Share

Chapter 35

Author: Jean Song
"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
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Danielle
If they were together, it’s not anyone’s business.
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 41

    Matilda took a deep breath and tried once more to reason with Noelle. "Have you thought about your future? Forget everything else—the medical expenses alone will be enough to crush you! Your father…""No matter what, I won't starve to death," Noelle interrupted bluntly. "This isn't something you should worry about. From now on, just pretend I was never found."Your daughter, Noelle Swanson, died when she got lost at five years old."In the end, Matilda left.Noelle sat on the couch in silence for a while before quietly picking up her racket and walking out the door.At the gym near the high school, Noelle swung her racket with all her strength.The gym had air conditioning, but after such intense exercise, sweat was dripping down her face, soaking her hair. Her vision was starting to blur from the sweat in her eyes.Just as she was waiting for her opponent to serve, a familiar voice broke through the air, "Let me play for a while."Her temporary partner, a college student by th

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 42

    Though they had only been married for two years, Hendrix had known Noelle for several years before that.In his memory, Noelle was always calm and steady. The only time he had ever seen her cry was when she had a miscarriage.When he arrived, the surgery had been performed. It was late, and both families had already gone home. The nurse had fallen asleep by her side, while Noelle quietly sat on the bed.She didn't break down in tears—not even a quiet sob. She simply turned her head to look out the window, letting the tears fall one by one.And what had Hendrix done at that moment?He had already forgotten.Even the life that had lasted less than three months—his mind barely held any memories or emotions about it.However, the image of Noelle crying suddenly flooded back into his mind now, clear as day. That was one of the few times he had seen her so emotionally overwhelmed, apart from... those other special moments.But just now, she had cried in front of Maxwell. She was even

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 43

    "Are you asleep?""I got you something. I left it by the door. Remember to grab it."The other messages were from Evelyn. She had an argument with the editor-in-chief that day. She still couldn't get the right to continue the serialization and was saying she was sorry for not being able to help.Noelle replied to the messages as she walked over to the door.When she opened it, she saw the cake hanging there. It was covered in chocolate—her favorite flavor.As she stood staring at the cake in a daze, Maxwell called."Are you awake?""Yeah.""Did you get the cake?""I got it.""Put it in the fridge. I'm on my way over now. We can…""Maxwell," Noelle interrupted him. "Thanks for today, but I'm fine now. You don't have to do these things for me anymore."After she finished speaking, she heard a laugh on the other end of the line. "What's this? Are you trying to distance yourself from me? You told me before that you were married and didn't want me near you, but now…""I've alre

Latest chapter

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 863

    The moment Hendrix fixed his eyes on Noelle, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words. As their eyes met, even the tips of her ears began to flush red without her realizing it."Why are you looking at me like that?" Noelle couldn't help but ask."So, have you remembered everything?" Hendrix asked instead. "Everything about us?""No," Noelle replied, turning her head away. "My head hurts. Didn't you say you were going to get the doctor? You can go—"But before she could finish, Hendrix suddenly grabbed her hand. His grip wasn't strong, but the way his fingers gently moved across hers felt like an intimate caress.Noelle couldn't help but tremble, and she instinctively tried to pull her hand back.But then Hendrix suddenly said, "Actually, even before we got married, I'd seen you many times."Noelle hadn't expected him to bring this up. She froze for a second. Then, she quickly said, "I know. Back then at college—""Not just at college. After I graduated, I went to see you,

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 862

    "Who are you?"That was the first thing Noelle said when she opened her eyes.Hendrix had still been basking in the relief of her waking up, but the moment he heard those words, the expression on his face vanished completely."What did you say?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.Noelle didn't answer. She simply stared at him, confusion clear in her eyes.Hendrix clenched his fists tightly. Maybe it was because he had gone through something like this before that he was able to calm himself down quickly this time."I'm your husband. My name is Hendrix Freeman. Do you still remember your own name?" he asked."Husband?" Noelle frowned slightly. "As in—we're married?""Yes. And we have a daughter. Her name is Rosie. She's three years old. This is her picture."As he spoke, Hendrix started to pull up a photo on his phone.But Noelle quickly asked, "Then why don't I remember you?""You were injured. But don't worry. I'll get the doctor to take a look at you."As Hendrix moved

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 861

    Dylan had been wrong all along.Money and power—none of that had ever been what he was truly meant to chase. Because no one could stay at the center of power forever, and no one could possess those things for all time. What he should have been chasing was just that one light. That one light that would stay on for him late into the night. But now, he knew it was all too late.As he closed his eyes, Dylan suddenly thought of his mother, Leah. He remembered how, as a child, he had longed for a new set of paintbrushes. He had asked his parents for them many times. He even wanted to use his own Christmas money to buy them. But they refused.They believed it was wasteful. It didn't align with the frugal and disciplined lifestyle they lived by. So in the end, Dylan stole the set of paintbrushes from the stationery store.Because he came from a prestigious scholarly family and always kept a refined, gentlemanly image in public, the store owner never suspected a thing.But his parents fo

