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Chapter 44
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 45
"Mr. Swanson, it's been a long time."The Hawthorne couple, Gregory Hawthorne and Wendy Spencer, exchanged polite handshakes with Craig. Then, their gazes converged on Noelle almost in unison.Craig glanced at Noelle. After she briefly clenched her hands together, she finally managed to force a smile."Let me introduce you to my daughter, Noelle," Craig said."She's very beautiful," Gregory responded first, then motioned to his son.The man across from Noelle then extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Liam Hawthorne."He was dressed in a crisp suit, with black-framed glasses perched on his nose. His features weren't striking, but they were well-balanced, and he wore a friendly smile. Noelle kept her strained smile in place and slowly reached out her hand. "Hello.""Let's all sit down!" Craig called out.Everyone settled into their seats, and Craig seamlessly started discussing business matters with Gregory.If Noelle hadn't been so clearly aware of their intentions, she might have
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 46
The dinner passed quietly in the end.Noelle didn't return with Craig. She asked the driver to take her back to her apartment instead. The driver glanced at Craig for confirmation. When Craig didn't object, he switched on his turn signal and took a different route.Noelle wasn't in the mood to talk to Craig. She turned her head, staring out the car window.But a moment later, her phone vibrated. She didn't look at it.However, Craig spoke up, "That's Liam, isn't it?"His words sounded like a reminder, but the underlying tone was clearly one of warning.Noelle finally unlocked her phone. Sure enough, the message was from Liam."It was a pleasure meeting you. I have two tickets to a concert tomorrow. I was wondering if you'd like to join me? Of course, I completely understand if you're busy."Liam's invitation wasn't exactly abrupt, but his intentions were clear.Noelle pursed her lips and replied, "Sure."After sending the message, she turned her phone toward Craig. "Satisfi
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 47
The dining table was left with just the two of them—mother and son."When are you moving back in?" Beatrice asked calmly, taking a sip of her soup.Hendrix furrowed his brows."I asked you to move out before because it was inconvenient for you to live here with Noelle. Now that you're divorced, you might as well move back," Beatrice continued."No need," Hendrix replied. "It's more convenient where I am now.""What's convenient about it? Bringing a new girlfriend back?" Beatrice's words sounded calm, but to Hendrix's ears, they were laced with subtle mockery.He set his cutlery down and looked at her with a neutral expression.However, Beatrice seemed unaffected and continued, "I'm serious. If you think your father's matchmaking was a mistake, then go ahead and make your own choices. I won't stop you."Beatrice paused, then added, "There's only one thing—Sandra. I will never allow her in this house.""Why?" Hendrix asked.Beatrice's face darkened. "Are you really thinking of
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 48
Noelle was wearing a long black dress. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled. There was a gentle smile at the corners of her lips, and she looked incredibly serene.Liam must have said something to her because her smile deepened, and then she lifted her eyes to look at him. Her gaze shimmered, like a glimmering lake under the sun.Hendrix realized he had never seen her smile like that before. In his memories, Noelle had always been quiet and dull.But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, another memory surfaced.It was from the last time in the car, when she had kissed him suddenly—an impulsive kiss that landed on his lips while they fought over the sketchbook.That had been Noelle's first kiss to him. And it seemed it would also be the last.As Hendrix lingered on that thought, ahead of him, Liam had taken a few steps forward. He turned and said something else to Noelle, who smiled and shook her head.Liam didn't say anything more. He just opene
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 49
Noelle knew it all, but she still found herself instinctively saying what she said out loud. Then, in his response, she heard the answer she had already known, and it felt almost like self-inflicted torture."I understand," Noelle said. "Have you said everything you wanted to say, Mr. Freeman? Can I get out now?"Hendrix didn't say another word, but the car slowed down slightly. Finally, he pulled over to the side of the road.Noelle didn't hesitate. She turned and reached for the door."Noelle," he called out suddenly from behind her.She paused while opening the door, but she didn't turn around.Hendrix gripped the steering wheel, carefully considering his words. "For the sake of our time as a married couple, you… can come to me if the Swansons are facing any difficulties."Don't try to disgust me like this."Noelle slowly tightened her grip on the door handle.After a long pause, she said, "Well, thank you, Mr. Freeman."With that, she opened the door. She didn't look at h
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 50
Noelle didn't sleep a wink that night. Every time she closed her eyes, the nightmares crept in.A damp, dark room, a door that never quite closed, clothes inexplicably soiled and drawers rifled through, and finally, the man's disgusting, lecherous face.Eight years had passed, yet Noelle still couldn't escape the haunting memories. And now, her adoptive father, William Kaplan, was out of prison.He was free!Noelle didn't know how William had gotten her number, but the feeling it brought—the suffocating sense that she could never outrun him—was all too familiar.Even this apartment, the one she had only recently rented, no longer felt safe. She couldn't shake the sensation of unseen eyes watching her, waiting to pounce.Noelle couldn't stay here anymore.But where could she go?In the end, she went to the hospital.Noelle knew there wasn't much Cynthia could do for her, nor could she tell the latter anything. But just being there and seeing her gave Noelle a small measure of c
