The Sway and Slide of Love

"He's doing this just because he's unwilling to let go," Noelle interrupted Seline. "He felt defeated and disappointed because of me, and now, he just wants to make me feel the same way."

"But I think-"

"If he really still loved me, he should know that no matter what, he shouldn't use Rosie as leverage against me," Noelle said. "The only reason I'm doing what he says now is to give Rosie a chance at the surgery.

"Our relationship isn't one of meaningful connection. So Seline, it's really impossible between me and him."

...

Night fell quickly once again.

To be honest, Noelle was a little afraid of this time of day. She kept looking at her phone, afraid that Hendrix might send her a message but also fearing he wouldn't send anything at all. After all, he still hadn't signed the surgery consent form.

But nothing happened that night.

The next day, Noelle finally found out why Hendrix hadn't contacted her the day before.

There was a news feature of him attending a banquet. In the picture, a young woman stood beside him. Despite the difference in makeup, Noelle recognized her immediately as the woman who had been with him at the grocery store that day.

To her, going to the supermarket was an intimate activity. Only when two people lived together would they carefully discuss what to buy at the grocery store, thoughtfully picking out items to make their shared space feel like home.

It was something she and Hendrix had never done together because he was always too busy. He had his clothes for all four seasons delivered directly to the villa by a high-end tailoring team, so why would he waste time on trivial household items?

But as it turned out, whether something was a waste of time depended entirely on his perspective. Perhaps, for him, spending time with certain people was never a waste of time.

Noelle thought this as she turned off her phone screen. But then, a new message popped up.

It was from Hendrix, and the message only contained a room number and time.

Looking at the message, Noelle suddenly remembered how, years ago, he would send her similar messages whenever he wanted something. And she would go to room like a service being summoned.

Now, the situation seemed to be repeating itself.

his

Noelle stared at the message for a

long time. In the end, she decided to pretend she hadn't seen it andnoveldrama

flipped her phone face down on the

table.

The day passed quickly.

Before leaving the hospital, Noelle informed the caregiver and stopped by the nurse's station to pick up a document.

The nurse told her that the surgery consent form had to be signed by Hendrix in person, as the doctors needed to explain many details.

"He wants to review the contents first. Don't worry. He'll come to the hospital tomorrow."

Noelle's tone was firm, and given her special status, the nurse eventually agreed to let her take the document.

...

Noelle brought the document to the hotel room.

Hendrix had already finished

showering. This time, he was

wearing a bathrobe, though that net

collar was carelessly open, revealing

his tanned and toned chest.

After opening the door, he turned and handed a keycard to Noelle.

"I've booked this room. The keycard is for you."

Noelle glanced at it but didn't move.