Chapter 6 1/2 When Conner had first learned about Sabrina's pregnancy , he had been so thrilled that he'd barely slept a wink . After all , it was great news . It meant that he could soon return to Noellle's side as long as Sabrina was pregnant with an Ashford family child . Worried for the baby , Yasmine had insisted that Sabrina remain in the hospital so doctors would be nearby if anything happened . Anyone could tell that she doted on that unborn child with extreme eagerness . With expectations clearly going to her head , Sabrina couldn't help but gloat in her daily interactions with the Ashford family housekeepers . " Make sure all cooking is extra savory . Salty and savory food for the boys while sweets are for the girls . And since precious Sabrina craves savory foods all the time , I'm sure it's a boy . " I'll send this flask of soup to her in a bit , " Yasmine said . Noelle's cramps flared again . She'd barely managed a few bites before setting down her utensils . " You all take your time . I'm done . " Just as she got up , Conner looked over at her in concern . " You've only had two bites . Don't you like it ? " Noelle almost laughed . Now , he suddenly cared about her - but it was all pointless . Eager to please Yasmine , the housekeepers had cranked up the saltiness in every dish until they were downright unpalatable . Of all the people there , Conner knew that Noelle preferred sweets , especially during her period . Yet here he was , pretending not to know and asking if she'd lost her appetite . His belated concern almost churned Noelle's stomach in disgust . " If you like it , have more , " she coolly said before turning around and heading upstairs without a glance back . As Conner and Yasmine sat at the dining table , they both frowned in disapproval . " The moment Sabrina gets pregnant , Noelle turns prickly and snaps at everyone . She has no basic respect at all ! " Yasmine grumbled , clicking her tongue . She bustled to pack up the soup for Sabrina , and when the thought that the thin Ashford family bloodline was about to branch and bloom , a smile spread across her face . Just then , Conner set his utensils down , his appetite gone as his gaze shifted to the stairs . Upon seeing Noelle's silhouette vanish at the landing , he fell into deep thought . That night , Noelle downed painkillers and drifted off to sleep . Chapter 6 2/2 Just then , she heard a faint rustle outside her door . When the door opened , a tall figure stepped in , shocking her out of her drowsiness . When she took a closer look , she realized that it was Conner carrying a bowl of mushroom soup . Noelle had always hated mushrooms because found the smell too strong . But Conner had used to make her a bowl of mushroom soup whenever she was on her period , and despite not liking it , she'd choke it down every time . She was touched that a man like him - raised in silk and silver - would fuss over it for her . Yet now , its mere smell turned her stomach . Conner sat at the side of Noelle's bed holding the bowl of mushroom soup . He looked almost wistful . This had once been his room too . In the weeks he'd been busy playing his part in continuing the family line , he'd been physically present but mentally absent . All the while , his thoughts had stayed in this room with Noelle . Now that Sabrina was pregnant and confined to her maternity ward , he finally had time to slip away to Noelle . " Noelle , I made this myself . I know it's that time of the month , and this will help with the pain . Don't rely so much on painkillers . " To Noelle , Conner's presence was even more cloying than the mushroom soup . She turned her head away and coldly snapped , " This is my bedroom , Caleb . You shouldn't be here at this hour . " Conner's chest tightened at Noelle's icy detachment . In a panic , he grabbed her wrist . " Noelle , just listen- " The moment Conner's skin touched hers , Noelle's mind flooded with memories of the nights of muffled moans and murmurs through the bedroom wall . Instantly , revulsion surged up in her chest . " Let go ! Don't touch me ! " Noelle snapped , wrenching her hand free . Upon seeing her resist , Conner panicked and leaned in without a second thought , nearly spilling the soup over . The faint scent of jasmine from Noelle's skin pulled him under , and even his voice carried a heavy breath as he said , " Noelle , please . Don't be so cold to me … " In his struggle , the bowl shattered onto the floor , followed by a piercing shriek . Sabrina stood in the doorway , her screaming tearing through the peace of the Ashford residence . " Noelle , you shameless bitch ! Even your husband's brother isn't safe from your claws ! " Chapter 7 1/2 Chapter 7