Semua Bab The Sway and Slide of Love: Bab 371 - Bab 380

Noelle sneered. "Who said I wanted to keep the baby? Tell you what, Hendrix Freeman—I won't give you a chance to tie me down."Once you step away, I'll get rid of the baby!"Hendrix had thought he was heartless enough. He was on the top of the world last night and this morning, only to find that he was a fool.Even so, he still couldn't make himself any more emotionless. He was overcome by sadness after hearing her words.Till now, he could still remember the first time he saw Noelle crying. She was alone on a hospital bed at that time, having just lost their first child.He had never doubted for a second that Noelle would make a good mom. He also knew how much she wanted a child.When they attended an orphanage event in the past, he witnessed her comforting the kids. The tenderness she exuded mesmerized him.But now, she was threatening to kill that baby.He turned around slowly to stare at her. As if she wanted to make good on her threat, she immediately walked to the kitchen

"You didn't even do it for your family. You did it for personal gains. To me, you will never compare to Dylan. Never!" Noelle stated.Truthfully, Noelle did not have much feelings for Dylan in the beginning. He just happened to show up in her life at a time when she needed someone by her side the most. Since she trusted and depended on him, she took the hand he extended to her.Hendrix's multiple interferences only served to deepen her feelings for Dylan. In other words, she decided firmly that she would love Dylan in that moment, even if it were to spite Hendrix.As expected, Hendrix's expression soured after he heard her words. Gritting his teeth, he tightened his grip on her chin until his knuckles turned white.Suddenly, he let out a laugh. "Is it? Do you trust that I could make Dylan kneel before me and cry for mercy in two days? Hm? Why don't you come and spectate when that happens? I'd like to see if you'll still love him when he—""I will love him regardless. No—I'll love

As she spoke, Beatrice's lips curled up into a small smile. She seemed to see someone else in Hendrix.Hendrix fell silent for a while and nodded. "So, you side with neither Nathan nor me."Beatrice did not reply, which was an answer in itself.Hendrix turned around without hesitation. "If that's the case, it makes things easier for me."He had visited that night in search of an answer, holding onto a sliver of hope. He didn't mind if Beatrice lied, as long as it was a reason that could convince him—that she did it for his own good, or she wanted the couple to be honest with each other.Those reasons would sound ridiculous and hard-pressed to him, but he would force himself to believe in Beatrice if she said so.But she was unwilling to even lie to him.Nothing held him back now. To him, his mother was a distant stranger. It was easy to take her down when she made him her enemy.It didn't bother him because he grew up all alone anyway. He was accustomed to a lonely life.…

Hendrix did not call Noelle out. Instead, he walked over and loosened the tie a little.Their cold fingers came into contact.Noelle was accustomed to that, but Hendrix flinched, his finger recoiling a little. Soon, he acted as though nothing had happened and adjusted the tie."Didn't you say you'd bring me for a prenatal checkup? When is that?" asked Noelle.He slowly turned toward her. They stared at each other. This time, her eyes were calm and peaceful, devoid of the anger and resentment from yesterday.He broke into a smile and replied, "Let's do that another day. I've been busy these few days.""I could go to the hospital by myself—""No," he cut her off. Bending over, he stared at her with piercing eyes. "Penny, you know I can't set you free right now.""How long are you going to keep me here?""Until you're willing to stay." While speaking, he gently placed a hand on her cheek. "I know you're faking it now, but that's okay. I won't hold it against you."You don't have

After finishing the call, Hendrix hung up.He tapped his fingers on the desk a few times before dialing another number."It's me, Hendrix. That so-called brother of yours… Is he making a comeback again?"…For the past few days, Noelle had barely left the bed. Her days consisted of nothing but sleeping and eating, to the point where she had lost all sense of time. She had no idea how long she had been in this room.Lately, Hendrix had been leaving early and coming home late. Some days, she wouldn't see him at all.Or maybe… he simply knew she didn't want to see him, so he had stopped showing up in front of her altogether.Noelle had assumed he had completely forgotten about her prenatal checkup. But one morning, when she woke up, she found Hendrix undoing her tie."You're up? Perfect timing. I have time today. I'll take you for your checkup," he said with a bright smile.Noelle felt dazed.Hendrix didn't say anything else. He simply finished untying the knot and carried her d