Library
Search
Home / Romance / The Sway and Slide of Love / Chapter 32

Share

Chapter 32

Author: Jean Song
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-03 10:26:20
Matilda asked why, huh? Teenage Noelle used to ponder about this when she first reunited with her family.

Back then, she had tried to mimic every flattering gesture Sandra had used to win over her family. But what did that get her? Indifference.

Things became crystal clear one day when she prepared a cup of coffee for Matilda. She had thanked her for the effort, only to discard it into the flowerpot behind her back.

That night, she overheard the conversation between her parents.

Matilda contemplated whether to take Noelle for an HIV test. At that time, she was too young to know what that was. It wasn't until later in life that she realized it was a test for AIDS.

All because she was almost sexually assaulted by her adoptive father. To her parents, that incident remained an indelible stain on her name.

Even if the truth revealed that nothing had happened, she was no longer pure to them, and she had lost the right to be their daughter.

At that thought, Noelle shut her eyes tightly
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP
Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Related chapters

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 33

    Mabel was about to stop Noelle when she heard the sound of a car engine outside.She immediately darted downstairs. "Mr. Freeman, you need to see what's going on. I don't know what Mrs. Freeman is thinking again. She packed all her stuff and seemed ready to leave!"Hendrix didn't seem surprised by her words. Instead, he looked up and saw Noelle carrying her stuff down the stairs.His gaze shifted from her suitcase and slowly to her cheek, where a handprint was visible. She didn't dodge his gaze and asked, "When are we proceeding with the procedure?""I've informed the lawyer to come over." Hendrix finally withdrew his gaze and continued forward.Noelle quickly replied, "That won't be necessary. I'm leaving with nothing."He froze while ascending the stairs when he heard her statement. He cocked his head at her and said, "Even if you're walking away with nothing, you still need to sign the agreement."Noelle understood his meaning and no longer refuted him. Meanwhile, Mabel fin

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 34

    Noelle vividly remembered when she first married Hendrix. Although she didn't win the favor of her own family, she was still the oldest daughter of the Swansons. Thus, her wedding was fairly grand.Six months before the wedding, they got engaged, chose a wedding gown, took photos, picked a registration date for their marriage, and eventually prepared for the wedding.During that period, Noelle halted all the matters in her life and focused solely on the wedding preparation. Yet, today, they ended their marriage in a few words within less than 30 minutes of legal procedure.Hendrix's lawyer worked efficiently, and there was no waiting period before the divorce was finalized. Soon enough, the couple received their divorce decrees.Hendrix appeared swamped with work. Incoming calls kept him occupied since he entered the courthouse, and after receiving the decree, he left while speaking on the phone.Noelle planned to bid farewell to him but realized he had left once she exited the co

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 35

    "Be serious." Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You're supposed to be depicting a feel-good romance—all sweet and healing! If we publish this version, you and I are going to feel our readers' wrath."You know what? Take a break and clear your mind. I'll give you a two-week leave. Once you get yourself together, redraw it."Noelle could sense how adamant Evelyn was and no longer refuted her. Evelyn cast a few glances at her and asked, "So, why did you divorce your husband?"Wasn't your life just fine? Your meals were all taken care of, you had an unlimited credit card, and your husband gave you freedom—that's the dream, babe!"Noelle left her questions unanswered. She placed her books on the shelf and turned to Evelyn. "You haven't eaten, have you? Let me treat you to a meal."…Lavender Grove was the famous money pit of Coppersville, where only the most prominent figures in the circle were received. All customers required a membership card to enter.Sandra rarely came to places like th

