Noella's POV
I froze for a while. The presence of two people I didn't expect was before my eyes. I didn't expect Darren to be one of Mr. Enrick's family. I could also see that Emma was there to keep him company, and that couple was the reason I was here.With my hand still wrapped around Mr. Enrick's arm, I stepped with him to get closer to his extended family. Mr. Enrick pulled out a chair for me, and I sat amongst them all, feeling very uncomfortable. Darren and Emma's presence made things awkward for me, especially what they had done before.Despite the discomfort, I tried to do it professionally. I didn't want Mr. Enrick to be disappointed with me just because this was all an act.Slowly, everyone there started talking to each other. Even now, they were heard talking and starting a conversation to ask about my status to Mr. Enrick. "Tell me, who is she, and where is she from?"I swallowed slowly at that question, and then Mr. Enrick, without hesitation, answered, "Noella is my fiancée."I could see the looks on the faces of the few people who seemed to dislike my status in Mr. Enrick's life. Although I could see a smile on the lips of the woman who had just asked, on the other hand, I could hear Darren snorting.The look on Darren's face seemed to belittle me, so he spoke, "Come on, Uncle. You can even get a better woman than her."I felt my heart stabbed by Darren's annoying words. However, he wasn't the only one who said that."I've known many women from rich and great families, but I didn't expect this to be your choice, Mr. Enrick. The Stuart family does not wish to bear the shame of your unilateral decision." The woman was Darren's mother, she said so firmly, as if not allowing Mr. Enrick to decide for his own life.Such painful words. No wonder Mr. Enrick had never found a partner. His extended family was a significant factor in this. Luckily, I've gotten some information about the Stuarts. I knew that if Mr. Enrick was the son of his father's last wife, Mr. Enrick's Noble name differed from his father's because it followed his mother's side. However, I did not expect Darren's mother to interfere so deeply in her brother's life.I saw the hardened expression on Mr. Enrick's face. He didn't accept anything his family said about the couple. The atmosphere started to change just because of such an offensive sentence."Don't start an argument. I already have a fiancé, and I don't want to discuss this further." Mr. Enrick's words were stern and dominating. It could be seen from everyone staring at him in silence.I tried to stay calm, though I slowly widened my eyes to see how they were looking at me. Sure enough, Darren and Emma, who were sitting across from me, were now staring sardonically as if demeaning my status there. I could feel that both of them were thinking about my existence in this wealthy family.In this meeting, those two people were the only ones who recognized me and knew how my family was doing. I'm just afraid they'll mess things up and make Mr. Enrick embarrassed. Until now, I'm still monitoring those two. Not a word has come out of their lips about my previous life. Right now, I can rest a little easier because no other words came after Mr. Enrick answered several questions.The activity continued, and we enjoyed the banquet that was now in front of us. Since the last conversation a few minutes ago, the atmosphere had become cold and awkward. It's just that I can see everyone ignoring it.Not long after that, Darren spoke up again and asked something that disturbed me a little. "So, where did Uncle meet her? Isn't it too soon to decide to make her a fiancé?"Darren's mouth was always unstoppable when it came to matters like this. I felt like he would never be able to let me be happy or live in peace. I still carried the pain of him cheating on Emma in front of me in person. He even kicked me out of the apartment we shared."You cheating bastard, how dare he ask such a question and interfere in my business with Mr. Enrick. Why can't he keep his mouth shut and just watch? " I thought to myself in annoyance at Darren's behavior, especially Emma, who looked like she was supporting him from behind.Darren really lowered my appetite for the delicious-looking appetizer on my table. If only Mr. Enrick didn't have a family like this, maybe I could enjoy my rare meal in peace. Alas, it's all wishful thinking on my part.I looked to the side, saw Mr. Enrick looking at me, and smiled. Suddenly, he pulled my chair closer to him, then quickly put his arm around my waist to show how intimate we were and answer Darren's question."Noella is an employee at my company. I fell in love with her when I saw her work at her desk so beautifully." Mr. Enrick's words were so incredulous that I rounded my eyes perfectly in embarrassment.Mr. Enrick's words seemed natural, making me believe he did it all along in the office. However, I didn't want to be slapped because I had an agreement that