The Sway and Slide of Love

Noelle stood still, her eyes filled with surprise and confusion as she looked at Marla. It seemed she didn't fully understand the meaning behind Marla's words.

After a moment of eye contact, Marla looked away. "What Beatrice said last time was right. Seline's death really wasn't your fault. We're sorry for taking our anger out on you before. I hope you can forgive me.

"After all, Seline was my only daughter. I raised her with so much care, and now, she's just gone like this. Before she died, she didn't even have a chance to leave me a single word. I just can't accept it."

Marla had intended to speak calmly to Noelle, but now, she couldn't hold back her emotions.

Noelle's eyes quickly reddened. She bit her lip slowly, and after a moment, she finally found her voice.

"I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry," she said with a slight bow. "And I've always wanted to thank you and to thank Seline for saving Rosie. I know I can't repay or make up for it. No matter what I do, Seline's not coming back. But-"

Before she could finish, Marla suddenly took her hand.

Noelle looked at the hand that had once been delicate and well-cared for, now rough and aged. She paused, then slowly raised her hand.

"Then, go on living," Marla said. "Just like Beatrice said that day-go on living for yourself and for Seline, too."

...

As soon as Hendrix entered the villa, he asked the household staff, "Where did Noelle go today?"

His expression was grim, his voice sharp.

The household staff was startled by his demeanor. After exchanging glances with

one another, one of them said, "I think she went to the cemetery."

Without another word, Hendrix headed straight upstairs.noveldrama

Noelle was on the balcony of the living room. A few potted plants were there, most likely transplanted at Beatrice's request, though Hendrix had no idea what kind they were.

All he knew was that, given the time of year, they should have at least started budding. But instead, there was nothing but a few bare, lonely leaves.

Noelle was intently studying the plants. She looked so serious that Hendrix, who had been striding forward, instinctively came to a stop. He stood still, watching her carefully.

Then, as if suddenly sensing his presence, Noelle turned to look at him.

"You're back," she said.

Hendrix sensed something was off about Noelle. After all, she shouldn't be this calm if she had gone to the cemetery and run into Marla and Marshall.

Her calmness only unsettled him more. After all, he hadn't forgotten what

happened the last time he thought she had recovered.

While Hendrix was still observing her, Noelle asked him, "Do you know what this is?"

Hendrix finally snapped out of it and looked at what she was holding.

"No," he replied.

"I just looked it up. Turns out, this isn't a flower, but a strawberry plant," Noelle explained.

Hendrix raised an eyebrow. But

before he could say anything, Noelle

continued, "But strawberries

shouldn't look like this at this time of

year. So, I guess someone hasn't been taking care of them properly."