Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Sway and Slide of Love: Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

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

Noelle's relationship with Matilda was detached, but it was worse with Craig. It was so distant that calling it "distant" didn't even seem enough.As the head of the family and chairman of the company, Craig naturally carried his work habits into his personal life—authoritative, commanding, and never to be questioned.If Matilda made Noelle feel like she was endlessly favoring Sandra, Craig made her feel nothing at all—just cold indifference.He was rarely home, and in Noelle's memories, he had never once fulfilled his role as a father. But what he did do was maintain the authority of "the head of the family", and no one was allowed to challenge it.Despite having been back for years, this was Noelle's first time eating alone with him.When she arrived, he was already waiting in the private room. He was looking at his wrist impatiently to check the time."Sorry that I'm late," Noelle said. Craig didn't seem angry. He just gave her a brief glance and then gestured to the seat

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

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

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