I Choose Him, Your Worst Enemy novel Chapter 2

"Noah, I'm a little scared being alone."

Lorelei's trembling voice came from behind him.

Noah immediately grabbed her hand, his tone soft. "What's wrong? Not used to a new place?"

She nodded gently.

His heart ached. "I'll stay with you. Don't be scared."

"I'm sorry... did I interrupt you guys?" Lorelei's gaze finally shifted to Wynette, as if she had just noticed her.

Her voice quivered. "I know Wynette doesn't really welcome me. Noah, this is my fault. Please don't argue because of me. I should just leave."

Noah instinctively glanced at Wynette. "She wouldn't. She's not that—"

Before he could finish, Wynette sat up and let out a cold smile. "The door's that way. I won't stop you."

She hadn't said a single thing, yet Lorelei kept dragging her into it.

She had a breaking point too. Wynette was never the patient type.

Lorelei froze, clearly not expecting Wynette to tell her to leave. Her eyes reddened instantly as she looked at Noah, tears shimmering.

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Noah's face darkened. "Wynette, don't push it. I brought Lorelei here. Who gave you the right to kick her out?

"Her depression just relapsed. Do you have to go at her like this? When did you become so cruel?"

Without waiting for a response, he wiped the tears from Lorelei's face. "It's okay, Lorelei. As long as I'm here, I won't let Wynette bully you."

Lorelei leaned into his arms. "I know you care about me, Noah. But Wynette is your fiancée. This is my fault. I rely on you too much.

"I know I shouldn't... but you're all I have now. Please don't fight because of me."

As she spoke, she shot Wynette a sideways glance. Her lips moved silently. You lost. Just admit it. You'll never beat me.

Wynette had thought her heart was numb.

But watching Noah defend Lorelei without hesitation made her chest tighten with pain all over again.

She ignored Lorelei's provocation.

Her gaze turned ice-cold. "Get out."

She was done entertaining them.

For some reason, when Noah met her emotionless eyes, a flicker of unease rose in his chest.

He knew how much Wynette loved him. Otherwise, she wouldn't have tolerated his broken promises again and again.

In the past, when she threw a tantrum, a few sweet words were enough to calm her down.

But tonight, something felt different.

He was about to speak when Lorelei slipped out of his arms.

She walked timidly up to Wynette and reached for her hand. "Wynette, are you still mad? I'm sorry. Don't be upset with Noah because of me."

The moment Lorelei's fingers brushed her, Wynette jerked her hand away. She didn't want Lorelei touching her. It made her sick.

With that sharp motion, Lorelei let out a startled cry and stumbled backward.

She fell straight at Noah's feet.

"Lorelei!" He immediately bent down and swept her into his arms.

Almost at the same time, Lorelei began sobbing. "Noah, don't blame Wynette. It's my fault for making her angry. If she needed to vent, that's normal. Please don't be mad at her."

In just a few sentences, she shifted all the blame.

Wynette hadn't even touched her.

But the way Lorelei said it made it sound like Wynette had pushed her.

Noah's anger flared. He glared at Wynette. "Wynette, don't go too far. Apologize to Lorelei."

She headed toward the kitchen.

At this hour, she used to be there already, making millet porridge for Noah.

He'd had stomach issues since he was young. After they moved in together, she handled all three meals.

She didn't even like oatmeal, yet she ate it with him for years.

Out of habit, she opened the cabinet to take out the oat—then she froze.

Some habits were scary.

She put the oat back and made herself a simple breakfast instead.

Soon, she brewed a cup of black coffee and carried her sandwich to the table.

Just as she was about to sit, a petite figure stepped in front of her.

Lorelei was wearing a low-cut dress, her voice light and sweet. "Wynette, you seem in a good mood. I figured you wouldn't sleep much last night."

Wynette's gaze dropped to her collarbone.

Several unmistakable marks were scattered there.

Catching her stare, Lorelei tilted her chin with a smug smile. "Noah, oh... I told him to be gentle last night. Told him not to leave marks. He wouldn't listen.

"Wynette, Noah says you're boring. He doesn't even want to touch you. How pathetic is that? If I were you, I'd die of embarrassment."

She bragged shamelessly.

Wynette didn't react. Not even a flicker.

Lorelei had wanted to provoke her. Instead, it felt like punching air. Frustration twisted across her face.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Noah coming downstairs.

She quickly stepped closer to Wynette.