Chapter 2 Noelle lowered her eyes further , her voice steady but distant . " Mr . Raymond ? " She could call him Mr. Martinez or Mr. Raymond , but never Ray - not anymore . Raymond , thinking she was sulking and giving him the cold shoulder , bristled with frustration . " It's Lucie's birthday today . I came straight here after dropping off her gifts , and this is the attitude you give me ? Don't you have any gratitude ? " Noelle didn't know what she was supposed to be grateful for . Back then , Raymond refused to hear her villain . side when she was drugged and framed . He blindly assumed she'd staged it all , pinning her as the And when the dust settled , it was Raymond who decided her mind was broken and personally signed the papers that threw her into this living hell . Noelle couldn't think of a single thing to be thankful for . Still , her lips parted . After a pause , she bowed her head obediently and murmured , " I'm sorry . " Raymond froze , her words hitting him like a sledgehammer . He couldn't believe it . The Noelle who would've gone to prison rather than apologize was now saying sorry to him . He wondered , " Is the sanatorium's treatment really this effective ? " Raymond's gaze softened as he studied her closely . The Martinez family was known for their striking looks . Even after years of hardship , when Noelle was first brought back , she'd been vibrant and beautiful , radiating life . But three years in the sanatorium had worn her down . She was thinner now , her skin sallow , her eyes dull and lifeless , like a flower wilted beyond saving . A pang of pity tugged at Raymond's heart , and his tone softened . " You don't need to apologize to me . You owe Lucie an apology . Three years ago , you made a mistake , refused to own up to it , and tried to pin it on her . Do you understand what you did wrong ? " A flicker of bitter irony passed through Noelle's downcast eyes . She thought , " What does it matter if I know I was wrong ? " Even if she hadn't admitted fault , she'd already been locked away in this hell for three years . As Noelle stayed silent , Raymond pressed on . " Today is Lucie's birthday banquet . If you publicly apologize to her and admit your mistake , I'll take you out of here . " The word " out " sent a jolt through Noelle's lifeless heart , her pulse quickening , her breath growing ragged . Her eyes lit up with a desperate , almost obsessive longing . " Really ? " " Well , Mr. Martinez , you didn't mention anything about ... " Theodore's brow furrowed , his voice tinged with displeasure . Noelle's heart , already dangling by a thread , leapt to her throat . Her wide eyes locked onto Raymond , a faint glimmer of hope sparking in her dim , ashen gaze . " Is there a problem ? Is the discharge process complicated ? " Raymond assumed the doctor was reluctant to lose the hefty monthly fees of 17 thousand dollars . " Any issues ? " " No , it's not that . It's just that Noelle's condition can still he ... unstable at times . I'd suggest ... " The doctor forced a smile , but before he could finish , a trembling , urgent voice cut him off . I'll apologize ! " Noelle kept her head bowed , her posture submissive and compliant . Both men turned to look at her 11521 Whiteout Survival INSTALL 45 * FREE 10 % Menu here te ctor's eyes narrowed , his sharp gaze piercing her like a cold arrow . id , on the other hand , looked surprised , even skeptical . " You're really willing to apologize ? " I apologize to Lucinda in front of everyone . I'll make sure every guest at the banquet knows I was wrong . " Is dug into her palms , the sharp , bone - deep pain radiating through her . by a longing buried deep in her heart , a single icy tear welled up in the corner of her eye , betraying her fragile hope . voice quivered , laced with a faint , almost imperceptible excitement . er you want me to apologize , I'll do it . I promise . I'll behave . " id's gaze lingered on the e tear - streaked face of Noelle , and a memory flickered to life . d drifted to the day from fou inga › doing now . years ago , the day they'd found her . He'd held his long - lost sister in his arms as she silently wept , just like d . " I'm m rant in it I'll take Ber Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!