Chapter 16
Blast From The Past
Noelle’s POV
L
I got home just as the sky began to darken. The familiar scent of jasmine and old wood met me at the door.
T
Vernon was in the living room, flipping through a magazine. The moment he saw me, he stood.
“How did it go?” he asked gently.
I sank into the seat across from him. “It was… a lot.”
He sat beside me. “Want to talk about it?”
I nodded. “We talked. Properly, this time.
IN
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About… everything.”
Vernon waited, letting me take my time.
“He’s different from what I imagined. He didn’t try to deny anything. He admitted it all–his mistakes, the years he missed. And he’s trying to fix it before it’s too late.”
Vernon reached for my hand. “That’s good, Noelle. I’m happy you’re finally getting something you’ve always deserved- acceptance.”
I swallowed. “It’s strange. In just a short while, he gave me more acceptance and warmth than Williams ever did in my whole life.” Vernon gave my hand a squeeze. “Because you were never truly Williams‘ daughter.”
I sighed. “That man ruined my mother.”
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it ym sied to ruin you,” Vernon added.
enipsmi tly, I muttered. “And the worst part? I bs 9H know. I didn’t know any of it. I spent men afe tiptoeing around him, trying to earn oot e’tibs of approval. When the truth is–he
er loved me. He loved Jocelyn’s mother.
brst like Christopher loved Jocelyn.”
llsnit
9b aynon nodded slowly. “They’re all the same.”
hristopher really is Williams‘ ideal
90on–in–law, I muttered bitterly. “They deserve
92ach other.”
19 a
Sri Vernon chuckled. “Well, I hope they’re ready. 9 Because they’ll all be attending your debut.”
I turned sharply. “They what?”
He nodded. “Williams, Christopher, Jocelyn.
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They were all invited. They’ll be there.”
A slow grin stretched across my face. “Oh… this is perfect.”
Vernon raised a brow. “You seem excited.”
“Excited?” I repeated. “I’m ecstatic.”
He chuckled.
I leaned forward, eyes sharp. “You know what this means, right?”
“Enlighten me.”
“I’m going to expose him. Williams. Right there. In front of everyone. The mighty CEO whose wife was raped on her wedding night, whose daughter isn’t even his, who drugged a woman for his mistress”
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“9190jed
n blinked. “You’re serious.”
me
led coldly. “Completely. Jocelyn has dy lost credibility. Her name’s tainted. 59233nore investors, no more collaborations.
‘s a joke now. And when I reveal the truth 2397ut Williams, their empire will crumble.”
rnon watched me for a moment, then niled. “You know… you’re terrifying when sou talk like this.
“S
grinned. “Good.”
He leaned closer. “You know what else?”
“What?”
“You look very… irresistible when you’re plotting revenge.”
I rolled my eyes, laughing. “Stop it.”
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0990 serious.”
9on’t say things like that,” I said, my face bating.
Why not?” His voice was lower now, softer.
TheBecause it’s embarrassing.”
Vernon stood and walked around to kneel in front of me. His hands found my waist. “Why are you embarrassed? You’re my wife.”
I covered my face with both hands. “Vernon…”
He gently pulled my hands away. “I want to see your face when you’re not drunk.”
I blinked. “What?”
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“I’ve seen you angry, sad, tipsy… even broken. But I want to see you in love. I want to see you choosing me, not just escaping him.”
“Vernon-”
“I’m not asking you to say it now,” he said, his voice tender. “I just want you to know… I’ve loved you for years. I loved you when you didn’t even know my name.”
I blushed, my eyes darting away. “You’re making this very difficult.”
He smiled. “Good.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready for this, Vernon, I murmured.
He smiled, “You’ll never know unless you try.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.
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This time, I didn’t pull away.
I leaned into the kiss. He kissed me, slowly, gently. My hands found their way into his hair as I tugged his face closer to mine. “Vernon…” I murmured, leaning in closer.
He pulled away a bit and stared at me, and I frowned as his warmth disappeared.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked me.
I shook my head quickly, “I want you.”
Vernon smirked, “I know you do, baby.”
Then he stood, scooped me into his arms. effortlessly, and carried me toward the bedroom.
“Let me show you what it feels like to be
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chosen,” he whispered in my ear.
I didn’t resist.
Not this time.
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