The Sway and Slide of Love

Rosie hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

Dylan took over the task from Noelle. It was clear that this was his first time doing something like this, as his movements were a little clumsy. But Rosie didn't seem to mind. She stayed quiet throughout the entire process.

Noelle stood to the side, watching. Suddenly, she found the scene oddly heartwarming.

She had always known Dylan was the best choice, and that was why she had been trying so hard to convince herself to accept him. And now, it seemed that maybe she hadn't made the wrong choice, after all.

After watching for a moment, she couldn't help but take a photo of them with her phone.

Under the soft light, Dylan was gently combing Rosie's hair while she held a doll in her arms. The two of them looked like a pair of real father and daughter.

Noelle didn't linger any longer. She turned and went to prepare breakfast for the next day. She had already prepared the pie dough earlier. Now, all she needed to do was put in the filling and bake it.

It wasn't that Noelle enjoyed going through the trouble, but Rosie was allergic to egg yolks, and most store-bought pies contained egg wash. So, Noelle had no choice but to make them herself.

She had expected Rosie to call for her after a while. After all, Rosie usually needed her to stay by her side so that she could fall asleep. But after waiting in the kitchen for some time, Noelle didn't hear a peep from her.

When she finally finished making the pie, she found Dylan coming out of the

room.

"She's asleep," Dylan told her.noveldrama

Noelle was taken aback. "What?"

"She just fell asleep," he said with a smile. "I was reading to her when she said she was tired. She dozed off right after."

Noelle didn't quite believe it, but when she peeked into the room, she saw Rosie sleeping peacefully in bed.

She turned to Dylan with a smile. "Looks like she was just too tired from playing earlier."

"Yeah. What were you doing just now?"

"Making pies for tomorrow's breakfast," Noelle said, going back to the kitchen to check on the pies.

Dylan watched her for a moment before suddenly saying, "It must be really difficult for you."

His words caught Noelle off guard. Then, she turned around and said with a smile, "It's not that bad. I actually find it quite manageable."

"Why don't you and Rosie come with me to Coppersville? I can hire some help to take care of you two. Then, you wouldn't have to work so hard."

Noelle instantly fell silent. She didn't reject him outright but simply looked at him quietly. That alone was

enough

to make Dylan's expression falter.

After a moment, he chuckled softly "I shouldn't have suggested that, should? I promised you before that I'd let you choose the life you want."

"Did something happen?" Noelle asked instead.

Dylan was momentarily taken aback by her question. Then, he quickly shook his head. "No, I just thought that you—"

"What have you been so busy with

lately?" Noelle interrupted him. "Dylan, deep down, do you really see us as being on the same side? If you do, then what is it that you can't tell me?"

After Noelle finished speaking, Dylan fell completely silent.

Looking at him, Noelle felt as if her worst fear had been confirmed.

"Does this have anything to do with Hendrix?" she asked, unable to keep the trembling out of her voice.