Noel's lips curved into a mocking smile as he stared at the same man who hated him.
"Rowan," Noel called his name softly. "We are leaving."
Rowan didn't reply. He simply nodded once and followed him to the carriage. Noel kept peeking at the silent Rowan. He doesn't know much about the relationship between himself and Rowan, except for the fact that the rate of Rowan's hatred for Noel was close to infinity. He doesn't know why since it wasn't included in the script, so he would have to find out for himself.
Before Noel climbed in, the butler hurried toward him holding a bouquet of pale pink peonies and white roses.
"Young Master Noel," the butler said, bowing. "The Master asks that you deliver these to Lady Evelina. Please... do not mishandle them."
Noel forced a polite smile as he collected the flowers. "Of course. I will most certainly be careful with them."
He stepped inside the carriage, bouquet resting beside him. Rowan sat across from him, hands folded as his knees were apart. Noel could practically feel the disapproval radiating from him.
The wheels turned, and the carriage began its long journey toward the Ashford estate.
Noel stared out the window, silent. The road stretched endlessly, lined with trees and stone fences. His mind drifted again and again to the most annoying thing on his mind.
Meeting Evelina. Facing the girl who stabbed him in the movie. A future that wasn't meant for him and the same one he's trying to prevent.
He sighed for the first time.
Then again.
Then again.
Rowan finally spoke in his irritated voice. "Young Master Noel. Why have you sighed six times?"
Noel turned, blinking at him. "Oh? I didn't know someone was keeping count. Rowan, were you watching me?"
Rowan frowned immediately. "Do not misunderstand. I am not interested in you."
'I was right. Rowan is the only person who would treat Noel politely rude,'
Noel smiled lazily, mischief flickering in his gaze despite his exhaustion. "Should I sit closer, then?"
"No," Rowan said sharply. "Remain seated. Standing inside a moving carriage is dangerous."
Noel scoffed. "Oh, please. It'll be fine."
He was sure it was no different from his expensive van or private jets.
Rowan inhaled slowly, almost painfully. He opened his mouth to warn him again but Noel had already stood, preparing to walk towards Rowan when the carriage hit a small bump.
Noel lost balance with a startled yelp, lifted his hands like he was trying to stop himself from falling. Rowan reacted instantly... despite his injuries... catching Noel around the waist and pulling him down.
Noel landed squarely on Rowan's lap.
Rowan winced hard with teeth clenched. The pain was obvious even though he tried desperately to hide it. His jaw tightened, breath shaky for a second.
Noel blinked down at him.
"Oh... wow. The carriage is indeed dangerous."
Rowan's voice came out low and trembling with suppressed frustration. "I told you. You do not listen."
Before Noel could answer, the carriage rolled to a gentle halt.
Rowan exhaled harshly. "Get off."
"Huh?"
"Get off my lap," Rowan repeated coldly. "Or I will shove you off myself, young master."
Noel scrambled upright as his cheeks flushed red. "I... I didn't even realise I was sitting on your leg. It was comfortable."
Rowan's eyes widened slightly... but the shock was clear. Before the bodyguard could form a reply, Noel stepped out of the carriage, bouquet in hand, pretending nothing embarrassing had happened.
He didn't have time to process Rowan's flustered expression because a butler approached and escorted him to the estate's entrance. Noel's eyes widened as he saw the building before him. The Ashford estate was massive... larger than his father's... larger than anything he had ever seen.
He climbed the stairs and paused when he reached the door. Instead of a waiting room, they entered a private room. The butler left, leaving Noel alone with the door before him. His hand hovered over the latch.
'Brace yourself.'
He opened it slowly.
And froze.
Every surface screamed his face: paintings, posters, curtains, bedsheets... he was literally everywhere.
Footsteps rushed towards him, followed by a small squeal of delight... and then a tight, desperate hug.
"Oh! My Noel! You finally come here to see Evelina. Evelina is so... So happy."
Noel tried to push her back gently, but she refused to break free from him.
His eyes widened in shock at what he saw.
'This... this is worse than I imagined. Her obsession has begun. This... this is insane,'