Chapter: 557

She continued in a cold voice, "That was only the start. He attributed this behavior to social engagements. Whenever he went out, he would sleep with other women. I cried and argued, but it didn't change anything. It felt like he didn't love me at all.”

Norah patted Alice's arm to soothe her, listening intently.

"I was disappointed. I didn't want to be with him anymore, so I planned my escape. Norah, I kept it from you because I thought I would never see him again. I lied to you. I'm sorry." A single tear escaped Alice's eye as she finished her story.

The endless fights and the absence of love from Riss were too much for Alice, driving her decision to let go.

Norah didn't blame Alice for keeping her past with Riss a secret.

Everyone harbored secrets.

"It's your personal business. If you want to share, I'm willing to listen to you. If you decide to keep it to yourself and let time deal with it, it's okay. Just bear in mind that I've always had your back. All I want is for you to be okay," Norah said, hugging Alice.

“Our relationship has been tested in life-threatening moments. Trust between us doesn't need words."

Even if Norah didn't know the specifics, she wholeheartedly believed in Alice.

Norah's embrace was both tender and strong. Resting her head on Norah's shoulder, Alice couldn't hold back her tears. "Norah, it wasn't my intention to keep secrets, but I struggled to find the words..."

She kept her failed relationship to herself, never feeling the desire to share it with anyone. The end of her first love left her feeling utterly miserable.

Back in the base of the Breaker, Alice had talked a lot with Riss about the past and future plans.

Alice was determined to move past her feelings for Riss. After her leap into the river, she understood that love could shift and change.

Her relationship with Norah was unique, unlike any other. They were friends who trusted each other with their lives.

Alice shed tears, feeling like her throat was stuffed with cotton, making it hard to speak through the tears.

"Riss claimed he'd stay single for me even after I left. He pleaded for me to return, but my feelings had faded. When I saw him, all I felt was disappointment." Alice spoke deliberately. “Now that I'm in Cesland, I'll ponder the things with him carefully."

Norah gently dabbed Alice's tears with a handkerchief, having noticed Alice's rapid breathing and slight tremors from crying intensely.

Norah hastily tossed the handkerchief onto the bed, retrieved a paper bag from the cabinet, and placed it over Alice's head. "Listen to me, Alice. Breathe slowly.”

Alice's intense crying caused respiratory distress, prompting Norah to instruct Alice on slow breathing to prevent complications.

Alice's breathing gradually steadied as she listened to Norah.

"Don't put down the bag just yet." Norah placed a comforting hand on Alice's shoulder. “Back then, you were the top operative in the organization. How did you go from that to a vulnerable woman trapped in a relationship with a man? Since you've made the decision to leave him, you're certain about it, right?"

So much had unfolded in Alice's life during the times Norah wasn't part of it.

Norah's romantic life was equally complicated as Alice's. The only contrast was that Derek hadn't loved her even post-divorce.

Observing Alice's continued tears, Norah fell silent before delving into her own marital story. She came to realize her prior confusion regarding love and gratitude.