Chapter 5
Noelle’s POV
“Noelle, it’s time!” Jocelyn’s voice rang from below.
peeked down the stairs. “I don’t want to make you late. I’ll catch up.”
They hesitated–reluctant to leave me unsupervised.
“She’ll take a cab,” my father said sharply.
Jocelyn smiled sweetly. “I’ll be waiting, Noelle.”
Once they left, I exhaled.
Then I gathered every gift, letter, and trinket
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Christopher ever gave me–and tossed it into
the trash.
I called a courier.
“These must be delivered by 8 PM. If they refuse, open them yourself.”
The man nodded, pocketing his payment.
Then I pulled out my hidden design portfolio.
No more hiding. The world was ready–and willing to see me.
A message flashed on my phone.
I’m downstairs.
Clutching my box, I stepped into the waiting limousine.
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“Evening, Mistress, the driver greeted. “We’re headed to the airport. The jet is ready.”
As the city lights rolled past, my phone exploded with messages.
Where are you, Noelle?
Don’t start drama tonight.
I said I’m sorry!
Pick up your damn phone.
I muted it with a small smile.
By the time I boarded the jet, he’d called fifteen times.
The last message blinked:
If you don’t show, it’s over.
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I settled into the plush seat, tablet in hand.
With one tap, the live stream of the gala flickered to life.
The ballroom shimmered with gold. Champagne flowed. Laughter rang.
Jocelyn sparkled in crimson silk, pressed against Christopher.
But his smile faltered.
“She’ll come,” he muttered.
“She wouldn’t miss this.”
Except–I already had.
Then, three elegantly wrapped boxes were
wheeled in.
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A note sat atop the first:
For my husband and sister. Happy celebration – – Noelle.
Christopher stiffened.
“She sent gifts?” Jocelyn blinked.
The courier stepped forward. “Miss Noelle said to deliver at exactly 8.”
Christopher ripped open the card.
Congratulations. You’ve earned every bit of
–
this. Noelle
Jocelyn eagerly opened the first box.
Inside: an envelope.
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vorce papers–signed, finalized, stamped the court.
asps filled the air.
Divorce?”
I thought Jocelyn was his wife-?”
The second box revealed an ultrasound photo…
And a hospital bag labeled:
Patient: Noelle Nichols. Procedure: Emergency Termination. 4 Months Gestation.
Jocelyn staggered. Christopher turned white.
Then came the final box.
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besilani
he lid opened-
nd the room collectively gasped.
Christopher stood frozen.
Jocelyn’s face drained of all color.
+ 5 Points
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