Chapter 17: Why Announce the Marriage Certificate Editor: Henyee Translations

Tristan Lawson strode over, glaring down coldly at Noelle Sutton. "Don’t think I won’t hold you responsible just because you’re pretending to be sick!"

Noelle Sutton frowned slightly. One of her hands was hooked up to an IV, so she didn’t use sign language, typing out her message on her phone instead: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

What was she responsible for? She hasn’t done anything.

"When we got our marriage license, didn’t we agree to keep the marriage a secret? I thought we had an understanding. So why would you release the marriage certificate now of all times, hmm?"

An understanding? Noelle Sutton almost laughed in anger. What woman marries the man she loves and wants to keep it a secret? He was the one who unilaterally declared they’d keep it secret.

She wrote on her phone: I already explained this morning when I left the hospital. I don’t go back on my promises. Stop flinging mud at me.

"Are you not going to give up until you’re faced with hard evidence? I checked the surveillance footage. Old Master Lawson came to Westhill Villa two days ago. I also asked the staff. You were home that day."

Noelle Sutton still didn’t understand what Tristan Lawson was talking about. She quickly typed a line for Tristan Lawson to see: I told you, I didn’t release the marriage certificate.

Tristan Lawson couldn’t be bothered to explain further. He said coldly, "If anything happens to Sophie this time, I..."

The harsh words died on his lips, and he swallowed them back down. He shot Noelle Sutton a look as sharp as a blade. Then, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Noelle Sutton was completely baffled. She didn’t release the marriage certificate, and she didn’t provoke Sophie Hughes. Why is Tristan Lawson blaming her for all this?

Mrs. Miller returned with breakfast. Noelle Sutton had no appetite. Only after Mrs. Miller’s earnest persuasion did she eat a little.

She told Mrs. Miller to head back first. Mrs. Miller was a maid at the villa and had chores to do. After confirming Noelle Sutton was all right, Mrs. Miller left.

After her IV drip was finished, Noelle Sutton took a car back to Westhill Villa to change her clothes. She was still wearing the pajamas she’d put on after her bath last night. She had just finished changing and came out when there was a knock at the door.

Mrs. Miller went to open the door, and two people were standing there.

"Hello, is this Mr. Tristan Lawson’s residence?"

"Yes, it is. And you are?"

"We’re from Faith Ford’s studio. We’re here to deliver a painting to Mr. Lawson."

Mrs. Miller invited them in. The two people came in, carrying a painting. Noelle Sutton froze. It was the piece Director Ford had displayed at the exhibition. It was the birthday gift she had given Director Ford.

Did Director Ford sell it to Tristan Lawson?

Noelle Sutton bit her lip. She really must have disappointed Director Ford. That’s why she didn’t even want her birthday gift...

Noelle Sutton left the villa, a lump forming in her throat. She hailed a cab on the roadside and went to the Yates Family’s home.

On the way, Wyatt texted to ask where she was. When she arrived, he was waiting for her at the villa entrance. After she got out of the car, he walked toward her with a smile. "Come on in. My mom was so happy to hear you were coming."

Wyatt’s mother’s last name was Rhodes. She had a child out of wedlock and was kicked out by her family. Later, she rented a place across the street from Noelle’s family.

Although Aunt Rhodes had a child before marrying, she was well-mannered and a very gentle woman.

When Noelle was a child, Aunt Rhodes would invite her over to their house for meals if her grandmother wasn’t home.

Noelle followed Wyatt inside.

Joy Rhodes was sitting in the living room, sorting through several paper-cut window decorations laid out before her.

"Mom, Noelle is here."

Joy Rhodes turned her head. Noelle Sutton nodded with a smile. "Noelle, is that really you? In the blink of an eye, you’ve become a young woman. You’re more and more beautiful. Quick, come sit down."

Joy Rhodes beckoned for Noelle to come closer. Noelle sat on the chair next to her. The two of them faced each other. Between the chairs was a small tea table covered with all sorts of paper-cut window decorations.

"Noelle, I’m not quite satisfied with any of these paper-cuts. It’s a shame your grandmother passed away so many years ago. I heard from the neighbors that you’re also very good at paper-cutting. Could I trouble you to cut some for me?"

Noelle nodded. But she remained silent.

Joy Rhodes had heard from Wyatt that Noelle was still unable to speak.

Joy Rhodes led her on a tour of the villa, asking for her help to see where the decorations should be placed.

After looking around, Noelle had a good idea of what was needed. She took photos of the spots that required decorations with her phone.

She communicated to Joy Rhodes that she could finish in about two days.

Joy Rhodes felt it had been too long since she’d seen Noelle and insisted on having her stay for dinner. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

After dinner, Joy Rhodes had Wyatt drive Noelle home.

After Noelle got in the car, Wyatt Yates asked her, "Where do you live?"

Noelle Sutton signed, "I’m not going back home. I need to go buy materials. Can you take me to the fabric market in the south of the city?"

"You need fabric for paper-cutting?" Wyatt was a little surprised.

Noelle smiled and continued to sign. "Yes, you can use many different materials for paper-cutting. If I use paper, it won’t be high-end enough for your home."

Noelle’s fingers were beautiful. When she signed, her ten fingers danced while her wrists remained steady. It was like a hand dance, very pleasing to the eye.

Wyatt found himself looking forward to seeing Noelle’s finished work.

Noelle had learned from her grandmother as a child and often helped her with this craft. It seemed she had also incorporated modern methods. She might have even surpassed her teacher.

Wyatt drove Noelle to the fabric market. He got out of the car with her. She gestured that he could go back first; she could handle it on her own.

"Since you can’t speak, it’s not convenient for you to communicate with others. I’ll be your sign language interpreter."

Noelle couldn’t refuse him, so she let him tag along.

They had just entered the market when Noelle saw Tristan Lawson’s sister.

Tessa Lawson was looking at fabrics.

Noelle took another aisle, wanting to avoid a confrontation with Tessa Lawson.

Tessa Lawson and Tristan Lawson were fraternal twins, also twenty-nine this year. But she wasn’t married yet. She was a career-driven, powerful woman.

After graduating from college, she used her expertise to establish a light-luxury clothing brand with stores all over the country.

She had always looked down on Noelle, thinking she was just a mute who wasn’t good enough for Tristan Lawson.

After going in, Noelle planned to pick out some vintage linen fabrics. Vintage linen fabrics would pair well with the decor.

Tessa Lawson finished looking at the fabrics, not quite satisfied. She lifted her head and continued to the next stall. She looked around as she walked forward.

She thought she saw Noelle in the crowd. But the market was crowded, and she couldn’t see clearly, so she started walking in Noelle’s direction.

Moreover, it seemed there was a man with Noelle Sutton.

Well, well, well. A mute like her was lucky enough in eight lifetimes to marry Tristan Lawson, and now she dares to flirt with other men outside?

Tessa Lawson quickened her pace. Just then, her phone rang. It was Old Master Lawson calling.

"Tessa, come home early tonight. Tristan and his family will be back, too."

"Okay, I’ll head back after I look at one more batch of fabric."

Tessa Lawson hung up the phone. When she looked up again, Noelle Sutton was gone. She frowned and called Tristan Lawson.

"Tristan, is Noelle with you?"

"No. Why are you asking about her?"

Tessa Lawson rarely asked about Noelle Sutton of her own accord.