Chapter 1078: Chapter 1078

Chapter 1078:

Noel allowed himself a bitter smirk. Of course, she hadn’t noticed. She never had—not his unease, nor the deeper feelings he had carried for her all these years. Why would she pick up on it now? Plus, his decision was already made, wasn’t it? He ought to embrace it with joy.

Holding onto that thought, Noel managed to muster a faint smile.

Harlee was consumed with worry over Rhys’ abrupt disappearance.

“He’s gone missing,” she replied, her voice tinged with sorrow.

“Missing?” Surprise flickered across Noel’s face.

Had Rhys neutralized the threats against Harlee already?

Noel wrestled with his feelings.

He knew Rhys had dedicated his life to keeping Harlee safe, and if Rhys’ plan had been set in motion, he might not survive it. Torn about whether to disclose the full truth, Noel chose silence as they continued their stroll.

As they entered the hospital room, Noel stopped just as Harlee was about to sit. Without warning, he wrapped her in a firm embrace.

Caught off guard, Harlee didn’t resist. She trusted Noel, though his sudden display of affection left her puzzled.

For three minutes, Noel held her tightly, silently cherishing the closeness. When he finally released her, his eyes appeared slightly teary, though his smile remained intact.

“You might not realize this, but I’ve been in love with you for nearly three years.”

Shock registered on Harlee’s face. Love? Her? For three years? She understood each word he spoke, yet putting them together felt strangely perplexing.

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Noel’s laugh was gentle, his gaze unwavering.

“Yeah, it’s been three years. I’ve had feelings for you that long. I really don’t know why I felt this way. It began as merely fulfilling a promise to a friend—to take care of you, to be both your friend and therapist.

But then, I found myself unable to resist these feelings.”

The phrase “a promise to a friend” triggered an image of Rhys in Harlee’s mind.

Her face remained impassive. She didn’t reciprocate Noel’s feelings, yet she wouldn’t trivialize them.

Noticing her restrained reaction, Noel continued gently, “I think it’s your personality. Seeing you in pain over Rhys didn’t make me jealous. It just broke my heart. Perhaps because he was the one who asked me to care for you.”

At this last part, Noel tightened his fists, aware that his honesty might drive Harlee further away. Yet, he wanted her happiness—not necessarily to win her heart.

Noel closed his eyes, sparing himself the sight of her response to his admission. Then, finally revealing the feelings he had long hidden, he said softly, “Harlee, I care about you deeply. I just wanted you to know that there’s someone who truly admires you. You’re incredible.” When Noel reopened his eyes, they glistened with unshed tears, though his smile remained steady.

“I’ve said it now. This allows me to finally discuss Rhys with you.”

As he finished, emotion choked his voice, and his reddened eyes betrayed the strain, but the persistent smile remained.

“You…” Harlee was momentarily speechless.

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