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Chapter 311
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Noelle hadn't told Hendrix which hotel she was staying at. But this was Coppersville, and there was little here he couldn't find out if he wanted to.The next morning, just as Noelle woke up, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, Hendrix stood there, smiling brightly at her."Let's go to the courthouse," he said.He wasn't wearing a jacket today, just a crisp white shirt. Combined with his soft, slightly tousled hair, it made Noelle pause for a moment.For a fleeting second, it felt like she was back in the past, hiding in a corner, secretly watching him.But she quickly shut down the thought.Now, she knew better. The person he had been back then was a lie, just as the version of him she thought she'd come to understand later was a lie.The man standing before her now—shameless, ruthless, and utterly self-serving—was the real Hendrix."I've already picked out clothes for you. You've got your documents ready, right?"Noelle had planned to say she hadn't brought them, but
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 313
Beatrice handed the box to Noelle. "Even though we've known each other for a while, since you and Hendrix have decided to start over, it's only right to mark the occasion with something auspicious. This was part of my wedding gift when I got married, so I'll give it to you as a gift for today.""This is too much," Noelle said."It's fine," Beatrice replied with a smile. "Hendrix has already made up his mind about you, so everything of mine will end up with you eventually anyway, won't it?"Noelle looked at the woman in front of her. She was still the same—poised, composed, every bit as dignified as the Beatrice in her memories.But what Noelle remembered even more vividly was how this same Beatrice had once been so desperate to escape the Freeman family—so much so that she was even willing to take her own life.And now, her lover was gone.That part of the past had long been forgotten by everyone in their circle, as if it had never happened. Even Beatrice herself seemed to have e
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 314
When Beatrice finished speaking, Noelle fell silent for a moment. Then, she suddenly smiled, which made Beatrice frown involuntarily."So, you still love him, don't you?" Noelle asked softly.Beatrice couldn't help but tighten her grip around her cup when she heard that question."I don't blame you, but I'll never forgive him, either," Noelle said as she set the coffee cup back on the table. She then continued, "If it weren't for the pressure he exerted in business and all those underhanded tactics, I'd already be someone else's wife by now. "Do you really think, under these circumstances, I could convince myself to love him?"Her tone was calm, and so were her emotions.Beatrice couldn't come up with a suitable reply. In truth, she would have preferred if Noelle had been more confrontational and aggressive. At least that would have meant she still felt something—anything—when it came to Hendrix.But there was nothing."I know," Beatrice finally said. "His name is Dylan, right
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 315
"That's different," said Noelle."How is it different?" Hendrix shot back.Noelle turned her head to look at him. "Why bother asking when you already know the answer?"Hendrix fell silent, but the hand gripping his cutlery tightened abruptly, causing his veins to bulge.Noelle quickly averted her gaze. Her voice still calm, she added, "Besides, it's our second marriage. What's the point of having a big ceremony?"Hendrix was about to argue when Beatrice cut him off, "I agree with Noelle. You've already got the marriage certificate, and a wedding is just a formality—it's not that important. But we should still make a public announcement about the marriage, so why not plan a nice banquet instead?"This time, Noelle didn't argue with Beatrice's suggestion."No. We're having a wedding ceremony," insisted Hendrix flatly. "I've already asked the wedding planner to arrange it."Beatrice frowned, but Hendrix didn't spare her a glance. Instead, he turned and fixed his gaze on Noelle.B
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 316
Night fell over Nivis Villa.Hendrix still hadn't come home, but it wasn't like Noelle was waiting for him. Instead, she'd simply ordered takeout for herself.The frozen peas pressed against her cheek had grown warm, and the redness on her skin had started to fade.Initially, she'd worried that if Hendrix saw the mark, he might cause trouble for the Prichett family. But now, it seemed that concern had been unnecessary.Glancing at the clock on the wall, Noelle assumed Hendrix probably wouldn't be coming back tonight.This was a feeling she was all too familiar with. Once again, she was alone in Nivis Villa. Hendrix was a husband in name only—nothing more.The only difference now was that she had to sleep in the master bedroom instead of the small bedroom she used to sleep in. And perhaps it was this change that kept Noelle awake. Even after lying down for a long time, sleep eluded her completely.For a fleeting moment, she even considered returning to the small bedroom at the en
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 317
Noelle turned over again, trying to force herself back to sleep. But as soon as she closed her eyes, the thirst became even more unbearable. After struggling for a few minutes, she finally decided to go downstairs for a glass of water.It was pitch dark downstairs. After switching on the staircase light, Noelle headed straight into the kitchen. Just as she finished filling her glass, a hoarse voice suddenly came from behind her, "Pour me a glass, too."The suddenness of the sound startled Noelle, and the glass in her hand slipped and fell to the ground, shattering instantly. Hendrix reacted quickly—he grabbed her and pulled her aside just in time to keep her from getting cut by the flying shards of glass.But Noelle swiftly shook off his hand.Hendrix glanced down at his now empty palm before slowly withdrawing his hand. He then stepped forward, poured another glass of water, and held it out to Noelle.But she didn't take it, instead brushing past him to pour her own. Her action
