er 19 With Noelle - the only person who'd been standing in her way - now kicked out , Sabrina couldn't have been happier . Meanwhile , Conner , too , felt a weight lift off his chest when he saw how happy Sabrina was . In another five or six months , he could finally break free of this life built on pretense . Ever since Noelle had left the Ashford residence , this was the longest he had gone in years without seeing or hearing from her . They'd used to spend hours on the phone whenever he traveled for work . Now , after so long without hearing Noelle's voice , the ache of missing her was becoming unbearable . July in Norland brought sudden downpours that drenched the city without warning . Around midnight , Sabrina straddled Conner . Then , in a soft , seductive voice , she whispered , " Caleb , " she breathily said , " we haven't been together like this in so long … " Instantly , Conner rolled over and claimed Sabrina's eager lips . That night , having given in to his selfish desire , he pushed them both to the limit . Afterward , Sabrina - utterly spent - drifted into a deep sleep . Meanwhile , Conner quickly got dressed in the darkness and slipped out . The longing he had felt for Noelle over these past few days was a storm he could no longer hold back . He drove to the Spencer residence , but it was only to be stopped by Mary at the door . Thunder rumbled overhead , and rain hammered down in sheets . Soaked to the bone , Conner stood outside , fumbling for a reason to be there . " I have something for Noelle . Please , just let me see her for a minute . " " Noelle is already asleep . And you shouldn't be bringing her anything , especially not as her brother - in - law . " Mary was initially puzzled when Conner had shown up , but she'd quickly brushed it off . After all , since Noelle had decided to marry into the Cole family , she had to sever all ties with the Ashfords . Mary's firm stance left Conner with no choice . In the end , he kept making noises , hoping to catch Noelle's attention . He was convinced that if she knew he was there , she would come to see him . But Mary blocked the doorway and warned , " Caleb , if you keep this up , I'm calling the cops . " Conner stared at the familiar woman , the name " Mary " stuck in his throat . He wanted nothing more than to reclaim his rightful place and say , " It's me , Conner , the Spencers ' prized son - in - law . I'm not Noelle's brother - in - law ! " Chapter 19 2/2 He was running out of options , so he said , " I have some of Conner's belongings I need to give to Noelle . Please don't refuse on her behalf . She'd want them . " Mary hesitated for a moment , then replied , " I rarely make decisions for Noelle , but today , I'll refuse for her . " Caleb . " She addressed Conner the way Noelle would . " Noelle's remarrying , and we'll be cutting all ties with the Ashford family . " The downpour washed away whatever expression was initially on Conner's face . He'd thought the thunder had muffled Mary's words and that he had misheard . He stared at her in shock . " What did you say ? Who's remarrying ? " " Noelle's remarrying . " Conner's every nerve went taut at those plain words . He lost his composure and grabbed Mary's arms , his face tight with panic as he blurted out , " How can Noelle remarry ? She's married into the Ashford family . She can't remarry ! None of the Ashfords would ever agree to it ! " Chapter 20 Chapter 20