Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts




Phoebe's heart swelled with a mix of emotions. She and Noel weren't exactly close; in fact, their interactions often sparked friction, yet here he was, stepping up in her moment of need. She had intended to thank him and apologize for past

misunderstandings, but before she could utter a word, he was on a tirade. Any semblance of gratitude instantly evaporated. "Noel, are you out of your mind? Who gave you the right to lash out at me?"

"What? Did you realize what you were doing? You're pushing thirty, but you don't have the sense to protect yourself? Is your money more important than your life? In a situation like that, you should've just handed over your bag. No struggle necessary," Noel retorted with a frosty gaze.

Stunned, Phoebe realized he meant well, and now, reflecting on her instinctive reaction, she felt a chill of fear. But did he have to yell?

"Noel, just who do you think you are to yell at me?" she snapped back, indignant. Not even her parents had ever raised their voices to her like that.

"Ungrateful much? I'm teaching you survival tactics. Next time something like this happens, remember your life is what's most important," Noel huffed in frustration, unable to fathom her stubbornness.

Phoebe turned on her heel, striding away. Noel caught up quickly. "Hey, Phoebe, what's with the attitude? I'm trying to reason with you here. Do you have any idea what could've happened tonight if I weren't there? You could've been robbed or worse."

Phoebe blocked her ears, but Noel reached for her hand. She jerked away, only to hear a muffled groan. "Phoebe, how can you be so heartless? I got hurt trying to save you, and this is how you treat your savior?"

She paused, recalling the sound of the knife slicing skin. Concerned, she approached. "Noel, where are you hurt?"

He shrugged off his jacket, revealing a bloodstained white shirt. "You're bleeding. Let's get you to the clinic to get that cleaned up."

"No need for a clinic. It's not that deep. Just patch me up at your place," Noel suggested, not eager for hospital fuss.

Phoebe eyed him warily but eventually nodded. Despite Noel's playboy reputation, she had sensed he wasn't all bad. After all, he had come to her aid tonight.

"Fine, but let's get one thing straight: behave yourself. Once I've patched you up, you're out of here," she softened her tone.

Noel smiled in agreement. "Deal."

After entering her apartment, Noel surveyed the neat, cozy two-bedroom space. His eyes lingered on the magazines on the coffee table.

"Don't get any ideas. Sit on the sofa and wait for me," Phoebe directed, catching his gaze.

Soon enough, she emerged with a first aid kit. As Noel prepared to disrobe, she stopped him, "What are you doing?"

"I need to take off my shirt; the sleeve won't roll up. How else are you going to bandage me?"

"No funny business. You're in a single woman's home," she warned, snipping the sleeve of his shirt neatly and tearing it open to expose the wound.

He chuckled at her brisk efficiency. "A little gentleness wouldn't hurt, you know. You've just ruined a perfectly good shirt."

"I can replace it. Just tell me the brand and size."

"Forget it. I'm not that broke. It's just a shirt."

Phoebe set to work. The cut wasn't deep but definitely not shallow. The blood was already drying around the edges. She dabbed at it carefully with an antiseptic swab. "Telme if it hurts. I'll be gentle." Content belongs to Novelxo.org

"No worries. A little scrape is nothing for a guy like me," Noel shrugged off the pain.

As Phoebe leaned in close, her

unique scent enveloped him, and he

couldn't help but appreciate her

beauty up close. Her skin was

l.net

smooth and delicate. He blurted out,

"Phoebe, you're actually quite

attractive." Content belongs to

Novelxo.org

Startled, she pressed down a bit too hard, eliciting a grunt from Noel. "Be gentle," he grumbled.

Phoebe rolled her eyes. "I wish the pain would shut you up. Compliments from you feel like harassment."

Ignoring his look of mock innocence, she swiftly finished bandaging him, and then opened the door. "Noel, you're patched up. Time for you to leave; it's getting late."

"But Phoebe, after all I've done tonight, the least you could do is feed me," he protested, remaining seated.

Her eyes widened. "Don't push your luck, Noel. I don't cook."

His face lit up with a sly charm. "Don't play coy with me. I know you're Ines' best friend, a food lover, and a whiz in the kitchen."

"Ines told you?"

"No, I'm good pals with Ethan. His wife wanted to set us up but never got around to asking you. Little did she know, we have already met."

"I don't know who you are."

Noel remained silent, fixing Phoebe with a steadfast gaze that screamed "I'm not leaving until I get some grub."

Dealing with him was turning out to

be more hassle than it was worth like trying to shake off a bad cold. Phoebe mentally kicked herself for not sticking to her guns and

marching him straight to the elet

community clinic earlier. Gritting her teeth, she spat out with barely contained fury, "Just wait. If you don't leave after you've eaten, I'm calling the cops." Content belongs to Novelxo.org