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 318
Noelle couldn't quite remember how she made it back to bed.For the past few hours, her sleep had been fitful, hovering between dream and reality. In her haze, she felt an odd sensation on her body—almost like a dog burrowing against her. She groggily opened her eyes, only to find that there really was someone lying on top of her. Noticing she was awake, Hendrix didn't bother holding back. He grabbed her calf firmly and pressed down with more force.Noelle gritted her teeth. She couldn't help but reach out with the aim to claw a few marks across his face. But she was too slow. Without a second thought, Hendrix caught her hand and pinned it firmly against his chest. Unable to break free, Noelle decided to just let him have his way for now.To Hendrix, though, her passive response seemed like compliance, and it only excited him more. He flipped her around with increasing fervor.Seizing an opening when he let his guard down, Noelle kicked him straight in the stomach."Can you just
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 319
Hendrix charged forward. He wanted to stop the wedding and take Noelle back. But just as he was about to reach for her hand, his eyes suddenly snapped open.Blinding sunlight streamed through the window, stabbing into his eyes so harshly that it made him feel like tearing up. But he quickly composed himself and reached out to hold the woman lying beside him.Yet, all he found was a pillow.He was all alone in the room. Like the shattering of an illusion, Hendrix's expression shifted dramatically. Without hesitation, he sprang out of bed.As he rushed downstairs, he called Noelle on the phone.She picked up quickly. "Yes?""Where are you?" Hendrix's voice was hoarse and laced with unmistakable tension.Before Noelle could answer, the doorbell rang.On the other end of the line, Noelle seemed to hear it, too. Without bothering to ask what Hendrix wanted, she hung up and headed for the door.It was then Hendrix realized she had been in the backyard the whole time. He sighed with
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Hendrix was with Erwin. Despite taking a punch from Hendrix just the night before, Erwin didn't seem to mind at all. When he saw Hendrix, he even offered him the cigar he was holding, to which Hendrix declined."So, are you really cutting ties with me?" Erwin asked with a smile.Hendrix didn't return the smile. "I've quit smoking.""Oh? Let me guess. Is it because of your wife?"Hendrix didn't answer him.Erwin clicked his tongue. "You're really no fun now, you know that? You used to be so carefree and unrestrained, and now, you've trapped yourself in the prison of marriage and a woman. Don't you think that's pitiful? "And honestly, I just don't see it. What's so special about her that has you so hopelessly devoted to her?"In Erwin's eyes, Noelle might just pass as beautiful. Her intelligence? Not remarkable, but average enough. And it was this very "average" that made her seem all the more ordinary. If she were a fool, at least that would make her stand out.Hendrix cast him
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 355
Noelle fell silent, so Hendrix assumed the conversation was over.But the next moment, she suddenly said, "Thank you."Why was she thanking him? Was she thanking him on Dylan's behalf?Even though that had been his initial goal, actually hearing those words coming out of Noelle's lips still left an uncomfortable ache in his chest.He turned over and sat up. Staring at her intently, he asked, "And then? That's it?"Noelle didn't resist. She simply met his gaze with her big, dewy eyes.The moonlight grew brighter, cascading over her face, making her appear even softer, more serene.Hendrix stared at her for a long time. Finally, he reached out and gently touched her cheek.Strangely enough, they had already done the most intimate things one could imagine, and it was even the first time he had touched her face. But this gentle gesture felt different—like an electric current passing from his fingertips to her skin, only to loop back and surge through him again.Hendrix instinctive
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 354
When Noelle stepped out of the bathroom. Hendrix was still on the balcony, speaking on the phone. His voice sounded calm, but he was talking quickly, so Noelle couldn't make out what he was saying. Not that she wanted to anyway.She went straight to the bedroom. Once there, she collapsed onto the bed and closed her eyes, replaying the events of the day in her mind.Noelle knew that Erwin wasn't interested in her—not really. What intrigued him was the version of her in Hendrix's mind.Erwin believed that Hendrix was just like him. But as someone of the same kind, Erwin himself would never consider marriage, much less choose someone like Noelle. That was why he was so curious about Hendrix's decision.His line of thinking was undoubtedly insane. What was even more insane, however, was that Noelle could actually understand his logic and reasoning. That was what truly unsettled her.Sure enough, spending too much time around madmen had started to warp her own sense of normalcy. As the
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 353
