The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix knew what Noelle was thinking, of course.

From the moment she heard about his fate, her eyes had turned red. And though she had tried to pull away, she had ultimately held back.

She probably thought she was hiding it well, but to Hendrix, every little thing she did was as clear as glass. But that was fine. If not for that, how else would he have had the chance or excuse to bring her to this hotel?

Originally, he had wanted to take things slow with her and date her properly. But now, she already knew and acknowledged their marriage.

Thus, it would just be stupid of him if he still took it slow. Besides, there was no law saying that he couldn't date someone after sleeping with them. If anything, this was the most crucial step.

Noelle had clearly forgotten some things, including the fact that at his core, Hendrix was anything but kind.

Even if she really had been pitying him just now, it didn't matter. Only the weak would resent someone's pity, seeing it as condescension or disdain.

Hendrix didn't see it that way. If anyone else claimed to pity him, he'd simply think they were an idiot. Of course, that was just anyone else.

But if it was Noelle, that was a different story. If she felt pity for him, it meant she had compassion and guilt toward him. And that meant she cared.

Wasn't there a saying "Love always feels like there's more to make up for".

So she did love him. And no matter what form it took, he would take it, including the compensation she was offering now.

It had been too long. He had almost forgotten what this felt like.

Like an ice-cold soda on a scorching summer day. Like a blazing furnace in the dead of winter. Like the way she looked at him-soft and pleading, yet full of love.

He had seen countless sights and met countless people in this vast world. He had climbed mountains and now stood at the very top. Everyone marveled at his success and envied everything he had.

But only Hendrix knew that deep down, the only person he truly had was Noelle. And she was the only one he ever wanted to have.

A tear fell from Noelle's eyes with a soft plink. It glistened under the moonlight.

Hendrix leaned down and kissed her eyelid softly before pulling her into his arms again. His grip was so tight, as if he wanted to fuse her into his very bones. That way, they'd never have to part again.

When

One woke up the next day, i

was already afternoon. Even after t

r eight hours of sleep, hernoveldrama

s still felt unbearably

She blinked slowly, on the verge of drifting off again, until Hendrix's voice pulled

her back.

"You need to get up and eat something."

Noelle didn't answer, her eyes

closing once more. But then Hendrix

pressed his palm to her cheek. The

cold touch sent a shiver through her, yet she still refused to move.

Not until he said, "If you don't get up soon, your mom might call the police."

At that, Noelle's eyes flew open.

Right-Irene! She hadn't gone home last night. Irene was probably going crazy with worry.

The thought sent her scrambling out of bed. But her movement was too abrupt, causing her legs to buckle the moment her feet touched the floor.

Seeing that she was about to fall to her knees, Hendrix quickly reached out to catch her.

With a teasing grin, he asked, "What's this? Are you worshipping me?"