Chapter 24 Heart Attack
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In the small lounge on the second floor, Noelle was lazily curled up in the hanging chair, gently swaying back and forth.
It seemed that after she moved in, apart from the small living room she had arranged herself, Matthew had added many items on the second floor according to her preferences.
Her study was there, as was her art studio. She was somewhat indolent, and each area on the second floor housed a comfy couch that she was particularly fond of.
She had a fondness for going barefoot, so every nook and cranny was layered with thick carpets.
She had a fondness for food, so her refrigerator was always stocked with fresh fruits and desserts.
Matthew was earnestly turning his home into hers, subtly integrating himself into her life, bit by bit. Meanwhile, she was slowly getting used to him through his gentle and unobtrusive care.
“What do you like?”
Noelle gazed at the person sitting opposite her. Matthew seemed to know her preferences well and took great care of her. Yet, she barely knew anything about Matthew.
At that moment, Matthew wondered if Noelle was trying to get to know him. “Besides you, there’s nothing else I particularly fancy,” he said.
Matthew was straightforward, and he joked, “So, are you finally interested in me?”
The conversation had reached this point, and he didn’t want to hide anything anymore. He candidly expressed his feelings.
“Matthew.”
For the first time, Noelle called out his name.
“I enjoyed spending time with Ms. Caffyn. I’m not sure if you are the same as her.”
Noelle’s words were somewhat cryptic, yet Matthew understood her meaning.
Noelle had feelings for him, but she was unsure whether those feelings were akin to the affection she had for his mother or if it was the kind of romantic attraction that exists between a man and a woman.
With a bitter smile, Matthew reflected on how those individuals had teased him about raising Noelle as if she were his daughter. He couldn’t help but wonder if their jests had somehow become a self–fulfilling prophecy.
No matter how mature Noelle appeared, she was merely a twenty–year–old ghrl. Moreover, she was quite naive about many things, not at all like a typical young girl.
Reflecting on his own age, Matthew felt a slight pang in his heart.
“Elle, we have plenty of time to figure this out. Now, tell me something. Do you dislike me being like this?” Matthew moved closer to Noelle, taking her hand into his.
Noelle looked at her hand, held within Matthew’s grasp, feeling somewhat dazed as she shook her head. Do I dislike him? I don’t, right?
During this period, her physical contact with Matthew was far from infrequent.
It wasn’t just hand–holding. They shared several intimate moments under various circumstances.
However, she despised being touched by others. Back when she was in the military district, anyone who dared to lay a hand on her shoulder would end up with a bruised and swollen face, courtesy of her.
Yet, not only did she not resist his proximity, but she even sought his comfort when she was feeling agitated.
Therefore, she wondered if her body had already adapted to Matthew’s presence.
“Elle, I just want you to know that I like you. This doesn’t have to be a burden for you, and you don’t need to give me an
2:36 PM
Chapter 24 Heart Attack
answer right now.” Matthew held Noelle’s hand to his chest. “Did you feel it?”
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Noelle’s hand rested on Matthew’s chest, and she felt the rapid beating of his heart. Why, though? He has always seemed to be the mastermind behind everything. Could he also experience fear and anxiety? Is he suffering from a heart condition?
“Is your heart not in good condition?” she asked.
Looking at Noelle, who appeared utterly lost, Matthew gave a bitter smile. What am I to do with this innocent young girl who doesn’t comprehend the subtleties of romance? If I don’t explain myself, she might think I’m going to have a heart attack.
“I’m perfectly healthy. It’s normal to feel nervous when facing someone you like. My heart is beating so fast, and it’s all because of you,” he said.
Noelle was somewhat dazed, and Matthew seized the opportunity to gently coax her.
“Since you don’t reject me, Elle, that means you happy being with me, right?”
Noelle nodded and then shook her head. She was utterly clueless when it came to matters of the heart. “But…”
She truly couldn’t articulate what her feelings for Matthew really were.
“Elle, I’m not asking you to agree to anything right now.” Matthew took a deep breath. “I only have one request. Just like before, don’t push me away, okay?”
He was afraid that once he spoke up, Noelle might distance herself from him or even move away. That was something he couldn’t bear.
Apart from that, everything else could be taken slowly..
Grasping Noelle’s hand tighter, he stared intently at her without blinking. “Elle, okay?”
For the first time, Matthew, who was usually adept at handling any situation, felt a surge of nervousness as if he was awaiting a verdict that was meant for him.
Noelle blinked, slowly nodding her head. After all, she wasn’t at a disadvantage in this situation.
As long as he didn’t mind that she might not be able to give him an answer in the future, she was quite content with her situation at that time.
After all, Noelle had never been one to worry about things unnecessarily. We’ll see how it goes, then!
Seeing Noelle nod, Matthew felt at ease. All that mattered was that she didn’t distance herself from him.
There was plenty of time ahead. Even if Noelle’s feelings for him were to stray, he was confident he could bring her back on track.
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