To the Coles this matter seemed as casual as if Noelle were just mentioning the weather.
Soon Lydia busily set the table in front of her while Sebastian handed her the cutlery. He asked, “Are you hungry? If you’re not hungry, just eat a little bit. But if you are hungry, then eat more.”
Noelle held the fork and spoon not knowing how to react for a moment as she blankly stared at the table
full of dishes
She was indeed somewhat hungry, but she really hadn’t been prepared to eat dinner, especially not with the entire Cole family like this.
Sebastian glanced at Noelle. Then, he picked up his own cutlery and served her some glazed ribs. “Try this first. Our chef is really skilled at making this dish.”
Noelle ked sweet flavors, especially local Norland specialties like glazed ribs.
Upon seeing that she was still somewhat reserved, Denise got up and added a piece of lemon–herb baked salmon to her plate. “If you don’t like the ribs, have some fish. If you don’t like either, you don’t have to eat
them
The Cole family seemed too considerate, and this made it impossible for Noelle to adjust her current
emotional state all at once.
She bit her lip, set her cutlery aside, and solemnly said once again, “Mr. and Mrs. Cole, Mr. Sebastian, what I mean is that I might not be able to have children.”
Although she hadn’t had a particularly detailed examination, she and Conner had been trying for years without any results—it was basically a confirmed diagnosis.
The atmosphere at the dinner table froze for two seconds before becoming relaxed again.
Sebastian pressed his lips together and chuckled ‘It’s fine. I’m marrying a wife, not a baby–making machine”
Perhaps after having lived with the Ashford family for so long and feeling degraded by their mindset
Noelle almost doubted her own ears
Or perhaps, was Sebastian not their only child?
But Noelle gave it some thought and confirmed that he was indeed the only child. After all, she had never heard of the Cole family having any other children.
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Noelle frowned slightly
Could it be that the Cole family had other illegitimate children?
A bunch of thoughts floated through Noelle’s mind. It wasn’t until Sebastian’s palm rested on the back of her hand, and the warmth from his palm reached her that she was pulled back to reality.
William’s and Denise’s expressions were very genuine. Not to mention, they were remarkably calm about Noelle’s inability to have children
Denise said Sebastian’s right. He’s marrying a lifelong companion, not some baby–making machine. Besides it’s not like the Cole family has some throne to inherit. Why must we have children?”
William immediately added. “You came at just the right time. After we finish eating, let’s discuss the wedding details. Although Sebastian has already planned everything, you should have a say in it too.”
The difference between the Ashfords and the Coles was stark. In fact, they were worlds apart.
It made Noelle feel both unsettled and grateful, and suddenly, her eyes started stinging.
William and Denise were afraid she felt awkward, so they kept adding food onto her plate until Sebastian reminded them, saying “If you keep adding more, Noelle’s plate won’t be able to hold it all.”
Noelle looked at the overflowing plate in front of her. Various kinds of fish and meat had piled up so high they were about to spill over. The scene was inexplicably amusing, and she couldn’t help but smile.
Sebastian instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. “You look beautiful when you smile… You should
smile more often.”
Denise nodded in agreement. “Exactly. You used to laugh all the time as a little girl. Why not anymore now? You’re so much prettier when you smile.”
After dinner, William and Denise left the room as if they had planned it. By then, only Sebastian and Noelle
remained in the living room.
Since no one was speaking, they could hear each other’s breathing particularly clearly
Chapter 43
