The Sway and Slide of Love

Even though Dylan sounded calm, Noelle could feel an underlying pressure in his words.

She paused for a moment before responding, "It's not what you think-"

"I know," Dylan quickly said with a smile. "You don't need to be so nervous. Others might not understand the situation between you and Hendrix, but I do. He must have had someone trick you into going there, right? And no matter what, you'd never abandon Rosie. So, I believe you."

He spoke patiently, sounding as if he was offering Noelle an explanation for herself. Yet, at the same time, it felt as if he was placing a heavy burden on her.

"You probably didn't sleep a wink last night, right? Go get some rest now," Dylan added as he stood up. "I'll head back to my room now."

Noelle nodded.

But as Dylan passed by her, he suddenly stopped and took a step closer to her. The sudden closeness startled Noelle, and she instinctively took a step back. Dylan couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Did I scare you?"

His voice carried a hint of teasing, but there was also a trace of self-deprecation.

Noelle suddenly froze. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say anything, he said, "Don't worry. I wasn't planning on doing anything. Go get some rest."

With that, he turned and left.

Noelle stood there, suddenly feeling a bit lost. It was a long moment before she finally went into the bedroom.

Rosie was still asleep on the bed. She seemed to be feeling insecure, as she was curled up into a small ball and clutching her plushie tightly.

Noelle felt an ache in her heart when she saw her like this. After a moment, she lay down beside Rosie and gently pulled the little girl into her arms.

For the next two days, Noelle didn't see Hendrix again. Even Erwin was nowhere to be found. And precisely because of this, she spent those two days in peace.

But ever since that night, Rosie refused to play with anyone else She clung to Noelle every moment, afraid that if she let go for even a second, Noelle would disappear again.

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Noelle knew it was her fault for not giving Rosie enough sense of security. So, she

didn't scold her and simply let her stay close.

When Dylan's vacation ended, they returned to Stormridge.

Seline, who had apparently arrived at some point, was already inside when Noelle opened the door.

"Welcome back." Seline was sitting on the couch, looking completely at home. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah!" Rosie immediately ran over, calling to her before

their time at the resort. belongs to

launching into a lively Thet

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Seline listened with a smile, occasionally glancing at Noelle out of the corner of

her eyes.

But Noelle simply headed straight for the kitchen.

"Hey, Rosie, I brought you a gift. It's in your room. Why don't you go check it out?" Seline said.noveldrama

"Okay!" Rosie eagerly agreed and ran off.

Seline finally seized the chance to escape and hurried over to Noelle. "What's going on? Where's Mr. Pritchett?"

"He dropped us off downstairs and left."

"What do you mean? Didn't you two make any progress at all? Did you use the outfit I sent "

Before Seline could finish, Noelle had already turned around and knocked her on the head.

"That reminds me—I haven't even settled the score with you yet. Why would you buy such a ridiculous outfit for me?"