Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Sway and Slide of Love: Kabanata 661 - Kabanata 670

"Noelle."When the voice came from behind, Noelle paused and turned around to see a woman walking up to her.The woman was wearing a loose dress, and her face had filled out compared to before."It really is you! I thought I had mistaken someone else for you," the woman said with a smile.But Noelle had never been close to her, so she simply said calmly, "Ms. Upton, it's been a while.""Yes, indeed." As she spoke, Ruth swept her gaze over Noelle. "I heard you were back, but I haven't seen you at any events. So, I thought it was just a rumor."Noelle didn't know how to respond, so she simply looked at her."So in the end, Hendrix still chose you, huh? Who would've thought? Back then, everyone assumed he was forced into marrying you, but I guess he actually developed feelings for you, after all.""Is there something you need, Ms. Upton?" Noelle had no interest in discussing the past, and they had no shared history to reminisce about, so she cut straight to the point.Ruth's voic

Running into Ruth was the last thing Noelle expected. If Rosie hadn't suddenly spiked a fever at school, forcing her to rush over, she wouldn't have run into her at all.Because of Rosie's past health issues, Noelle was always on edge whenever she got sick. Thankfully, the doctor reassured her that it was just a common cold and nothing serious. Only then did Noelle finally relax.Then, almost immediately, she received a call from Ruth, inviting her out for a meal.Noelle frowned. After all, she and Ruth were hardly on terms where they could casually dine together.But Ruth seemed oblivious to the fact. She quickly added, "I was in the wrong before. I know that now. But it was all because I was deceived by Sandra. It wasn't only until later that I realized I really owed you an apology. So, I wanted to meet and formally apologize to you."Even though Ruth sounded sincere, Noelle couldn't help but smirk."That won't be necessary," she finally said. "I've been very busy lately.""It

Ruth was acting as if she and Noelle were close friends. Without giving Noelle a chance to react or refuse, she had already turned on her phone's camera and snapped a photo.Only then did Noelle realize what had happened. She frowned and quickly put some distance between them."Oh, by the way, I meant everything I said to you last night," Ruth added.She didn't push her luck and put away her phone once she got the picture. Then, she continued seriously, "I was young and stupid back then. More importantly, Sandra was my best friend at the time. I've always been simple-minded, so I believed whatever she said without question."I never imagined she'd turn out to be such a two-faced, manipulative woman. But no matter what, I hurt you in the past, so I want to sincerely apologize to you. Noelle, I'm really sorry."As she spoke, Ruth made a move to kneel.However, with her being heavily pregnant, Noelle was worried she might accidentally hurt herself and blame it on her, so she quickly

Ruth had actually blurred Noelle's face in the photo, but the antique lamp behind them was too eye-catching. Though the auction house had never disclosed the buyer, word had circulated in their social circles.Moreover, Noelle had attended some events before. Many people carefully compared the blurred figure in the picture to past photos of her and confirmed the woman in the photo was indeed Noelle.And just like that, rumors about her relationship with Hendrix started spreading.Meanwhile, Noelle had no idea what was happening outside since she wasn't feeling well today. At first, she thought it was just a mild cold. But by noon, she suddenly developed a low-grade fever.When the household staff informed Hendrix, he immediately rushed home with a doctor in tow.After checking Noelle's temperature, the doctor hesitated before suggesting she go to the hospital for a blood test."A blood test? Is it that serious?" Hendrix asked with a frown."Not necessarily. Based on Mrs. Freeman

After taking her medication, Noelle spent the entire afternoon drifting in and out of sleep. So, it wasn't until evening that she saw the messages on her phone.Some people asked if the woman in the photo with Ruth was her, while others asked when she had returned to Coppersville and if she'd like to meet up for dinner sometime.In truth, many in her social circle probably already knew Noelle had returned to Coppersville. After all, many of them had been present at Seline's funeral. It was just that the Swifts had kicked Noelle out then.At the time, Noelle had even heard people calling her a jinx behind her back. But now? Their attitudes had done a complete 180. Not that it was surprising. After all, it was human nature to look out for one's own interests.Besides, Noelle barely remembered most of their names, so whatever they had to say—however they saw her—made no difference to her.If it were the Noelle of the past, even if she loathed it, she would have forced herself to exch