She stared at me as tears continued streaming down her cheeks.
"I'll give you everything you've ever wanted. Wherever you wish to go, I'll take you there. Whatever freedom you desire, I'll provide it. Just please give me one more chance..."
"Enough," she interrupted again, wiping her tears. "Kholod, stop."
"Noelle..."
"I..." She took a shaky breath. "I need time to think about this."
My heart sank slightly. Not a rejection, but not acceptance either.
"Of course." I nodded. "Take all the time you need. Whatever your answer may be," I looked deep into her eyes, "I won't give up."
She didn't respond, just silently turned and pushed the wheelchair back toward the house.
But I noticed her hands trembling on the handles.
Noelle still hadn't given me her answer, but she continued caring for me as devotedly as before—bathing me, feeding me, keeping me company.
"Noelle, I'm missing Leo."
"Should we video call him?"
"Yes."
She pulled out her phone and connected with Darya. I'd assigned Darya to Niaube along with several nannies to care for Leo. Initially, Leo would cry whenever he saw strangers, but the moment he spotted Noelle on video, he would calm down.
Soon, my son's tiny face appeared on the screen.
"Leo!" Noelle called to him.
"Ma...ma..." The little boy broke into a grin. He could already say "mama."
"Do you miss mommy?"
"Ya ya!"
"Good boy, mommy will be home soon..."
Watching this scene filled me with unprecedented contentment.
"Leo," I couldn't help calling out.
The little one turned toward me on the screen.
"This is..." Noelle hesitated. "This is daddy."
My heart lurched.
"Da...da..." Leo tilted his head, seeming to understand but not quite.
"Yes, that's Daddy." My voice caught. "Leo, Daddy will come see you very soon."
"Ya!"
Seeing my son's smile brought tears to my eyes again.
"Kholod," Noelle sighed softly. "Why do you cry so often now?"
