Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Sway and Slide of Love: Kabanata 311 - Kabanata 320

But it was only a sliver. As Beatrice's period of slumber grew longer, even that sliver of feeling was worn away completely.When Hendrix learned of her awakening, his first reaction wasn't joy but strategizing. How could he use her fragile state to push Noelle into seeing her and igniting Noelle's guilt?Hendrix knew this wasn't how a normal person would think, but it was exactly the kind of mindset he had been taught since childhood.From an early age, Beatrice had focused solely on teaching him how to be a successful businessman—how to stay composed and level-headed so he could make the right call no matter the situation.She had done her job well, and he had succeeded in becoming an exceptional businessman. But she'd never taught him how to be a normal son, which meant Hendrix had no clue what a normal reaction was supposed to be.Including now.Beatrice quickly stepped in front of him. "What did you do to Noelle?"Hendrix lifted his eyes to look at her.Beatrice gritted he

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

"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

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

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