When Love Is a Lie

( was already bright outside, and the household statt of the Howard residence had likely started their tasks for

the day. Anytnow, someone would enter

aney’s room and help het downstairs to the breakfast table.

We expected Noel to have lett by now. She didn’t think he would still be here!

“Heartlessly kickingout after ountryst, huh?” Noel strode over to the bed, reimigorated after last night. He

raked his gaze down her neck

eds then did Whitney realize she was naked. She quickly pulled the covers over her bot hissed when a sharp pain

shot up her arm. She had forgotten that her lett

At least try to remember your left wrist is hurt, Noel drawled, his brows forrowing as he reached for her wrist.

Inspecting it, he mused, “Don’t bother covering yourself. I've already seen every part of you

“You knew | was still recovering, vet last night-Whitney broke off, blushing with embarrassment.

Noel glanced at her, taking in the long, dark hair that spilled over her porcelain skin. He could see the purplish-

red marks on her skin from when he had gone a to rough on her last night

little

Blood rushed to Whitney's face and the tip of h

tipot her ears when she caught him staring. She covered his eyes with her right hand, snapping, “Will you stop

looking! “How can | when you're so beautiful?” be countered, his voice deep and lifting.

Herface warmed again. When did Noel leam to spew such sweet nonsense? This was the first tshe had heard

him say it, and it was at odds with his cold and imposing facade.

Flustered, she changed the topic “You | don’t want you climbing over balconies anymore, got it?

Noel pinned her right hand down and tucked it within the covers. He tugged the covers around her and said

nonchalantly, “I'll just use the door next time, then.” “You will do no such thing!” Whitney snapped incredulously.

“This is the Howard residence. People will talk if they see you coming into my bedroom so often. “I didn’t malire

you were so afraid of mere talk. Are you worried Damian might hear about our little trysts?” Noel asked, tong his

dark, piercing gaze on her She explained, “I just don’t want Grandpa to hear of this trant disappoint him or break

his heart like that.”

Elijah had always wanted Whitney to marry Damian, yet she somehow ended up getting tangled with Noel

instead. She didn’t feel bad for doing this to Damian, though she couldn't help her guilt toward Elijah.

glittered. “Oh, Grandpa won't be disappointed.”

Whitney was bound to marry into the Howard family at spoint. Noél knew Elijah wanted her to marry

my Damian because of the guilt he felt for Margaret, and this was his way of maiding up for his past mistakes.

If they were case, it wouldn't make a difference who whitney married, even if it was Noel

Whitney asked in surprise, ware of Noel's thoughts

Just then, a lock cfrom the door. The maid outside asked if Whitney was up and if she could enter.

ean Whitney faltered as panic set in “No, I'm not. Can you cback a little later? She shot Noel a wide-eyed

look and urged in hushed tones,

Noel was not frazzled and instead asked deliberately, “Through the door?”

“Of course not! There's someone outside” she whispered exasperatedly. What would the maid think if Noel

waltzed out of her room

He put his hands up as if Whitney were making things hard for him on purpose. “But you wouldn't letclimb

over balconies anymore.” The maid outside asked aloud if Whatory was dront and offered to let herself into the

room

om

y in the

“Just a second!” Whitney hollered, then gave Noel a pleading look. “This will be the last t| have you climb

over balconies. Now please go. Please!” Nort couldn't bear teating her anymore when he saw her imploring

expression and turned to leave through the balcony.

He hadn't taken two steps before he hurried back to the bed, tipped up her chin, and pecked her on the lips.

Chucking, he left and disappeared from the balcony Only then did Whitney quickly pull on her clothes. A few

minutes later, she made sure no sounds cfrom the balcony before ushering in the maid.

The Howard family did not have breakfast together on most days.

Helena had a court heart to attend and left after a brisk greeting to those at the table, grabbing her breakfast to-

go. Emily and Samuel had promised to meet with friends over beakfast Jenny, on the other hand, wouldn't get up

until it was beat DoDIL.

As such, there were only less than a handful of the family seated at the breakfast table.

taman had shown up early that moming to love rakast with Whitney. He was still playing the role of the caring

and loving flance. He certainly upped his game

chi Whitney would admit,

It took a while for Noel to active. He apologized to Elijah, I'm sorry for getting in Late, Grandpa | slept in this

morning”

Elijah eyed him with coem “Were you working late again last glyou’ve got shadows under your eyes”

Unsavory Images from last night flickered through Whitney's mind, and she was ashamed enough to lower her

head even more.

Noel cast a furtive glance at her and answered unaffectedly, “Yeah, | was putting in extra hours. I'm all spent.”