No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 19

Noelle stood in place, looking at the others expressionlessly. She wondered if the Liddell brothers really thought she was still the old Noelle.

They never asked her opinion, acting like letting it go was a huge favor to her, even though she didn't care at all.

Lucas felt diffident. He avoided looking Noelle in the eye while waiting for Frank to step in.

On the authority as their older brother, Frank continued, "You've proven yourself in this repechage, Noelle. No one will be able to replace your position on the team in the future."

He figured that his words would put Noelle at ease.

Xenia's expression darkened instantly. She was beyond frustrated to see how easily Noelle had taken her spot away despite working so hard. Although she had no natural talent, she had put in just as much effort as Noelle.

Lucas looked at Noelle with an equally hopeful gaze. Although he said nothing, he hoped she would join their team. He figured that she shouldn't be sulking anymore now that he had given her an out.

Noelle's gaze was cold when she replied, "I refuse."

Lucas became somewhat agitated. "Why?"

Noelle replied, "I joined the repechage this time because they insulted my parents, not because I wanted to join the team."

"But you've clearly been practicing in secret. Wasn't it just so you could return?"

They thought that it was impossible for Noelle to become this skilled overnight. They figured she must have been secretly practicing just so she could join the team.

Lucas refused to believe what she said, staring at her intensely.

Noelle's expression was neutral. Her gaze was cold when she replied, "It wasn't."

Lucas' heart sank. He blurted, "Do I have to personally apologize to you for you to forgive me, Noelle?"

Noelle stopped walking. "This has nothing to do with forgiveness. The Liddell family's team isn't the only team in this world."

She loved playing in competitions but refused to be confined to Team Luminark. Her implication was clear.

"I know you hated me, Noelle!" Xenia suddenly cried, her voice choking with tears.

Almost everyone turned to look at her.

Xenia walked toward Noelle and said submissively, "Lucas really wants you to join the team. If my presence upsets you, I'll immediately leave the team. I won't compete with you for your spot!"

Noelle replied irritably, "Just shut up, will you? I'm not joining the team because I don't want to. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Stop putting yourself on the pedestal."

Xenia continued, "I knew it. You're still angry! I had overestimated myself and took over your spot.

"I thought that if I could seize the opportunity you didn't want, I'd be able to work hard to prove myself and contribute to the Liddell family. But I was just too stupid!" She sniffled, sounding meek and making it impossible for people not to feel sorry for her.

Frank felt sorry for Xenia. "Lucas was the one who went overboard and hurt Noelle's feelings. It has nothing to do with you."

Lucas felt even more frustrated upon being unfairly blamed. He glanced at how Xenia was acting pitifully, yet he couldn't muster any sympathy for her. He now regretted his decision to let her join the team. She was better suited to remain as their sweet and obedient sister—not someone to make a name with.

Seeing Lucas remain unfazed, Xenia steadied herself and quickly took out an eyebrow razor. She pointed it at her wrist and said, "Don't worry, Noelle. I won't ever compete with you for your spot if I die now!"

Noelle stumbled back in shock, wondering if Xenia had gone mad. Whether she decided to join the team or not had nothing to do with Xenia.

In fact, Xenia was the one who originally opposed her joining the team. Noelle thought that Xenia must be out of her mind to try to force her to join the team by resorting to self-harm.

Lucas was equally shocked. "Calm down, Xenia. This has nothing to do with you."

Xenia smiled tearfully. "It's all my fault, Lucas. Perhaps I wouldn't have upset Noelle if I had never seized the opportunity she didn't want in the first place.

"I've already been more than satisfied having grown up in the Liddell family all these years anyway. I wouldn't mind dying now!"

Lucas, who had been holding some reservations about her earlier, felt his heart instantly soften.