138 A truth for the jab

From what Eve had learned about Noah Sullivan, even though he belonged to a high-class family, he wasn't a frivolous man and was a man of good character. She could only come to believe that as they were friends, the news about her had worried him, and in reflex, he now hugged her.

Eve didn't know if it was his heart or her own that she could feel beating. She heard him whisper, "I don't know what I would do if something were to happen to you. Are you okay?" 

She took a moment to gather her thoughts before she nodded. The Duke released her from his arms, and she saw him not take a step backwards. Instead, he stared at her. 

Noah asked her, "What happened to your face?" his eyes were fixed on her swollen cheek. Eve was about to answer when the door she had earlier closed opened and out stepped Vincent.