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 51
Finally, Noelle sank onto the couch, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.Just then, the same unknown number flashed on her phone again.She hadn't saved the number, but after seeing it just once the previous night, it was already seared into her memory. Without hesitation, she grabbed the phone and hurled it to the floor.…At Nivis Villa, Mabel stood on the other side of the ornate iron gate, her sharp gaze fixed on the scruffy man in front of her. "And who are you supposed to be?""I'm William Kaplan. I'm Luna's… I mean, Noelle's father," William said, baring a grin that revealed yellowed teeth. "I know she's staying here. Tell her to come out and see me."It was common knowledge in Coppersville that Noelle had been missing as a child and had spent over a decade in the countryside. One glance at the man, and Mabel instantly recognized who he was. Her lips curled in disdain as her gaze swept over him."Ms. Noelle has moved out.""She moved out? How is that possible? Isn'
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 52
Thanks to Mabel's reminder, Hendrix remembered that his birthday was approaching.Once he got into the car, he instinctively pulled out the lighter he always carried. It was black and gold, unadorned except for his initials engraved in the lower corner.It was a simple, unremarkable gift.However, it was the only gift Noelle had ever given him.The second year…Because he hadn't bothered to show up at their anniversary party, Noelle hadn't even sent him a perfunctory gift for his birthday last year.And this year…Hendrix cut the thought short, slipping the lighter back into his pocket before opening the tablet in front of him.But before he could focus, the car lurched to a sudden stop. The jarring motion made his brows furrow sharply, and his eyes were stern. Levi hurriedly explained, "Apologies, Mr. Freeman, but up ahead…"Before the man could finish, someone who had been blocking the car moved to Hendrix's window and began banging on it. The man appeared to be in his 50s
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 490
Rosie's voice was sharp and piercing.It wasn't just Hendrix—even Noelle was seeing this attitude in her for the first time.She froze for a moment, then quickly stepped forward. "Rosie, you—""I don't want to see him! Make him leave, Mommy! Make him go away!" Rosie buried herself in Noelle's arms as she spoke.The IV tube in her hand was tugged, causing blood to flow back into the tube.Afraid Rosie might hurt herself, Noelle quickly held her hand down and agreed to her request, "Okay, okay. I'll make him leave now. It's alright. Don't get upset."As she spoke, she glanced up at Hendrix.He stood there, lips pressed tightly together.Noelle thought she might have to say something more to him, but to her surprise, he turned and left without a word.Only when he was completely gone did Rosie slowly calm down, though she still clung tightly to Noelle's arm."There, there," Noelle said softly. "You don't have to see him if you don't want to. Don't be afraid. Mommy's here."Rosi
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 489
After Noelle finished speaking, Dylan's expression shifted slightly. Then, he slowly frowned."If that's all you wanted to say, then I'll be going now."With that, Noelle turned to go.But Dylan called out to her again, "So, you're still choosing Hendrix. Is that it? But do you know he's about to get married?"…Noelle took the elevator back upstairs. The moment the doors opened, she saw someone sitting outside the hospital room.He was dressed in a black suit, with a laptop bag by his side. At the moment, he was holding a tablet, his eyes focused intently on the documents in front of him.He looked like he had rushed over from somewhere. His usually neat hair was slightly disheveled, and his clothes were wrinkled.He had been staring at the screen, but the moment Noelle looked at him, he seemed to sense her presence and immediately lifted his head.There was about ten yards of distance between them. The VIP ward hallway was eerily quiet—so quiet that Noelle could hear her own
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 488
Dylan smiled, but gone was the warmth that used to fill his face, and in its place was a sharp, icy edge.Noelle's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. "It wasn't you.""Oh?""You just didn't want to marry Jean. And before that, she had already been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting me. Your goal was achieved. There was no need for you to target her family further. So, it wasn't you," she reasoned calmly.Dylan looked at her, his smile deepening. "So, should I feel happy that you trust me?"Was it trust?Noelle wasn't sure. But if she had to explain, it was more because she believed Dylan had no reason to do something so unnecessary.But if it wasn't Dylan who reported Brian, then who was it?As if reading her thoughts, Dylan said, "It was Hendrix."Noelle immediately looked at him.He smiled and said, "Do you remember what I told you back then? I knew that even if Jean committed a crime, her family would do everything to cover it up. But if it involv
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 487
