As long as the Longbottom family could not control Laurence, the Johnsons would only support Noelle being with him.
The last trace of hesitation in Noelle's heart disappeared after what just happened. She made up her mind to accept Laurence's feelings. The two of them would be together openly.
Laurence loved her, and she loved him too.
After everything they had been through together, the feelings they shared, and now that the gap in status between them was no longer an issue, what was there left for her to fear?
She was not even afraid of death. How could she be afraid of standing by his side as his lover?
What helped Noelle reach this decision was Jane's and Lilian's words. They told her that when she was taken in and entrusted to take care of Laurence for "the rest of his life," it held a deeper meaning.
Who else could stay with Laurence for a lifetime?
Only his wife.
Perhaps that was what Doc meant all along.
Noelle thought that if he had not intended that, he would not have taught her so many skills or allowed both her and Laurence to fall in love. On his deathbed, he had even taken her and Laurence's hands and placed them together.
At that time, he had already lost the ability to speak. Back then, Noelle thought that he simply meant for her to protect and care for Laurence for the rest of his life.
For years, she remained constantly at Laurence's side. They were never apart, and she cared for him in every aspect of life.
Whenever there was danger, she always stepped in front of him. She would rather be injured or even die than allow any harm to come to him.
It was her duty and the promise she made. She was someone who kept her word. Since she made a promise, she would fulfill it.
If Doc had not found and taken her in, she would have died long ago.
Laurence treated her well, and so did everyone else. No one ever regarded her as an outsider.
Although staying beside Laurence was dangerous, Noelle was not scared. She had already accompanied him through countless assassinations. The worst one had left her gravely wounded. That time, Laurence had nearly gone mad.
Fortunately, she was lucky enough to survive. Thanks to his medical skills, he managed to nurse her back to full health.
All that remained were a few scars that would never be seen unless she took off her clothes.
She just hoped that Laurence would not find them unattractive.
After all, they were wounds she received while shielding him with her own body.
They were proof of her feelings, her love, her duty, and the promise she made.
"Go ahead and finish your work. Don't take what those old men said to heart. My marriage is my own decision. It's not their place to decide."
Laurence reassured Noelle, worried that the elders' words might make her retreat. Noelle said, "They can say whatever they want. It doesn't affect me, so I don't care." Laurence smiled. "I'm glad you think that way. Okay, get back to work. Let's go home for dinner tonight. I'll have Ms. Tindall cancel my evening engagements."
It was his first day taking over Longbottom Corporation. He had no desire to work overtime and wanted to go home early.
Noelle nodded. "I'll call Mom later and let her know."
Jane and Lilian were staying at the estate and would surely prepare dinner.
They both liked cooking. Normally, they were too busy to do so, but coming to Havenmill was like a vacation to them. Now, they finally had the leisure to spend time in the kitchen.
It had been a while since Noelle experienced the happiness of coming home to a warm meal.
Normally, she accompanied Laurence to business dinners, so they almost always ate outside. Even when they returned home on occasion, she would be the one cooking. It was not that Laurence could not cook. She simply never let him.
Jane always scolded her for that, telling her to give Laurence more opportunities to practice his cooking and occasionally let him prepare meals himself.
She knew that Jane simply felt sorry for her and wanted her to have a chance to rest.
The men in the Johnson family spoiled their wives not only in public but at home as well.
Although Laurence did not bear the Johnson surname, he had been raised as their adopted son, which made him one of their men as well.