I had to pay for it.I smiled back at Mr. Enrick, then turned my gaze to see how upset Darren's face was when he heard the answer from his uncle. Right, I felt a little happy even though this was all made up."So it's true, she's just an ordinary clerk and has nothing to be a part of this family." Darren's mother chimed in again, and there was silence. I glimpsed a faint smile on Darren's lips as he was pleased with the response.I shifted my gaze and glanced at Mr. Enrick, who was now hooked again. His hand gripped tightly around the spoon, and his jaw hardened. It was not a pretty sight. I gently touched Mr. Enrick's hand and rubbed it. I smiled as I shook my head slowly so his mother's words wouldn't provoke him."Didn't I warn you not to discuss that? My love story with Noella is, of course, different from most people's. I loved her at first sight. It can be said to be love at first sight. I don't care what you think. Of course, I will only do what I think can make me happy." Once again, Mr. Enrick dodged Darren's mother's response nicely. Mr. Enrick clasped my hand in front of everyone to show how close we were."Uncle is blinded by love, so he won't see what this woman has." Darren always makes things even more chaotic. This time, his words upset me."Isn't love like that? It comes without seeing status and position. Love that lasts comes from the heart, not just from a look." My answer managed to silence Darren. I looked at Mr. Enrick and smiled at him.The next course was served, and the atmosphere was calm again as everyone dwelled on their food. However, I could still see the annoyance on the faces of everyone whose eyes accidentally met mine."I hope after this you can accept my decision to make Noella my partner. No more arranged marriages or attempts to separate us." That sentence shut the mouths of everyone who wanted to speak again. Mr. Enrick showed our status so firmly to his extended family.Noella's POVWhat kind of tension I felt with this family? It was like shackling myself and not letting Mr. Enrick breathe freely while in this place. This is the first time I've seen a wealthy family impose their lives on another family as if they only value dignity and status as a conglomerate."Gosh, it's like I can hardly breathe here. Are they going to continue arguing about the life Mr. Enrick took again?" I was so anxious in my heart, thinking about what else they would say after this.The atmosphere was so tense a few minutes ago. I, who had been silent since their exchange of words, now began to feel claustrophobic and wanted a breath of fresh air. I also said to Mr. Enrick, "Sorry, I'll excuse myself to go to the toilet."I looked at Mr. Enrick as if he understood my current state. Then, my gaze wandered towards the family, and Darren's mother gave me a sharp look. So were Darren and Emma, who couldn't accept my presence among them in the first place."Alright, come back whe
Noella's POvI confirmed to Darren that he didn't know who I was. It makes me so upset that Darren doesn't even consider me. It was evident after he ignored me in favour of another woman-Emma-who was now beside him. Emma was lucky enough to be introduced to Darren's extended family.Unfortunately, here, Darren can't judge a woman by his heart. He and his family are all about wealth and power for survival. Surely, Darren wouldn't choose me and take advantage of me being so gullible with the word love."You don't know who I am, Darren. What do you think I am all this time together? You have such a short mind about me and your uncle. So what if I have a relationship with him? He's much better than you." My last words did not end our encounter. Darren is still in front of me right now. He gets more and more angry every time she hears me speak in response. Maybe he was surprised that I had always kept quiet and not fought him.Darren's temper flared again. He was about to speak, but seeing
Noella's POVMr. Enrick's appearance between me and Darren was surprising. Maybe I've been here too long. If it weren't for Darren, Mr Enrick certainly wouldn't have followed me here. It's just that there's a sudden feeling of dread rising within me.Mr Enrick looked ordinary at the moment, but his aura was dominating. In fact, Darren had been silent ever since Mr. Enrick had asked his question. While I was afraid that any of my attitudes or movements would be wrong. That would definitely allow Mr. Enrick to make a lot of unexpected decisions, like asking for back the money I had used for Uncle Martin, perhaps.I hope what's in my mind doesn't actually happen. I must be feeling very sorry for ignoring Darren a moment ago. I should have left here long ago and not cared about anything Darren had to say.Until I finally heard Mr. Enrick ask Darren again, "Aren't you going to answer my question?"I could see the distress on Darren's face. The atmosphere dominated by Mr. Enrick did make Dar
