Semua Bab The Sway and Slide of Love: Bab 31 - Bab 40

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

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

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

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

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