No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

After sending the message, Noelle didn't get a reply. As she stared at their conversation, she sensed something had changed but couldn't quite pinpoint what.

Somehow, she had grown used to Cedric being around. During her most helpless and painful moments after her rebirth, Cedric appeared by her side, shielding her from the storms outside. He was both a mentor and a friend. Over time, her feelings toward him had shifted. With his absence over the past few days, Noelle found herself feeling restless and missing him more than usual. To distract herself, Noelle decided to go out and buy a few things. As she left the store with some snacks in hand, a car honked twice from the curb. She turned around and saw Frank. Noelle's expression turned cold. "Are you following me?"

"Noelle, this is Aldoria. Finding out where you are is just a matter of time," Frank replied, looking at her with a complex expression.

Frank had put in a lot of effort to find her, especially with someone like Cedric around. He had turned out to be more than just a school doctor. Yet, Frank still hadn't been able to figure him out. Noelle eyed him warily. "What do you want to say?"

"Noelle, I mean no harm. Your exam results are coming soon, and I just want to make sure you're okay. It's important to choose the right college," Frank continued.

Noelle recalled how Frank had agreed to Lucas' suggestion to enroll her in the same mediocre college as Xenia in her past life.noveldrama

She smirked. "I don't need your help. I can handle it myself."

"Noelle, don't be stubborn at such a crucial time. Don't gamble your future away just because you're upset, okay?" Frank said, stepping in front of her. "I even arranged for a teacher to help you and Xenia with the application..." "Enough, is this really necessary?" Noelle snapped. "Frank, do you ever listen to what others are saying? Wasn't what I just said clear enough? I hate it when you pretend to care and use that to guilt-trip me!"

Frank looked hurt. "I didn't mean it that way."

"Then it's best you keep your distance!" Noelle snapped, turning to leave.

Suddenly, there was a thud behind her. Frank had collapsed to the ground. Noelle paused.

Frank's driver hurried to his side and called out, "Mr. Liddell's stomach problems have been acting up for while, Ms. Liddell. He refuses to go to the hospital. If he keeps delaying treatment, it could get serious."

Noelle noticed the trace of blood at the corner of Frank's mouth. With a sigh, she reluctantly helped the driver to lift Frank into the can

As she weakly

about to leave, Frank

bed her hand."

pspered. Content ellet don't go. I was wet

Noelle felt a mix of emotions. "You should just go to the hospital."

"Can you stay with me?" Frank pleaded, still holding onto her hand.

The driver anxiously added, "Ms. Liddell, please go with him. His condition can't be ignored any longer."

Noelle reluctantly got into the car. She sat stiffly beside Frank without a word.

Frank managed a faint smile. "Noelle, you haven't talked to me properly in a long time."

Noelle's response was cold. "Isn't Xenia usually by your side? I doubt you need me here." It had always been that way.