Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Sway and Slide of Love: Kabanata 641 - Kabanata 650

Noelle quickly returned to her room. She locked the door first, then walked to the desk and took out the pen and paper she had prepared earlier.There were so many things she wanted to write, many things she wanted to tell Rosie. She had even considered writing a series of letters, one for Rosie to read each year.But her mind went blank as soon as the pen touched the paper. And then she realized—maybe she didn't need to tell her anything. After all, her choice was the most direct statement.Rosie didn't need a weak mother. Her leaving would be the greatest act of irresponsibility toward Rosie. So, Noelle no longer had the right to say anything.With that thought in mind, Noelle set the pen down. Then, she opened another drawer. Inside was a shard of glass she had secretly stashed away a few days ago.A life for a life—everyone knew that.Seline had died because of Rosie. But Rosie was still so young, and Noelle couldn't bear to see her suffer any harm. So, if the Swift family wa

At the Swift residence, Marla had only just managed to muster the mood to eat when she heard the household staff say, "Mr. and Mrs. Swift, Mr. Freeman has come again."She immediately put down her cutlery and asked through gritted teeth, "What does he want this time?""Mr. Freeman said he has something to discuss with both of you.""What could he possibly have to discuss with us? Go tell him I won't see him!"With that, Marla stood up and headed upstairs.Marshall remained in his seat, and after pondering for a moment, he finally said, "Tell him to leave, as we're not available to see guests today.""I've already told him that, but he still insists—""Then, forget it. If he wants to wait, let him wait."With that, Marshall also left the dining room. He had thought that by doing this, Hendrix would leave. But to his surprise, he didn't. It was only after he had spent a long time reading in his study that he learned that Hendrix was still waiting downstairs.Coppersville was sti

It was Christmas Eve—the season of warmth, renewal, and celebration.Even though people often said the holiday spirit wasn't what it used to be, it remained one of the most anticipated days of the year.On this day, everyone dressed in their best clothes, setting aside the troubles and sorrows of the year, if only for a little while. This day symbolized joy, hope, and reunion.Noelle had never found the latter word so piercing before. This was likely the liveliest Christmas Rosie had ever experienced. In previous years, it had just been the two of them.No matter how much Noelle prepared, the cold emptiness was always there. But on the other side, she knew that the Swifts' household had to be just as cold. A holiday like this only magnified the pain of loss.Noelle remembered how Seline used to spend Christmas Eve with her own family before flying to Stormridge on Christmas Day to be with her and Rosie.Seline would always give Rosie a Christmas present. But this year, Rosie woul

It wasn't Noelle's first time spending the night at Sienna Villa, but it was the first time she slept in Hendrix's room.Rosie had originally wanted to sleep with her, but Noelle refused. She still didn't know how to face Rosie. She was afraid the occasional dark thoughts that surfaced in her mind might scare Rosie.She wasn't supposed to be like this. More than anyone else in the world, she wanted Rosie to be safe and happy. So, how could she have entertained such thoughts earlier? She didn't know, nor did she have the courage to confront it.Thus, all she could do was put some distance between herself and Rosie.Rosie was quickly taken away by the household staff, but the Christmas decoration she had made was left in the room. It was a crookedly cut Christmas tree with a star on top. It was now pasted on the floor-to-ceiling window, looking somewhat lonely at first glance.Noelle stood there, staring blankly at it. It wasn't until Hendrix walked over and hugged her from behind t

Noelle didn't notice the Christmas present under her pillow until the next day. Inside the small box was a pair of earrings and a rosary. She stared at it for a while before silently putting the box back and getting out of bed to go downstairs.Beatrice and Rosie were playing poker in the living room. Along with them were a few of the household staff. They were using pistachios as chips, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.It seemed Rosie had won the round, as she was bouncing around excitedly. When she saw Noelle, her smile widened, and she ran over to share the good news."Mommy, I won again! Look! I won so many things!"Noelle looked at her beaming face and instinctively wanted to praise her, but it felt like something was stuck in her throat, and no words came out. In the end, she could only force a smile, but even that wasn't convincing.Because she could clearly see the excitement in Rosie's eyes fade as they met hers. Noelle hadn't wanted this to happen. She, mor