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 860

    "Are you crazy? Noelle, let go of the wheel!" Dylan struggled to regain control of the car, but Noelle held onto the steering wheel tightly, refusing to let go.The car didn't slow down. On the contrary, it raced forward at an even faster pace.How long did this go on? Maybe it lasted only dozens of seconds. But for Dylan, it felt like the blink of an eye. Because the next moment, he saw the oncoming car.That car was speeding as well.Dylan didn't even have time to grab his gun. Just as he was about to slam on the brakes, the two cars collided at high speed. There was a deafening crash as the cars were thrown into the air, then slammed back down.Dylan's eyes widened. But in that instant, his first instinct was to turn and look at Noelle. Her eyes were already closed. She looked as if she had been prepared to face death all along. She must have known what he intended to do, and she also knew he didn't actually want to die.The only reason he took her away was so he could use her

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 859

    Erwin was just about to repeat his question when a voice came from behind."Excuse me, but I think I know where your wife is."Hendrix spun around immediately.Standing behind them was a woman with long hair and big eyes. "I saw her just now in the backyard. Someone was taking her away. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was Mr. Pritchett from Morphy Fund?"At the mention of Dylan, Hendrix's expression turned dark as thunder. He charged up to the woman. "Where did they go?""I'm not sure. But I did take down his license plate number. Do you need it?""Where is it?" Hendrix barked.The woman held out her hand. "I'll give it to you for 1,000 dollars."Hendrix didn't carry cash with him. But he shoved his bank card into her hand without hesitation. "The license plate number!"The woman looked at the card, a little dissatisfied. But considering Hendrix's status, she figured he likely wouldn't care about such a small amount of money. Thus, in the end, she still showed Hendrix the phot

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 858

    "Erwin!"The voice came just as Erwin stood on the terrace, smoking a cigarette in frustration.Although they had technically won the battle and he had earned a great deal from it, he felt, strangely enough, not the slightest trace of satisfaction. Maybe it was because Hendrix had forced him into the game. Or maybe, by now, winning and losing simply didn't stir anything in him anymore.At the beginning, Erwin had been somewhat excited. He had thought Dylan would be a difficult opponent—someone who could cause serious trouble, maybe even defeat them entirely. That would have been interesting. But instead, everything had gone far too smoothly. There had been no twists and no turns. Just a clean finish. It was boring, to say the least.And the current victory party? Equally so.Hendrix had insisted Noelle attend the party, saying she had flawlessly completed her part of the plan and that this victory was also hers. So, the party had turned out very wholesome, or rather, dull.Erwi

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 857

    Erwin still showed signs of dissatisfaction. It seemed he was saying something, but Noelle could no longer hear him. She didn't look back either, instead turning her gaze to the other people at the party.The loud music continued, and the excitement and energy of the crowd remained high. But Noelle knew that this wasn't the usual celebration. This, in fact, was just Hendrix's way of making her adapt and accept the situation.Though she had known this for some time, the realization still made Noelle uncomfortable. Then, she suddenly remembered something Dylan had told her a few days ago about her past with Hendrix.Even though she knew Dylan's words weren't necessarily true, that didn't mean everything he said was a lie. How much of the past he mentioned was real, and how much was false?Noelle actually thought her life was fine now. She was willing to accept her past choices and believed in Hendrix's feelings for her. At least, this was what she thought sometimes.But at other tim

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 856

    Dylan didn't dare to stay there. He immediately drove back to his place.He wanted to take Noelle with him and leave. Even if she didn't have her passport, it didn't matter. After all, there were definitely people looking for him right now.But no matter what, he was going to protect her. Even if they had to roam the world, it didn't matter. As long as they were together, it was fine. Even if it was just a shabby house, as long as there was a light on, that would be their home.However, when Dylan returned to the apartment, he found Noelle nowhere in sight. Gone also were all her things. The desk and floor were spotless, as if nothing had ever existed there.Dylan remained standing where he was. It took him several minutes to finally process what he was seeing. Then, he couldn't help but laugh. It was as if he had just heard the biggest joke—he laughed so hard that his whole body shook.Of course, how could he have thought she would be waiting for him here? How could she possibly

  • The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 855

    "I'm damned for ever believing your words! Now, just die!" George didn't give Dylan another chance to speak. He pulled the trigger, aiming to shoot a bullet through Dylan's forehead.In that instant, Dylan finally understood. This time, Hendrix didn't intend to leave him alive.If the goal had only been to swallow up Morphy Fund and make Dylan lose everything, the matter would have ended there. However, it seemed that Hendrix must have said something to George, which led him to believe that Dylan and Hendrix were working together—that Dylan had betrayed Morphy Fund.At this point, George had no way out. So, it wouldn't be surprising if he shot Dylan in the head. What Hendrix wanted was for him to die.Dylan didn't know what he was thinking at that moment. By the time he reacted, he had already grabbed the gun's barrel and twisted it violently. The bullet scraped past his head.Without hesitation, George moved to pull the trigger again when Dylan, still holding onto his wrist, forc

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status