Noelle instructed the caregiver to look after Rosie before following Dylan out."The last time we met was over a year ago, right?" Dylan asked. "You had just given birth, and I was swamped with work, so we didn't get a chance to talk properly."The hospital yard was filled with patients enjoying the sunshine.They found a quiet spot in a gazebo. Dylan sat down on the bench first, his demeanor relaxed and natural. That calm composure was something only a seasoned businessman could possess.Noelle had seen it countless times in Hendrix. But perhaps because she was used to Dylan's gentle and approachable nature, seeing him adopt this tone made her feel uncomfortable.After a brief pause, she let out a soft hum."You know I've started my own company, Dyno Corporation, right?" Dylan asked."Yeah, I saw the news. The company looks successful. Congratulations."Dylan chuckled. "Thank you. By the way, there's something you probably don't know. My grandfather… He's passed away."Noelle
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 486
To Noelle's surprise, Hendrix didn't show up the next day.However, the team of medical experts he had promised arrived promptly. They held a meeting with Rosie's current doctors and ultimately decided to proceed with the surgery.As Rosie's mother, Noelle had already undergone a compatibility test, but she hadn't been a match. Now, they were waiting for Hendrix's results.If his test also came back negative…Noelle didn't dare to think further.Hendrix didn't show up over the next two days as well. His absence made Noelle realize his intentions. He had arranged for the doctors and agreed to a compatibility test solely out of a sense of paternal responsibility. It had nothing to do with anything else.Honestly speaking, realizing this brought her a sense of relief.After all, a few days ago, Seline had mentioned that children were a bond between parents. And because of Rosie, there might be a chance for something to change between Noelle and Hendrix.When Noelle heard this, her
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 485
Noelle sat there for a moment, watching Hendrix's retreating figure before finally returning to the hospital room.Seline was by the bedside, mindlessly scrolling through muted videos on her phone. It was obvious her focus wasn't on it. As soon as she saw Noelle walk in, she immediately stood up. "You're back?"Noelle nodded."What did you guys talk about? That bastard—""He said he didn't know about Rosie's illness," Noelle interrupted.Seline choked on her words. "What… What do you mean?"Noelle didn't respond.But Seline shot up from her seat as if something had bitten her. "That's impossible! How could he not know? He told me him—"Before she could finish, Noelle covered her mouth and glanced toward Rosie.Realizing her mistake, Seline lowered her voice. "He told me himself that he knew! He even said it was your choice! He said he was going to find someone else to marry and have kids with."Seline was in the middle of throwing one accusation after another when Noelle sudd
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 484
Noelle said she was sorry.If her earlier response had merely left Hendrix a little surprised, then these two words were like a stab into his chest.His lips moved, but it took him a long moment to find his voice. "Why are you apologizing?""I should've made Rosie apologize to you right away," Noelle said softly, eyes downcast. "You were right. When someone does something wrong, they should apologize. If she had done so then, none of this would have happened."As her mother, I failed to teach her properly. So, I'm apologizing to you for that. And about what I said to you earlier… I wasn't trying to be difficult. I was just too anxious at the time, so I hope you won't hold it against me."When she finished speaking, Hendrix fell into complete silence."Oh, and thank you for the arrangements you've made with the doctors. I—"Seeing that Noelle was about to continue, Hendrix cut her off sharply, "That's enough."He slowly clenched his teeth. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't y
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 483
Hendrix was standing right outside.The moment they locked gazes, Seline let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, if it isn't you, Mr. Freeman! What? Do you think you haven't done enough? Here to continue your role as the great educator?"Hendrix ignored her, his eyes fixed on Noelle. "I need to talk to you."Before Noelle could respond, Seline cut in, "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk to Noelle like that?"He stood there silently. Throughout the entire conversation, he didn't even spare Seline a single glance.His dismissive attitude only made Seline's expression darken even further. Just as she was about to speak again, Noelle had already stood up."Can you watch Rosie for me?" she asked softly.Seline clenched her teeth but finally nodded.Noelle walked past her without a word, not even looking at Hendrix, and headed down the hallway.Hendrix glanced at Rosie on the hospital bed first.Her eyes were closed, and her small face was pale. A thin IV needle
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 482
Seline arrived at the hospital very quickly."What happened? Didn't Rosie just get discharged this morning? How—"She wanted to ask more, but when she saw Noelle's red-rimmed eyes, she swallowed her words back down."It's all my fault," Noelle said softly. "I shouldn't have taken her to the supermarket. I shouldn't have argued with them. If only I had—"Noelle didn't finish her sentence. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and her hands were clenched so hard that her nails dug into her palms.Seeing this, Seline quickly grabbed her hands. "Nonsense! This isn't your fault. I know you, out of all people, would never want to see Rosie hurt."Noelle remained silent, but this was even more alarming than before.Seline opened her mouth to speak but quickly noticed something. Her voice rose slightly as she said, "Rosie, you're awake!"At those words, Noelle seemed to come back to life. She immediately took Rosie's hand. "You're awake? Does it still hurt?"Rosie shook her head slo
