Chapter 1186

When Noreen stepped out of the shower, Seth texted her saying he had left some things at the door and told her to go grab them.

It was only when Noreen opened the bag that she realized it contained a morning- after pill and some healing ointment.

He felt guilty.

Everything had happened so suddenly the night before that they hadn’t used any protection, so he felt terrible having to ask her to take the pill. He promised he would be prepared next time.

Noreen held the small box, staring into space for a long moment.

Honestly… she didn’t need to take it. The doctor had explicitly told her that her chances of getting pregnant were astronomically low. In fact, it was highly likely she could never conceive again.

So the pill was entirely unnecessary.

As for how far she and Seth would go, or how long this would last… Noreen didn’t think about it, and she refused to dwell on it. She only cared about the present.

Right now, being with him made her happy. That was enough. And if the day ever came when their paths diverged, she could accept that too.

In this world, nothing was more important than loving yourself.

Noreen tossed the pill box into the trash and reached for the tube of ointment instead. The familiar packaging made her cheeks burn hot.

From last night to this afternoon, they had gone at it five times. Which meant Seth had applied the ointment for her five separate times.

Even though he was just rubbing in the medicine, the intense way he did it made it feel like they had done it ten times.

Mortified, she shoved the ointment deep into a drawer, vowing to never look at it again.

Naturally, Seth texted her right at that moment. “Remember to use the ointment.” “I’ll be gentler next time.”

Like hell he would!

After that night, Noreen’s back throbbed for two solid days.

During those two days, no matter how much Seth hinted or initiated, she completely ignored him. And since Katy Joyner had just arrived in Rivercrest City, Noreen had even less time for him.

When Noreen heard that Katy had found another man whose presence helped her sleep, she felt a mix of joy and deep concern.

No matter how you looked at it, Jett was a grown man. Relying on him to sleep couldn’t be a permanent solution.

But Jordan had been very clear. Right now, there were no better medications or therapies available and Katy’s unique condition made her unsuited for experimental, treatments Maintaining the status quo was their only option for now-it was certainly better than relying on heavy sedatives.

Still, Noreen had a long, serious talk with Katy, reminding her about boundaries.

Katy reassured her. “Don’t worry,

Mom. I know how to protect myself. Besides, Jett is very respectful. He’s just incredibly cold and rarely

speaks He’s very hard to

communicate with Telnet

don’t think we’ve exchanged more than ten sentences since we met

Since Noreen had never met Jett, she couldn’t pass judgment. She simply told Katy

to keep her guard up.

The next day, Katy flew back to Glenhaven City, and Noreen prepared for a business trip to Northcrest.

Since Claire Chase’s next project hadn’t started filming yet and she had the free

time, she decided to fly to Northcrest with Noreen.

She needed to visit the cemetery. Today marked the memorial for the anniversary of her grandmother’s passing.

Ever since Felix Quigley had called her on the seventh day of the month to say he was traveling abroad for work the two hadn’t spoken once Claire had no idea if Felix was even back in the country. And frankly, she didn’t care enough to ask

But she kept a strict countdown. There were exactly twenty days left until their agreement expired. She fully planned on texting Felix a reminder every single day for the final fifteen days.

After parting ways with Noreen at the hotel, Claire bought some floral tributes and caught a cab to the cemetery.

It was pouring rain in Northcrest, making the air brutally damp and cold. Claire was wrapped in a thick trench coat, wearing a mask and glasses. She was so completely bundled up that not even the most obsessive fan would have recognized her.

Arriving at the cemetery, she gripped her umbrella and her flowers, slowly climbing the long stone steps.