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 36

    Nobody answered Sandra's question. Meanwhile, the person who mentioned Maxwell quickly diverted the topic. "Who knows? They're just a bunch of insignificant people. Anyway, a toast to you, Hendrix!"In reality, he was apologizing for his blunder earlier. After all, regardless of how much Hendrix disliked Noelle, the divorce's entire nature changed if Maxwell was in the mix. Thankfully, Hendrix didn't hold it against him. He raised his wine glass and clinked it with him.After downing the glass, the person was ready to say more when Hendrix suddenly stood up. "I have somewhere else to be, so I'll see you guys around. Have fun, and put it on my account.""Huh? Wait…"Hendrix left the room before anyone could react. Sandra, on the other hand, quickly went after him. "Rix!""What do you need?" He turned his head, his voice calm but with a hint of coldness.She bit her lips. "I… I took a cab to come here. Could you send me home?""Sure," he replied unhesitatingly, his attitude

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 37

    Hendrix's gaze didn't linger on Noelle, as if he had no interest in knowing why she was there. Instead, he stood rooted to his spot, waiting for… Sandra.After a glance, Noelle withdrew her gaze and asked Sandra, "What do you want?"Sandra begged. "Come home with me, Noelle. Don't fight with Mom and Dad anymore, alright?""Sorry, but I'm not going back." Noelle was adamant.Not giving up just yet, Sandra turned to Evelyn. "Are you Noelle's friend? Would you please tell her to come—""She's an adult. She doesn't need you worrying about her decisions, okay?" Evelyn said after a chuckle.Stumped, Sandra quickly responded, "But Mom and Dad are sad! Noelle, can you really watch them lose appetite and sleep over worrying you? How can you be this heartless?"Then, tears began rolling down her face. That sight impressed Evelyn. "You've got quite an acting talent. Have you ever considered joining the entertainment industry?"Her sarcastic question baffled Sandra.Before she could say a

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 38

    At last, Noelle returned to her rental apartment. She prepared to remove her makeup when the editor-in-chief of her online publisher called.They claimed that her work did not meet the site's rules and had decided to unilaterally halt their collaboration with her. Noelle furrowed her brows and asked, "What rules did I go against?""Our legal department has received a report stating that the male lead you drew… violates someone's right of publicity."Immediately, she knew the mastermind behind this—Hendrix. Although he never cared about her activities, he wasn't completely clueless about her life.He must've heard what Evelyn told her earlier and eventually made a simple phone call, causing her to lose her job!"I understand." Noelle took a deep breath and hung up.She originally planned to call and confront Hendrix but changed her mind a second before dialing his number. It wasn't because she was in the wrong. She simply knew that she'd better not to take him on, as it would on

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 39

    "Oh, it's nothing. What have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you in months.""Nothing much. I'll be around more often from now on." Noelle smiled at the caregiver.The caregiver casually began chatting with her. At noon, Noelle finally left.To make her trip to the hospital easier, she deliberately rented a place nearby. The distance was short enough that she could effortlessly walk home with a parasol.Surprisingly, Matilda was waiting at her door. She was filled with contempt as she scrutinized her surroundings. With furrowed brows, she covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief.When she saw Noelle, she blurted, "About time you're back."Despite saying she would sever ties with the Swansons, Noelle couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?""You think I'd be here if you didn't refuse to come home?" Matilda glanced at the rusted door on the side. "I see you've moved to a place like this after the divorce. You've gone nuts, Noelle!""This is my choice, and you should

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 40

    Matilda's words prompted Noelle to descend into utter silence.The already cramped room seemed even more suffocating with her sudden silence. Matilda's heart couldn't help but race when Noelle's calm eyes fixed on her.She knitted her brows and uttered, "I…""Please leave," Noelle stated.Her request stunned Matilda in place. After a while, she questioned in disbelief, "What did you say?""Please leave and never come here again."Noelle spoke confidently, "If I wasn't clear enough, I'll inform the media and make a public statement that I'll sever ties with the Swansons. Therefore, you don't have to worry about me humiliating your family."Matilda sprang up at her words before delivering a harsh slap across Noelle's face. She had done a new set of manicures a few days ago, with diamonds inlaid on her nails.When her long nails slashed across Noelle's cheek, they tore up her flesh before blood slowly emerged from the cuts. However, Noelle barely flinched from the pain. Instead, s

