Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 969

Charlotte froze. It seemed Ethan had heard Noah's voice as well.

There was nothing to feel guilty about, yet just his presence made her chest tighten with an inexplicable weight.

Seeing her rise and approach, Noah hesitated for a moment, then gently took her hand.

"Was that Ethan?" she asked.

"Mm. He just asked about my leave. Fairly reasonable, even gave me three days off proactively," Charlotte replied with a small smile. She hadn't waited for Noah to ask, as if anxious he might overthink it.

Noah had stayed behind for her sake, and she didn't want him to carry any concerns.

He saw through her thoughts and shook his head gently. "I know Ethan is a good person, and he treats you well. You don't need to worry that I'd mind any of this."

"I wouldn't mind… but even if Ethan were pursuing me, you wouldn't be jealous at all?"

Charlotte blurted out the question, tossing a challenge at him. Inside, she was conflicted—part of her feared Noah might care about Ethan, while another part feared he wouldn't.

That day at dinner, when Ethan had intervened, Noah had handled it politely, but Charlotte had felt a pang of sadness.

If you liked someone, shouldn't you feel at least a little jealous?

Noah showed no possessiveness, which made her wonder if he even liked her that much.

Even in the hospital today, though he had finally reciprocated her feelings and broken through the emotional barrier between them, he had never outright said he liked her.

Charlotte didn't want to be petty, but this sudden happiness felt almost unreal.

Noah smiled, not rushing to answer. Instead, he led her to the dining table and seated her. He ladled porridge into a bowl and handed her the utensils before sitting down himself.

"Eat first. It'll get cold if we wait," he said.

Charlotte paused, her gaze softening. She knew Noah's past was filled with fear and blood—a world she could never truly touch or comprehend.

"I'm glad… you made it through. You won't have to go back there," she said quietly.

Noah didn't look up, just nodded gently. "Yes. Since leaving that life, I've realized it doesn't matter what happens. Surviving is enough.

"I don't care if I wander alone, if I'm lonely, or how I eventually die. As long as I can have a proper meal and live my life steadily, I am luckier than many who have died."

His voice was calm, yet his words pressed heavily into her ears.

Charlotte put down her spoon, unsure how to respond. Noah wasn't the type to offer comfort by trading his own pain.

"Noah…"

"I'm telling you this because I want you to understand," he continued. "I am not extraordinary. My life forced me to lose certain things from birth, and in turn, allowed me to gain others."