When Love Is a Lie

Chapter 105 I Have the Final Say Whitney could no longer dismiss Noel's actions as something as simple as “having a moment". Not only had he kissed her, but he had also secretly done so much Peciding to stop puessing, she sought the answer directly Noel gardinto her eyes that were clear and lumineus, reminiscent of how they had looked whenshe was a child. "I'm boungry." Noel said, extending his hand toward her Whitney froze fotamoment, then looked at him in confusion. "Are you askingfor food' fut Thaven't started cooking yet." A faint flicker et disappointment passed through his deep ries. "Vesi've forgotten." Noel withdrew his hand, feeling slightly let down. She had completely forgotten about giving himrandy or asking if he was hungry and lonely while he was being punished in the Howard Family's ancestral full: Whitney was even more perplexed and knitted her how together. "What have I forgotten? "When you remember, I'll answer your question, Noel replied, retuming to the table to see his work. He was clearly rested in continuing the conversation "Can't you at least givea hint?" Whitney pleaded Noel acted as though he hadn't heard het, resolutely ignoring her. Left with no choice, Whitney Jumed to leave, her mind swirling with unanswered questions. What did Noel want her to remember? And how was it related to her earlier question? She only wanted to know it be liked her. Was that such a difficult question to answer? Just as her hand touched the doorknob, a strong hand reached out from behind, slamming the door shut with force In the next instant, she was pinned against the door, berchin lifted by a firm grip. Before she could utter a word, Noel's lips descended on hers. The bus was torcetul, almost punitive.

Caught off guard once again, Whitney could only let out muffled sounds of protest, her bands clutching the fabric of his shirt at his waist.

Just as her knees were about to give way under the overwhelming sensation, Noel released brand stepped back. A faint trace of amusement flickered in his eyes.

You can lewenow Whitney was stunned, and her cheeks were flushed. "But you sold only when I ignored you would you "Would I what?" he interrupted, feigning ignorance Embarassed, Whitney couldn't bring herself to utter the words "lass me" in front of him. She bit her lip and remained silent, refusing to continue Noel leaned one arm against the door and lowered his gaze to meet hers. Her delicate features were mesmerizing, even without makeup. It was a quiet, understated beauty that drew attention flortlessly.

"You tried to leave without saying goodbye. That counts as ignoringroo," Noel said, his deep voice laced with a subtle allure.

Whitney stared at him, dumbfounded Was he serious? Catching the disbelief in her eyes, Noel casually wiped the moisture from the comer of his lips and added, “Your perspective is merely for reference. I have the final Whitney was left speechless. She suddenly realized how foolish it had been to ask her earlier question Clearly, he did like her-but it seemed purely physical. That would explain why he felt entitled to kiss her anytand anywhere without her consent.

If he truly bad feelings for her, he would have cared about her emotions, wouldn't he? Even if he had helped her, he was still a man-a creature driven by instincts.

He probably assumed this was the appropriate way for her to repay him, which was why he didn't bother to seek her consent.

The next moming, Whitney arrived at work early. It was her first day, and she wanted to make a good impression on her boss.

The HR department had informed beer that her direct supervisor was Amy jenner, a designer who had won multiple awards and contributed to numerous high- profile projects. Amy was one of the most influential architects at Laiversal Architecture She was also a key representative for the company in their collaboration with Seabourke Architectural Institute. "HR has already briefedon your situation. Everyone's busy, so there won't be much guidance. Familiarize yourself with the materials first, and I'll assign you tasks later, “Any said, flipping through the flies on her desk as Whitney stood before her "Understood," Whitney replied "Wall," Amy said, looking up. "Make sure you read through all the project materials. I don't want you drawing a blank when asked about something." Universal Architecture was a leading firm in the field. Whitney understood that a fast-paced work einironment cwith the territory.

"Coil Filmake sure of that," she massured Amy "Also, you can just callAmy," her supervisor said.

"Yes, Atty," Whitney plied

Returning in her desk, Whitney greeted her colleagues, all of whom were deeply enged in the work. The souls of typing and clicking tilled the office.

It was clear that going through all the necessary materials would take her the entire day. Determined to stay on track, she had a simple lunch of bread in the pantry before retuming to her reading.

"Whitney, since you're new, T'in guessing you're not too busy?" A male voice suddenly interrupted her from the front.

Looking up from her screen, Whitney saw Joseph Lowe, the structural designer. "What do you need, Mr. Lowe?" "I've got sblueprints that require Mr. Howard's signature. Can you deliver em to Seabouke Architectural Institute for me?" Joseph asked.

Whitney hesitated. She wasn't exactly eager to see Noel again so soon as it felt too awkward. Still, declining wasn't an option. Running errands was part of an assistant's responsibilities. "sure, just leave them to me. I'll head there now," she said, taking the blueprint tubes from him. Just as she reached for her bag, a voice nearby called out, "Done reviewing the materials already?"

Whitney tumed to see Amy walking toward her. Her long, wavy hair m framed her face while her bold red NO lipstick accentuated her features. Her limited-edition heels clicked against the floor as she made her way over.