Chapter 4 Acting Pitiful

Sadie's mind was in chaos as she hastily collected her things and exited the office.

As she stood on the curb, her eyes searching the street, a sleek Maybach slid to a stop before her.

The window descended slowly, unveiling the striking features of a man whose appearance never failed to draw admiring gasps from onlookers.

It was none other than Noah.

"Get in," he called out, his voice smooth and authoritative.

Despite her urge to decline, the memory of Laura's unsettling phone call earlier made Sadie step into the car with resignation.

This time, she deliberately chose the back seat instead of the front.

"I told you I'd compensate you, but don't think acting pitiful will make me feel sorry for you," Noah remarked, a hint of reproach in his tone.

Acting pitiful?

The irony of his words struck Sadie, and a laugh, sharp and devoid of any real amusement, escaped her.

"When are we getting divorced?" she asked, her voice tinged with a brittle, hollow quality.

Noah, puzzled by her laughter, replied, "Relax, there's no need to rush-it's not the right time."

"And where are we going now?" Sadie pressed, her frustration mounting.

"We're heading back to the family estate-Grandpa wants to see you," Noah explained, his voice softening.

Noah's grandfather, Nigel Wall, stood as a pillar of warmth in Sadie's chaotic life, second only to Laura.

Since her family's financial collapse in middle school and the mysterious disappearance of her parents, kindness had been a rare luxury in Sadie's life.

Noah's presence had once brightened her entire existence.

Now, everything seemed to be reverting to a gray, mundane reality.

Sadie remained silent, her quietness an implicit nod of agreement.

After a long pause, her voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "One month."

"What?" Noah's confusion was palpable.

"I want the divorce finalized within a month," she declared, her tone resolute yet tinged with a hidden urgency.

If the proceedings dragged on, Noah might uncover her secret-she was pregnant.

Given his attachment to Kyla, he would undoubtedly demand she end the pregnancy, and she was determined not to forsake her unborn child.

Noah's brow creased in annoyance. "The decision's been made, Sadie. Stop playing these mind games with me," he said, his voice laced with frustration.

He knew all too well how deeply she cared for him, which always left him wrestling with a sense of guilt.

However, he was adamant that her feelings couldn't be used as leverage in their strained negotiations.

With a stern tone, he added, "Until the divorce is official, we need to keep up appearances. Let's not give anything away."

Sadie felt a sharp sting in her eyes at his harsh words.

"Noah, you really have a heart of stone when it comes to me," she murmured, her voice breaking.

She slightly lowered the car window, turned her head to gaze out, and let the brisk wind dry her tears.

Their car wound its way toward the Wall Manor, located in a lush, prestigious hill in Buihron, a mere half-hour drive from the bustling city center.

The car leisurely pulled into the yard, marking their arrival with a gentle halt.

Noah swung the car door open for Sadie, gracefully shielding her head with his broad palm, a gesture brimming with consideration.

Despite her knowledge of his theatrical display, Sadie found herself momentarily captivated by his charm.

As they strode forward, Noah's warm grip enclosed her hand.

Sadie hesitated, her fingers twitching as she attempted a subtle escape from his clasp.

Unprepared for her sudden resistance, Noah stumbled slightly, turning to face her with a bewildered expression.

In that unexpected moment, as Sadie looked up to meet his gaze, their lips brushed softly against each other.

A shiver of surprise raced through Sadie, her eyes reflecting an astonished sparkle.

"Noah..." she whispered, her voice trailing off as she stepped back.

Her retreat was cut short by the sudden appearance of Nigel emerging from the grand house.

Caught off guard, Sadie allowed Noah to reclaim her hand as Nigel tapped his cane with feigned annoyance.

"Well, well, look who finally showed up! I was starting to think you'd forgotten me." His voice carried a playful rebuke.

Under usual circumstances, Sadie would have stepped forward to appease him.

However, today she stood frozen, uncertain of the role she was supposed to play before Nigel.

His keen eyes, seasoned by years in the business world, didn't miss the tension between the young couple.

"Noah's being ridiculous, putting you through unnecessary stress," Nigel stated, his gaze softening with empathy towards Sadie while shooting a disapproving glare at Noah.

Noah, lips pressed in a thin line, remained silent, soaking in the weight of Nigel's words.

"I'm fine, Nigel," Sadie murmured, her lips curving into a strained smile that failed to reach her eyes, which shimmered with unspoken loneliness.

She was aware of Nigel's genuine concern for her, yet she knew his affection couldn't alter her situation.

"Still claiming you're fine?" Nigel's voice was gentle, laced with worry as he took Sadie's hand in his. "You look pale. Come, let's have a chess match. It's been far too long since our last one."

With a hesitant nod, Sadie allowed herself to be led into the grandeur of the house.

From a distance, Noah observed them, his brow creased with a mixture of confusion and concern.

Although he had mentally prepared himself for the divorce from Sadie, the sight of her finding solace in Nigel's company stirred an unexpected pang of regret in his heart.

As Sadie stepped into the living room, her gaze fell upon Kyla. Poised and elegant, Kyla sat on the sofa, a coffee cup in hand, laughing merrily with Noah's mother, Isabel Wall.

Kyla's eyes widened in feigned surprise when she noticed Sadie. "Hello, you're one of Noah's employees, right?"

Isabel chimed in with a venomous tone, barely disguising her disdain, "Is that how Noah introduced her? Looking at the mess she is, it's clear why he doesn't want to admit to their relationship." She then turned to Kyla, patting her hand with approval. "Fortunately, you're back, Kyla."

Kyla cast an apologetic glance at Isabel. "I'm sorry, Isabel. Leaving for my studies abroad was a mistake. If I hadn't, you and Noah wouldn't have had to worry all this time."

Isabel huffed dismissively. "Well, it's a relief you're back now. Some people who've overstayed their welcome will finally have to step aside."