"I've told you. This isn't your fault," Hendrix interrupted her again.This time, Noelle fell completely silent."It wasn't your fault then, and it's not your fault today," Hendrix continued, his jaw tightening with every word. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone who's hurt you off the hook. Not a single one of them.""Oh, really? But isn't Erwin your partner? Won't it be difficult for you if you turn against him?"That shut Hendrix up real quick.Noelle thought he had finally realized the weight of the situation—proving, once again, that profit always came first to him. The thought made her lips twitch slightly. She was about to speak again when Hendrix said, "He's not my partner. Even if he was before, he's not anymore.""But don't you still share mutual interests?" Noelle pressed. "If you offend him, aren't you afraid that—""This is Mondivera, not Coppersville," Hendrix replied. "The foundation of Amity Group is in Coppersville, so I can give up everything here."Noelle said
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 352
Hendrix's entire body was tense. In the end, it was Noelle who practically dragged him out by sheer force. If she hadn't, he would've undoubtedly started another fight with Erwin right then and there. She knew Hendrix was skilled, but Erwin had plenty of bodyguards at his disposal.And no matter how much she disliked Hendrix at that moment, she couldn't stand the thought of him dying in a place like this.Finally, they returned to the hotel.Noelle hadn't forgotten how Hendrix had locked her in the room earlier. The moment they entered, she quickly let go of his hand. But before she could take another step, Hendrix grabbed her wrist and pulled her straight into the bathroom.At first, Noelle was confused, until he started roughly yanking at her clothes with an almost frantic urgency.Her mind flashed to Erwin's earlier words. She couldn't help but smile mockingly. "Isn't it a little too late to check now?"Her words made Hendrix's hands falter, his movements stiffening."I sle
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 351
Erwin's voice rang out quickly, "Hendrix, you're here."Hearing the voice, Hendrix immediately looked up. When he saw Erwin standing there in a loosely draped robe, its belt barely tied, his expression turned grim."Where's Noelle?" he asked in a tense voice."What?""I asked you—where is Noelle?"Hendrix strode forward in a few quick steps and grabbed Erwin's collar with both hands."Calm down. Don't worry. She's fine. In fact, she just fell asleep," Erwin replied, then smiled smugly.Hendrix's mind went blank for a moment. He didn't say a word, simply releasing Erwin's collar before dashing upstairs.Just then, Noelle, seemingly alerted by the commotion, stepped out of her room.When Hendrix saw her standing there unharmed, he could no longer hold back. In a few quick strides, he closed the distance and wrapped her tightly in his arms.She was safe.That single thought flooded his mind, instantly outweighing everything else in importance.On the way here, he had considere
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 350
Hendrix's negotiations went smoothly.However, as expected, David was unwilling to give up so easily. After signing the contract, he insisted on having dinner with Hendrix, during which he tirelessly introduced his daughter. Even after Hendrix mentioned that he was married, David remained undeterred, saying it didn't matter.David went on to emphasize how obedient his daughter was, adding that she could stay here while Hendrix visited her whenever he had the time. Of course, Hendrix didn't take any of it seriously.After some back-and-forth, it was past midnight by the time Hendrix boarded his flight. Once he landed, he immediately headed back to the hotel.During this time, Noelle had called him twice. The first call came while he was in a meeting, and the second while he was on the plane, so he hadn't been able to answer either.Hendrix called Noelle back, but this time, she didn't answer. He knew she was likely angry—after all, he had locked her in the hotel room for an entire
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 349
Erwin frowned impatiently but ultimately held back his irritation, reminding himself that Noelle was, after all, a guest he had personally invited. "Don't you understand? When a man says he's interested in a woman, it means exactly what you think it does," Erwin replied.Noelle let out a cold laugh, which made Erwin raise an eyebrow."You don't actually like me," Noelle said. "Even now, talking to me, you're clearly struggling to hold back your impatience. So, why force yourself?"Erwin clicked his tongue. "So, you do notice.""Yes, I do. So, whatever it is you want, why not just say it outright? Let's not waste each other's time."Erwin stared at Noelle for a moment before suddenly laughing. "No wonder Hendrix married you. You are very interesting, indeed. You're right. I'm a very busy man, so I'll be straightforward—I want to sleep with you."If Noelle had anything in her mouth at that moment, she would have spit it out instantly. Even without that, her stunned expression sai
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 348
Erwin's tone was unnervingly calm, as if he were merely discussing the weather with Noelle. For a moment, she couldn't quite process what he had just said. It wasn't until Erwin turned to her with a smile that the weight of his words began to sink in.Noelle had only met him once. Back then, although Erwin had maintained the demeanor of a well-mannered gentleman and greeted her out of respect for Hendrix, his gaze had still carried an unmistakable arrogance and disdain toward Noelle.Now, his expression was no different.But it seemed he realized this wasn't the attitude he should have in the current moment. So, he made an effort to adjust, attempting to present a more "amiable" appearance. But instead, his smile appeared distorted, almost grotesque.Clearly, he failed.Erwin didn't give her much time to think. He quickly added, "You like this painting, don't you? I'll give it to you.""That's not necessary," Noelle replied without hesitation. "I don't know much about oil paintin
