“I’ve left the vi.
I can’t stand being at Cyrus’s ce anymore, and I don’t want to return to the Shaw family either.
”
Her mental state had reverted four years back, leaving her without the social skills she once had.
“You’ve left the vi?” Lucinda asked, a sigh in her voice.
“Where are you now? I’ming to you.
”
ncing around, Noelle realized she was lost in the unfamiliar surroundings of Stastle.N?velDrama.Org ? content.
Their conversation went on for a while, but Lucinda couldn’t pinpoint Noelle’s location.
She instructed Noelle on how to share her location via MSN.
Rushing to change her clothes, Lucinda briefed Nathan.
“Noelle might be having issues with Cyrus.
She’s upset.
I’m going to find out what’s happening and will be back soon.
”
Nathan responded with calm understanding, “Okay, love.
Please be careful.
”
Once Lucinda had departed, Nathan wasted no time contacting Cyrus, his tone grave.
“What’s happening between you and Noelle? How did you let her leave your vi? Now she’s seeking Lucinda’s help.
”
“Noelle left the vi?” Cyrus was caught off guard, swamped with work and unaware of the situation at
home.
He didn’t end the call with Nathan; instead, he dialed his vi’s security team on another line.
They confirmed Noelle was missing, but they couldn’t say when she had slipped away Cyrus’s concern escted, his work forgotten.
He was upset.
“I’ve been kind to hertely.
We haven’t argued.
How could this happen?”
The two men exchanged a few more words.
*
Lucinda navigated to a secluded area, the darkness enveloping her.
Flicking on her shlight, she eventually spotted Noelle crouched beside a boulder.
Approaching, Lucinda crouched to Noelle’s level, her voice gentle.
“Why are you out here? What’s going on? Talk to me.
I’m here to help.
”
Noelle, head bowed, appeared utterly defeated.
“Cyrus has been pressuring me about my postgraduate studies.
He scrutinizes my progress nightly.
My basics are weak, and I falter daily.
I’m losing faith in myself.
What should I do?”
Lucinda remained silent for a moment.
She understood that high expectations often drove Cyrus’s strict approach.
He believed that pushing Noelle would lead to her sess.
However, knowing Noelle’s humble beginnings in the Forden welfare house, Lucinda was aware of her shaky academic foundation.
With Noelle’s mind having regressed four years, self-doubt came easily to her.
It was clear to Lucinda that Cyrus was demanding too much.
Gently patting Noelle’s hand, she offered somefort.
“You really should have told someone before leaving.
Can you imagine how worried Cyrus will be when he finds you gone?”
Noelle’s response was feeble.
“But… this isn’t really running away, is it? Cyrus and I are just engaged.
His ce isn’t truly my home.