing to make.
Frank was beginning to regret neglecting her. He didn’t even know half of the things she’d done for him. He felt that he had failed as a brother. He finally realized that Noelle wasn’t merely sulking. She’d truly been hurt!-
He turned to Gordon and said, “Bring me the gifts Noelle gave to Xenia.”
The butler was surprised. “Weren’t those Ms. Liddell’s peace offering? Won’t it be unfair to Ms. Quigley if you take them back?
“She already feels insecure about living under someone else’s roof, so she’ll feel even more vulnerable if you do this. You shouldn’t feel bad just because of some medicinal congee. Ms. Quigley even made you soup and got hurt in the process.”
Frank hesitated, his resolve wavering as he recalled the sight of Xenia’s burnt hand. After a moment, he said, “Forget it. Just bring the gift I prepared and leave the rest alone for now.” He knew he needed to start making some changes.
That evening, after returning home and having dinner, Noelle locked herself in her room again. Soon, someone knocked on her door, and Frank’s voice rang out. “Noelle, it’s me.”
She went over to open the door, her expression blank. “What do you want?”
“This is for you.”
She saw a box with a familiar emerald necklace inside. Wasn’t that the apology gift she’d given Xenia? She wondered what her brother was up to now.
Frank admitted regretfully, “I know I’ve done things in the past to make you sad. I’m returning this necklace to you, and I’ll buy Xenia a new one. This necklace is special to you, so I never should have asked you to give it away.” He had spent the entire day feeling sorry for his thoughtless actions at the banquet the other day.
Noelle was taken aback. She never would have expected her brother to “return” the necklace to her. She found his behavior surprising.
In her past life, she had never gotten anything back before her death.
Noelle averted her gaze, her voice steady. “Forget it. Gifts aren’t meant to be taken back.”
“Please accept it, Noelle. I’ll feel terrible if you don’t. Just think of it as my way of apologizing, all right?”
She questioned his apology and wondered if he was only giving her a carrot after giving her
the stick.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Xenia hiding nearby. So, she deliberately raised her voice and said, “You shouldn’t be doing this, Frank. I gave this to Xenia as a gift, so how could you take it away without asking? You’re going to hurt her feelings. Aren’t I right, Xenia?”
Guilt flashed across Frank’s face when he turned around and saw Xenia around the corner. After all, he hadn’t asked for her permission.
Xenia forced herself out of her hiding spot and said, “Noelle, I was just keeping them for you temporarily. I’m more than happy to return them to you. After all, I know someone like me doesn’t deserve such valuable things.”
She sounded extra sincere in her comments. However, she immediately pretended to be hurt by turning around and wiping her tears away.
Frank instantly panicked. “Xenia?”
Noelle leaned against the doorframe. “You had better go comfort her, Frank.”
Frank pressed his lips together. “I came here to apologize, Noelle. Why did you have to say those things to hurt Xenia?
“I know I’ve made you sad, but Xenia hasn’t done anything wrong. Besides, don’t forget that her father saved your life!”
A self–deprecating smile appeared on Noelle’s lips. She should’ve known that nothing had really changed. She’d nearly fallen for his act.
Chapter 29