Noella's PovAfter the previous series of events, my body began to feel tired. Even though I felt weak and powerless, I had to go to work to keep earning money. I thought so much last night I almost couldn't sleep because of this. What a complicated life full of obstacles.I went to work as usual, heading to the office where Mr. Enrick was my boss. Although I wasn't directly in the secretarial department, my job was in a division directly under the CEO's secretary. I just hoped that my work would be just as fine as it had been in the past when Mr. Enrick and I had not been in direct contact.As soon as I arrived at the office, my eyes darted around. I was on guard not to meet Mr. Enrick first today. Until I was surprised by one of my coworkers who greeted me. Her name was Mina, she had short shoulder-length hair, and she was quite an attractive woman. That's why I made friends with Mina. "Noella, are you sick? You look tired and have bags under your eyes."Mina always pays attention t
Noella's POVOn the way, we were silent. There was no sound other than the engine of the moving car. I, who was confused and scared from the start, didn't dare to ask even though the direction of the destination was taking me.In the end, I could only stare out the window, enjoying the view of the tall buildings lined up neatly. Now and then, I noticed the drivers and pedestrians busy with their business.Until Mr. Enrick's car entered the area of a famous luxury restaurant in this city, I never thought I would eat at this place. Even though I used to date Darren, he rarely took me out to eat at an expensive place like this. I felt nervous and uncomfortable. Inside, there must be many classy and wealthy people enjoying a delicious meal."Should I just refuse?" I thought about refusing, but looking at Mr. Enrick's face, which was always cold and flat, made me afraid that something might go wrong. I felt strange this time because our relationship was just an act.Mr. Enrick stepped in,
Noella's POVMy mind was not at ease, especially after Mr. Enrick said his words earlier about to announce our relationship. This made me unable to think clearly and feel restless. The lunch went by so fast I didn't want to rush back to the office. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep Mr. Enrick out of the office any longer."Gosh... how is this?" My mind was so muddled. It felt like the world was going to collapse right in front of me and fall on me.We were on our way back to the office after lunch. Of course, the lunch made me very unappetising after Mr. Enrick made his wish known. As long as the car moved, we stood still and didn't speak to each other. Mainly while in the vehicle, Mr Enrick was preoccupied with his phone. It must be an essential job. He can work from anywhere and anytime with his cell phone. It's like a new sight because I've only known about him from afar and what people have said about her.I was still lost in thinking about what to say to my coworker until Mr. Enrick
Noella's POVThere were a few documents left before it was time to go home. I quickly worked on it without stopping to avoid meeting Mr. Enrick when I got home. Yes, I don't want to be the centre of attention again like this afternoon. I've had enough of being the centre of attention just by walking beside him, lest they find out I was in the same car on the way home."Hah... my work is almost done. I have to hurry home before Mr. Enrick leaves his room." I thought about getting home on time, knowing that Mr. Enrick must be very busy and couldn't get home earlier than me.Another fifteen minutes and my work will be done. The last document did make my plan to go home easier. I need to send an email to the secretary so that it can be sent directly to Mr. Enrick. So there was no need to meet in person, and I could get ready.After finishing, I stretched before finally standing up and smiling satisfactorily at today's work. "So, now I can go home. I'll reason with Mr. Enrick that I forgot
1Noella's POVMy body froze, and my lips hardly opened when Uncle Martin asked me who Mr. Enrick was. I was at a loss as to where to start this story, while my relationship with Mr. Enrick was limited to my agreement to save Uncle Martin earlier.Should I introduce Mr Enrick to my uncle as a superior who had helped me or as a saviour I had found in times of trouble? In front of me, Uncle Martin was waiting with a face full of questions. Meanwhile, Mr. Enrick, standing behind me, began walking to the other side of the bed to get closer to Uncle Martin.I just hoped Mr. Enrick didn't say any nonsense between us. He was in control at the moment, but I didn't want Uncle Martin to know what I had sacrificed for him. "Good evening, I'm Noella's lover. My name is Enrick. I apologize if my arrival disturbs your company." I rounded my eyes for a moment and looked down then. Mr. Enrick really said something that left me speechless.I saw Uncle Martin was as surprised as I was. He froze for a f