No longer a pushover

Chapter 6

Noelle hailed a cab back to the Liddell residence. As she entered the grand foyer, she could hear Xenia's voice. The Liddells sounded like they were having a great time. However, the lively atmosphere froze when she appeared, and tension settled as if Noelle was an unwelcome guest. Noelle kept a straight face, intending to head straight to her room.

Just then, Blake shouted, "Noelle, stop right there! Is that how you're supposed to behave? Aren't you even going to greet us?"

His tone grew harsher as he continued, "Don't think just because some school doctor is backing you up, you can run around threatening to call the cops and think you're untouchable! Without the Liddell family, you're nothing!" Blake stood up, his anger escalating. "Do you think we favor Xenia? Look at all the horrible things you've done to her! Her father saved your life, and we're just helping you repay that debt!"

Noelle felt emotionally drained. She paused and turned toward the living room, saying flatly, "Frank, Blake, I'm home."

She hoped this would suffice.

"Dinner's ready," Frank announced.

"You all go ahead. I'm not hungry," Noelle replied before heading upstairs.

"Frank, look at her attitude! She's completely out of control!" Blake exclaimed.

Xenia sweetly chimed in, saying, "Blake, please don't be angry at her. It's all my fault. Maybe if I left the Liddell family, Noelle wouldn't be so resentful."

"Don't be silly. If anyone's leaving, it's Noelle. Why should you go?" Blake retorted.

Noelle heard the conversation as she climbed the stairs. She quickened her pace to her room, immediately locking the door behind her. She leaned against it, taking several moments to compose herself as her eyes welled up with tears. She looked up at the ceiling, forcing the tears back. This time, she promised herself she would not waste any more energy on this superficial family bond.

The next day, Noelle went to school as usual and shared a car with Xenia. The latter asked, "Noelle, are you still angry?"

"Xenia, don't you always tire of putting on an act?" Noelle closed her eyes and leaned back, ignoring her further.

but with the driver present, she quickly adopted her usual pitiful look and flashed him a sweet smile. The driver instantly concluded that Noelle was being mean to Xenia and made a mental note to report it to Frank later. At school, Noelle focused

focus on and no time to waste

...

returned home, she found Lucas sitting on the couch

him cheerfully and chirped, "Lucas, you're back! I've missed you so much while you

after Xenia's sweet antics. Meanwhile, Noelle merely glanced at their interaction before

rebellious. I didn't believe it

sighed wearily. There went Lucas again. To avoid wasting time, she turned and obediently said,

way, I'm rebuilding the team.

how this exact scenario had played out in her previous life. Back then, she had eagerly agreed to please Lucas and gain her

you've proven yourself. Now, let's give Xenia

"Noelle, I'm the team captain. When

by Xenia. Without her intense dedication, the team would never have made it to the finals, yet they had benched her

silver platter. What had all her

was firm as she replied, "Lucas, I want to focus on my college prep. I can't afford to be distracted

Lucas' suggestion, or more accurately, his command. His words were not a request for her

hear that right? You're actually refusing my invitation?" Lucas

even considered the possibility of her declining. For years, Noelle had followed

to decline," Noelle responded flatly, maintaining eye contact as she watched his expression darken with embarrassment. Yet, none of this bothered

before answering," Lucas snapped. "Don't be stubborn. Otherwise, you'll cry and beg

Noelle had given away his championship trophy to Xenia as an apology. It was the very trophy he had won in his first year as a pro player, which was immensely meaningful to him. Xenia gently tugged at Lucas' sleeve

by Noelle's refusal. He glared at Noelle and warned, "Noelle, this is a one-time offer. Think carefully-will yu be joining the family

was all bark and no bite, wholly wrapped around Xenia's