Chapter 191
Chapter 191:
Shock flooded Noelle’s eyes, disbelief washing over her features.
Did Ethan just call her baby?
So brazenly, too!
Monroe had clearly caught Ethan’s words through the phone. After two stunned seconds, his brows drew tight. A man had just called Noelle “baby” in such an intimate tone… and mentioned his hand going numb under her? Those suggestive words…
Did Noelle have a boyfriend?
She’d been hospitalized, and her boyfriend had stayed by her side this whole time?
Monroe’s heart sank. Unable to hold back, he asked, “Noelle, is someone with you p>
Noelle cleared her throat, forcing a natural tone. “Yeah. What made you call me, anyway p>
He hesitated. “Nothing important. Since you’re not feeling well, I won’t disturb you p>
“Alright, I have things to handle, so I’ll hang up now,” Noelle replied.
𝗙o𝗅𝗹o𝘸 𝘂ѕ o𝗻
Monroe stared at his darkened screen, brows still knit. Those words kept echoing in his mind: “Baby, my hand’s gone numb under you.” Far too intimate. Too familiar. His thoughts spiraled.
In the hospital room, Noelle ended the call and stared at Ethan, still dumbfounded by his casual “baby,” which had sparked Monroe’s misunderstanding. “What did you just say p>
Ethan glanced at his hand with calm composure, even looking faintly wronged. “My hand really did go numb from you pressing on it p>
Speechless, she drew a steadying breath. Those clear eyes locked on him. “So why did you suddenly call me… baby p>
With a slight lift of his brow, he asked, “Would you prefer ‘darling’ or ‘honey’ instead p>
“Just shut up!” she blurted.
A brief silence stretched between them. Then Ethan leaned closer.
Deep eyes captured hers with unwavering intensity. His voice turned low and measured. “Are you really this determined to hide our relationship from Monroe p>
Her thick lashes fluttered as Noelle blinked. “We are in a secret marriage, after all p>
Ethan’s expression stayed calm, yet something cold and sharp flickered in his gaze. She still cared about Monroe, then…
In the next breath, however, Noelle’s demeanor shifted. “Then again, Monroe discovering our marriage wouldn’t be such an issue. Really, it’s no big deal p>
Ethan went completely still, every trace of coldness melting from his eyes in an instant. He studied Noelle with laser focus, desperate not to miss the slightest change in her expression. “You… no longer have feelings for Monroe p>
Stunned silence gripped Noelle. What absurd notion was this? Her, having feelings for Monroe? Where had such ridiculous talk originated? Oh right—her own lips.
High school memories surfaced of the desperate lie she’d told about crushing on a classmate, anything to avoid the arranged marriage binding her to Ethan. Rubbing her temples, Noelle’s mouth twisted with mortified discomfort. “Obviously I don’t have feelings for him. Can we please leave ancient history buried? And listen, I’m someone with actual integrity. While I’m your wife, I’d never even think of betraying those vows with another man p>