No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 134

Cedric's gentle expression stirred a bitter feeling in Noelle's heart.

"Lucas is downstairs," she said, lowering her eyes uneasily. "He said he wants to talk."

"And you're just going to meet him because he said so?" Cedric frowned. "He's only here because he needs you for tomorrow's finals."

"I know."

"Then, there's no reason for you to go," Cedric said firmly, his tone bordering on commanding.

Feeling a sudden rebellious streak, Noelle pressed her lips together.

"I'll be back in a minute. You should get back to what you were doing," she said before closing the door behind her without hesitation.

Cedric stared at the closed door for a long time before rubbing his temples. Was she throwing a tantrum at him just now?

He stepped out onto the balcony, where he could see the building's entrance. Sure enough, Lucas was standing by his car.

Leaning on the railing with one arm, Cedric narrowed his eyes at the entrance. Soon, Noelle appeared, her small figure moving slowly.

Cedric watched her for a moment longer before turning back inside.

Meanwhile, Noelle found herself reflecting on her earlier actions, wondering if she had been too obvious. Her emotions churned with mixed feelings. She couldn't resist glancing back at her apartment, only to see the balcony was empty.

With a slight pang of disappointment, she looked away and reminded herself not to dwell on Cedric anymore. After calming herself, she walked toward the entrance, where Lucas was leaning casually against his car door.

"What do you want? Make it quick—my time is precious," she said, her tone flat as she approached.

Lucas looked at her long, searchingly, finally coming to terms with the fact that his sister had truly changed.

Noelle's expression turned sardonic. "Don't bother with the dramatics, Lucas. If Xenia weren't so terrible at gaming, or if you'd already found a better gunner, you wouldn't even be here begging me. Let's stop pretending, shall we?"

"Th-that's not true," Lucas stammered.

"All you care about is the results—whether the team wins or loses. You don't really give a damn about everyone else," Noelle said. She had seen through Lucas's true nature long ago but had chosen to stay silent.

Now that everything was laid bare, she wasn't holding back.

Lucas staggered slightly. His voice cracked as he shouted, "It's not just about the team—I care about you, too! Without you, the team isn't what I envisioned!"

At that moment, the reason he had started the team resurfaced—it had been for Noelle. But somewhere along the way, he had forgotten that. Now, as she stood ready to leave, it all came back to him—but it seemed to have been too late.

"Noelle, can't you give the team another chance?" he asked, his voice heavy with a yearning to make things right.