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03

Latest chapter

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 74

    "Yes," Noelle answered curtly."So, what right do you have to criticize me, Noelle? Didn't you also resort to underhanded tactics to be with Hendrix?"Noelle's eyes turned solemn at Maxwell's accusations.When she wanted to say something, Maxwell continued, "If you're already over him, why did you choose to get into this car? Why didn't you go to the hospital instead? Wasn't this… your plan?"Noelle, what happened last night… I was wrong. You said that you can't handle my affection, but fundamentally, we're no different from each other."You chose to get into his car last night because you were sure that he wouldn't ignore you. Am I right?"It was midday, and the strong sunshine shone upon them. Their skins were burning, but all Noelle felt was a chill all over her body. Even her balled fist was slowly loosening.Staring at her pasty face, Maxwell reckoned that he had hit the nail on the head, and his smirk deepened. However, the look in his eyes turned sinister at the same time

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 73

    Hendrix was mocking Noelle. After all, after giving her all to leave him, she ended up in a place no bigger than a pigeon hole. Noelle wanted to say something, but he didn't give her the chance, turning to leave after a curt answer.At the door, he came to a sudden stop and said, "You should change the lock on your door. The people hanging around here are rather dodgy. It's for your safety."Without waiting for a reply, he continued forward, as stoic as he had always been.Noelle glanced at the door lock and shut the door with a bang in a swift move.Hendrix couldn't help but pause for a split second while going down the staircase, but he didn't turn back and continued downstairs.Levi was waiting for him by the side of the road. The luxurious car and number plate immediately attracted quite a few spectators. Nevertheless, they seemed invisible to Hendrix as he climbed into the car expressionlessly.After closing the door for him, Levi went around to the driver's seat in the fr

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 72

    Noelle's current address was No. 37, Serene Street, and it was Hendrix's first time there.Despite being a giant in the property industry, Hendrix wouldn't have known that such an area existed in Coppersville if Noelle hadn't shown them the way.Noelle didn't bid him goodbye, merely thanking Levi before hopping off. To her surprise, Hendrix climbed out of the car after her.She stared at him. "What are you doing?""I'm coming upstairs to take a look."Noelle had no idea what he was up to and took a deep breath. "It's not convenient.""Why not?" Hendrix took a glance at the various advertisements glued to the wall next to them and asked, "Is there someone else in your place?""Of course not.""Then, why not?"In an uptight tone, she replied, "I just don't understand the point of you coming upstairs.""I want to check if there's anyone else at your place. That's the point." He shifted his gaze slowly back at her. "During this period, I hope that our relationship will be clean."

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 71

    Noelle gritted her teeth, her voice already as raspy as it could be. She thought that she had already walked out of her relationship with Hendrix, but she just realized that she had overestimated herself.Whatever the Swansons did couldn't affect her anymore, but a few words from Hendrix were the sharpest knives, stabbing her deeply.Hendrix sat across from her, holding her gaze. After a while, he sniggered. "Do you feel mistreated? Then, do you think it's an honorable act to go on a blind date less than a week after a divorce?"Noelle was quiet.Reaching out, Hendrix held her chin. "Also, you're the one who climbed into my bed last night. Why didn't you think that you were being cheap at that time?"His eyes turned cold all of a sudden and were so full of disdain that it felt like a slap on her face. She gritted her teeth even harder, but her tightly balled fists slowly relaxed.However, Hendrix didn't have the patience to continue this conversation with her and rose to his feet

