Chapter 5 Noelle left Sabrina's ward , still clutching her abdomen against the cramps . Just as she stepped out the door , she ran into Conner . He was carefully carrying a bowl of beetroot soup . Meanwhile , Yasmine trailed behind him , balancing a small plate of pickles Sabrina had suddenly craved . All Conner had were eyes for Sabrina . He stepped past Noelle , his shoulders brushing against hers just enough to push her toward the doorframe . Then , he gingerly crossed the room to Sabrina . " This isn't the best , but I'll have Hugo import some next week , " he said . Suddenly , the angry expression on Sabrina's face disappeared , replaced with a gentle smile as she grinned at Conner . " If you treat me so well , honey , you'll just spoil me . " Conner settled down beside Sabrina's bed and dotingly ruffled her hair . " You're pregnant with our baby now , silly . Who else would I pour all this love onto ? " Yasmine eyed Noelle before speaking in a tone edged with disapproval , " What's with that face , Noelle ? Sabrina's pregnant , and you should be happy for her . " Noelle figured Yasmine might have long been harboring silent resentment toward her . After all , through all the years of Noelle's failed attempts at conceiving with Conner , Yasmine had more than once suggested she approach Dalton to identify the issue . Yet , she had repeatedly brushed it off . Eventually , Yasmine decided that Noelle simply wanted to enjoy her childless marriage a little longer and was indifferent to the fact that the Ashford family's bloodline was thinning . By then , Noelle's stomach cramps had grown so intense that she could barely speak . As she braced herself against the wall , beads of dense sweat rolled down her back and soaked into her blouse . However , to Yasmine , this was nothing but Noelle's petty jealousy and resentment on full display . If she couldn't bear children herself , she had no right to act bitter or begrudge Sabrina's pregnancy . As Noelle steadied herself against the wall , she could feel Conner's gaze sweep over her for the briefest moment . She knew he understood what was happening to her , yet he decided to stay silent . " I'm not feeling well , " she said in a tight voice , frowning . Yasmine set the pickles aside , visibly annoyed . It was as if she was convinced that Noelle's discomfort was nothing more than an excuse borne of spite and envy . So , she waved Noelle off . " Fine , go home . Don't stay here and upset Sabrina . Right now , the only thing that matters to the Ashfords is keeping this precious baby safe . " From the bed , Sabrina shot Noelle a small , smug smile . The look in her eyes seemed to tell Noelle that she was the one the Ashfords saw worth protecting . No one cared if Noelle lived or died . Chapter 5 2/2 After returning to the Ashford residence , the first thing Noelle did was call Mary . She stood on the bedroom balcony , where an easel and a wooden chair were . Noelle had studied fine arts in college , but she'd become a full - time housewife after marriage . Sometimes though , when she felt inspired , she would paint while Conner joined her at the balcony . This place had used to be a warm corner of Noelle's world . But now , it just stung to be here . She pressed the phone closer to her ear , her tone casual as she said , " Come get me this week , Mom . Conner's gone , and there's no point in staying with the Ashfords anymore . " In truth , Mary had wanted to bring Noelle back home for a while now , but she was held back by the thought that it might be better to keep her at the Ashford residence . At least here , there'd still be memories of Conner around the house . However , she was delighted that Noelle had chosen to leave now . " Home ! Yes , you must come home ! We'll sever every tie with the Ashfords , and you'll meet new people and start fresh . I'll pick you up this week ! " Mary's voice grew heavy as she continued , " And Noelle , the Ashfords called . They've arranged a top - tier lawyer for your dad's case , but other than Conner , no one else in that family is easy to deal with . " Let's not take their favors . I won't have you indebted and humiliated all over again … " Noelle rested her hands on the railing of the balcony and looked down on the sprawling Ashford residence . " Mom , since when had Conner been easy to deal with ? " Mary went quiet , not quite understanding what Noelle meant . To her , Noelle had loved Conner too deeply to speak of him in such harsh words , especially now that he was dead . Upon sensing her puzzlement , Noelle gave a faint smile . " Everything's fine , Mom . The Ashfords don't give without having received payment first , so let's just take what they've offered and live with it in peace . " Enjoy Ad - Free Reading >> Go Chapter 6 Chapter 6