"Noelle, what's wrong?" Isabella noticed my reaction. "You look pale."
"I'm fine." I forced a smile. "Just tired."
"Let's head back then." She said thoughtfully.
"No need." I stopped walking. "You two go to the greenhouse. I want to be alone for a bit."
I turned and walked back.
"Noelle—" Isabella called after me.
"Let her go." Kholod's voice carried over, calm and cold.
I paused for a moment, then quickened my pace.
I wandered aimlessly through the garden as the snow grew heavier, covering our earlier footprints. Only when my hands and feet went numb did I decide to return.
Passing the greenhouse, I couldn't help but glance inside. They were still there, sitting on the sofa at a proper distance. Isabella was saying something with a smile. Kholod leaned in slightly, listening, a rare gentle curve to his lips.
This was a Kholod I'd never seen—relaxed, warm, even enjoying himself.
My heart twisted painfully. I turned and hurried away, snowflakes hitting my face like ice.
Dinner time.
I still sat to Kholod's left, with Isabella beside me. She kept the conversation lively.
"Mrs. Anastasia, today's roast duck was absolutely delicious!" she said brightly. "The spice blend was ingenious."
"That's the chef's credit," Anastasia replied coolly.
"You're too modest!" Isabella continued. "I heard this is a traditional Russian dish, but the preparation is very intricate. Getting to taste something so authentic is truly an honor!"
She then turned to Kholod. "Kholod, thank you so much for the necklace you sent this afternoon. It's absolutely stunning."
"It's nothing." Kholod's tone was flat.
"Maybe to you it's nothing," Isabella's eyes filled with gratitude, "but for those children, it's a chance to change their lives. Mr. Morozov, your charitable heart is truly admirable."
Kholod didn't speak, just smiled faintly—that same gentle expression again.
I'd seen that necklace—countless diamonds linked together, sparkling brilliantly in the greenhouse sunlight, the center stone as large as a dove's egg. For Isabella, he was willing to donate jewelry worth over a hundred million. My heart churned with conflicted feelings.
"Noelle cares about charity too, don't you?" Isabella suddenly asked me.
All eyes turned to me.
I looked up with a polite smile. "Of course."
"See!" she told Kholod with a laugh. "Noelle thinks it's wonderful too! You must come help me at the auction, Noelle!"
"She won't be going." Kholod suddenly spoke, his voice calm but final.
Isabella blinked. "Why not?"
"She's not suited for those kinds of events."
Was he making decisions for me? Or did he simply not want to bring me?