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 70

    "Yes. I'm happy," Hendrix replied without hesitation."I can leave now, right?" Noelle said as she stood up to leave before his voice rang out again the next moment. "Noelle, do you think being drugged absolves you of the responsibility for what happened last night?"His words left her stunned.Noelle slowly turned to look at him, her mind racing with different thoughts in the brief following seconds.What kind of price was he expecting him to pay? Was he planning to use this as leverage against her? Or was it only an excuse because he couldn't let her go?She instinctively tried to suppress the last thought that surfaced in her mind before he spoke again, asking, "Isn't your adoptive mother staying in the hospital?""What are you trying to do?" Noelle's expression immediately shifted, and her eyes filled with vigilance and anger.Hendrix merely glanced at her. "I can arrange for her to be transferred to a better hospital. You won't have to worry about the medical expenses. I'

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 69

    Noelle had no idea where she had headed afterward.It felt as though her world had shrunk to house only Hendrix. She clung to him throughout the time as though she could not stand on her own, surrendering entirely to his demands.…The unrestrained indulgence took a toll on Noelle's body, leaving her feeling as though she had been run over by a truck when she woke up the next day. Her throat was parched and burning.A sharp pain shot through her calf as soon as she tried to move.She couldn't help but let out a soft groan, lying still on the bed for a moment before slowly lifting her head.The room looked unfamiliar to her. It wasn't her tiny rental apartment, nor was it Nivis Villa.However, Hendrix owned numerous properties in Coppersville, so it didn't surprise her that he owned a place like this.Noelle didn't have the time to dwell on it at the moment. She bent down to pick up her clothes from the floor before putting them on slowly and carefully.Her phone had finally po

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 68

    Noelle straightened her back and lifted her head to kiss Hendrix on the lips.However, Hendrix quickly turned his head and evaded her attempt.Her body stiffened for a brief moment before she lowered her head and extended her tongue to trace it lightly over the sharp line of his Adam's apple without hesitation.Hendrix's body tensed instantly. He then grasped her chin and forced her to look up at him.Her eyes were already reddened, and her loose hair framed her face in damp strands. She looked like a helpless kitten caught in a stormy night.Hendrix frowned slightly.However, Noelle paid no heed to his reaction and extended her hands to tug at his belt without hesitation.He had intended to stop her before her phone rang. He glanced at it and caught Maxwell's name displayed on the screen.The familiar sound of the ringtone seemed to jolt her back to her senses. Her body stiffened slightly before Noelle turned to reach for the hand gripping her chin.Yet, Hendrix's warm hand c

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 67

    "Ma'am, please calm down. Let's find a place to talk this through…" The hotel staff desperately tried to restrain Ruth when the door in front of them suddenly opened.Noelle was indeed inside. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her cheeks were unnaturally flushed, yet her gaze was icy."Well, well! So you are here! Where's your lover? Is Maxwell hiding inside? Let me…"Noelle ignored Ruth entirely and strode over to Sandra in just a quick few steps.Her movement was so swift that Sandra barely had the time to react before Noelle snatched the phone from her hand."Noelle…" Sandra was about to say something when Noelle deleted the video she had recorded and smashed the phone without hesitation."What are you doing?" Ruth had intended to barge in to find Maxwell before she was startled by the commotion. She immediately rushed forward to protect Sandra.However, Noelle didn't give them a chance to recover. She raised her hand and delivered a crisp slap across Sandra's face."S

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 66

    Hendrix's blunt question left Sandra hesitant.She lowered her head and nervously fidgeted with the hem of her dress for a moment before softly replying, "I'm not entirely sure. But he and Noelle were very close back when we were in school."Hendrix remained silent.Sandra was worried he might misunderstand and quickly explained, "But Maxwell went abroad to study not long after. I'm sure there's nothing between them. I feel like I shouldn't be engaged with him even if that's the case. "Rix, do you think I'm being selfish? Am I a terrible person? My family needs me now more than ever, but I…"Her eyes reddened as she spoke.Hendrix remained silent. He merely lowered his gaze and was lost in thought.Sandra bit her lips and continued, "Rix, what did you talk to my dad about last time? I… I really don't want to get married now. Can you help me?"She extended her hand and was about to tug at his sleeves as she spoke before her phone suddenly rang. She startled at the sound of the

You may also like

DMCA.com Protection Status