After Yasmine's dramatic outburst , the Spencer family's party slowly came to an end . Noelle kept her composure as she saw the guests out , exchanging a few polite words with relatives and reassuring them . about the situation . By the time everything was handled , the exhaustion was etched into her face . During the commotion , her aunt , Diana Spencer , had taken care of Mary . Now , she was waiting outside the bedroom for Noelle . When she saw her , she said , " Mary's awake now , so I should head home . " Noelle nodded as she gently took Diana's hand . " Aunt Diana , thank you so much for today . You came so far for the celebration , but instead , you got dragged into this mess . You didn't even get to enjoy yourself . " On my wedding day , you'd better come early , and I'll make sure you're well taken care of . " Diana looked at Noelle who seemed so mature now . Overwhelmed with emotion , she sighed . " Before you married into the Ashford family , you still had that sweet , innocent charm of a young girl . " But in the blink of an eye , you're handling these situations like an adult … " Upon seeing the sad expression on Diana's face , Noelle squinted and chuckled . " Aunt Diana , you're not allowed to say I'm getting old ! I'm obviously still a young woman ! " Diana lovingly cupped Noelle's face with both hands . " Yes , yes … As long as you haven't had kids yet , you're still a young woman . Besides , what's so good about having kids anyway ? It's nothing compared to the joy of staying youthful . " Obviously , Diana had heard Yasmine's words and was trying to comfort Noelle . Noelle froze for a second , but she quickly smiled again and replied , " Aunt Diana , you're absolutely right . " Then , worried that Noelle might feel hurt , Diana continued , " Everyone has their own blessings . It's the 21st century now . Women don't have to have children , and lots of young couples are choosing to be child - free these days . That's what's trendy now . " Noelle nodded . " I understand , Aunt Diana . " Diana then pointed toward the bedroom . " Mary just woke up and isn't feeling very well right now . She's always been wise and understanding , so if you comfort her a bit , she'll be fine . There's no point in getting so worked up that it harms her health . " After seeing off the last Spencer family relative , Noelle pushed open the bedroom door . Chapter 39 2/2 She had never seen Mary look so haggard before . Even when Patrick was taken away for questioning , Mary had remained resilient and strong . Thinking about this made Noelle's heart ache . She sat by the bedside and took Mary's hand . " Mom , I'm sorry . I've brought trouble to the family and embarrassed us . " Mary's heart ached for her precious daughter too . " Nonsense . Sweetheart , you've suffered a huge insult , and you're apologizing to me ? My silly girl , it's the Ashford family who should be ashamed , not you . " After a pause , her expression shifted into one of worry . " Noelle , gossip in these circles doesn't sleep . By tomorrow , this will have reached the Cole family . " Once this news gets to them , I'm already prepared for them to call off the engagement . " Noelle kept her head down , her eyes full of determination . " Mom , I'm prepared for that too . After all , we're in the wrong for not telling the Coles about my situation from the start . " She took a deep breath and added , " Instead of waiting for the news to reach them , I think I should go to the Cole residence tonight and explain everything clearly . It's better to tell them sooner so they can minimize their losses . " After all , she'd heard that the Cole family was already preparing an elaborate wedding . Mary struggled to prop herself up with her arms . " Noelle , I'll go with you , " she said , her face etched with worry . She was afraid Noelle would have to face this alone and that the Cole family's fury would be mercilessly directed at her . After all , she was only in her mid - 20s - she was too young to handle that kind of pressure. But Noelle was stronger than Mary imagined . She adjusted the pillow behind Mary , tucked the blanket snugly around her , and softly said , " Mom , you should rest . I'll handle this myself . Don't think too much , and just wait for me at home . " Chapter 40 Chapter 40