The Sway and Slide of Love

Then, Hendrix walked toward Dylan with his fist already raised. But the next moment, his hand froze midair. It wasn't because he no longer wanted to throw the punch. It was because Noelle had stepped in front of Dylan.

She simply stood there with her eyes fixed on him. Her cold, piercing gaze made Hendrix calm down. He looked at her with confusion and disbelief.

"Get out!" Noelle said. "You listen to me, Hendrix. Whether I cut my hair or do anything else, all that has nothing to do with you, got it? If you don't leave right now, I'll call the police. This is a hotel, so go ahead and try me if you don't mind making a scene."

Hendrix didn't speak. He only stared at her quietly and slowly lowered his raised fist. Then, he turned to look at Dylan.

Frowning, Dylan stared straight back at Hendrix.

Hendrix smirked. "Are you even a man? How can you hide behind a woman and let her protect you?"

"I'm fine with it," Noelle cut in before Dylan could respond. "Dylan's my boyfriend, so what's wrong with me protecting him when you barged into our room uninvited?

"Hendrix, stop acting crazy in front of me. And drop that ridiculous sense of possessiveness. We're over. You're the one who shouldn't be here!"

Hendrix stood there, staring at Noelle for a moment before suddenly laughing again. But this wasn't the cold, emotionless laugh from before. This time, it carried a hint of helplessness and resignation.

"Fine. I lost. Happy?" he said softly. "Noelle, I'm surrendering to you now, okay? Just come back with me. If you come back with me, we can pretend none of this ever happen―"

Before Hendrix could finish his sentence, Noelle raised her hand and slapped him across the face. She hadn't even used much force, but the sharp crack echoed through the room.

Hendrix fell silent instantly, though his expression remained unchanged. He simply stood there, staring at her.

"Get out," Noelle said firmly.

Hendrix remained silent, still not moving.

Seeing that he had no intention of leaving, Noelle simply shoved him forward without hesitation. "I said, get out!"

With that push, Hendrix seemed to finally snap out of his daze. He looked down at her hand. If he wasn't mistaken, it was the same hand that had just pushed him away. ,

She had said he shouldn't be here. And now, her eyes were filled with nothing but anger and impatience as she looked at him.

"Noelle, you'll regret this," Hendrix said suddenly. His voice was calm, devoid of any emotion.

A jolt went through Noelle. But

before she could say anything,

Hendrix had already turned arol

and walked out of the room, bis steps firm and decisive.

Noelle had expected more of a struggle. But now that he had left so

abruptly, she felt unsettled. Onl

after the door closed behind him did she remember something.

She turned to Dylan and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Dylan replied with a quick smile. "It's just a scratch. I'm actually more worried about y—"

"Me? I'm fine."noveldrama

As she spoke, Noelle turned to call the hotel front desk, asking them to send up a first aid kit.

After hanging up, she remembered something else. "I'll go check on Rosie. I'm worried the noise might have woken her up."