?Chapter 567:


    Returning the kindness…


    Was it merely kindness?


    Alex tried to speak, but a lump in his throat stopped him.


    Not willing to surrender, he whispered, clinging to a sliver of hope, “Is this just… returning my kindness?”


    His whisper was so soft it seemed only he could hear it, yet Sadie caught it.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a sh of awkwardness.


    She was aware of Alex’s feelings for her, but…


    “I’m sorry, Alex.” Sadie lowered her gaze, avoiding his.


    She said no more, but those words were enough to show her feelings.


    A hint of sadness appeared in Alex’s eyes, quickly concealed.


    He hade to terms with it, hadn’t he?


    From the start, he knew Noah was the only man in Sadie’s heart. Alex gave a bitterugh and changed the topic.


    “Some people over there were asking about you; perhaps you know them.”


    He gestured towards a group on the other side of the banquet hall.


    Sadie followed his gesture and nodded slightly.


    “Alright, I’ll go say hello. Please excuse me.”


    She did not look back at Alex as she walked toward the group. Alex remained still, watching her leave, his eyes reflecting a deep sea of loneliness and unspoken sorrow.


    Approaching the group, Sadie smiled politely.


    “Good evening.”


    gα?ησν????s?cо??, your storytelling home


    “Good evening, Miss Hudson,” one of them began. “I am…”


    He introduced himself, but Sadie did not catch his name clearly; she just nodded politely in response.


    Her mind lingered on the conversation she had with Alex earlier.


    She had hurt Alex, though she had no other option.


    “Miss Hudson?” The person noticed Sadie’s distraction and called to her softly.


    “Oh, sorry.” Sadie snapped back to reality and offered an apologetic smile. “What were you saying?”


    “We wanted to ask…” The person repeated the question.


    Sadie listened intently, nodding at times in response.


    “Miss Hudson, we…” The person continued, but Sadie suddenly felt a wave of dizziness sweep over her.


    Instinctively, she reached out to steady herself against the nearby table.


    “Are you okay, Miss Hudson?” the person asked, noticing her difort.


    “I’m fine,” Sadie replied, shaking her head as she tried to regainposure.


    She did not want to be seen in a weakened state.


    “Miss Hudson, you look pale. Would you like to take a break?” another person inquired with concern.


    “That’s not necessary. Thank you.” Sadie managed a forced smile. “Let’s keep talking…”


    Before she could finish, a familiar voice called out, “Hey, Sadie!”


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