Ruth had actually blurred Noelle's face in the photo, but the antique lamp behind them was too eye-catching. Though the auction house had never disclosed the buyer, word had circulated in their social circles.
Moreover, Noelle had attended some events before. Many people carefully compared the blurred figure in the picture to past photos of her and confirmed the woman in the photo was indeed Noelle.
And just like that, rumors about her relationship with Hendrix started spreading.
Meanwhile, Noelle had no idea what was happening outside since she wasn't feeling well today. At first, she thought it was just a mild cold. But by noon, she suddenly developed a low-grade fever.
When the household staff informed Hendrix, he immediately rushed home with a doctor in tow.
After checking Noelle's temperature, the doctor hesitated before suggesting she go to the hospital for a blood test.
"A blood test? Is it that serious?" Hendrix asked with a frown.
"Not necessarily. Based on Mrs. Freeman's current symptoms, it's likely the flu. But a blood test would help rule out any other possibilities so I can prescribe the right medication."
"What kind of possibilities?" Hendrix asked, confused.
The doctor was about to explain further, but Noelle cut in, "Don't worry, doctor. I'm not pregnant."
As soon as he heard that, a jolt immediately went through Hendrix. Then, he snapped his eyes toward her.
Noelle, however, remained composed as she continued, "So, there's no need to go to the hospital. You can just prescribe the medication now."
"I see." The doctor seemed unsure but still felt the need to clarify. "Mrs. Freeman, sometimes a regular cycle doesn't necessarily mean you're not pregnant, especially in the early stages. So, if you haven't been taking precautions—"
"I have," Noelle interrupted.
Even when she had been emotionally unstable last month, she had still remembered to take her pills every day.
At the time, Noelle knew exactly what Hendrix was trying to do. He was constantly afraid she might do something drastic, so he used that as a way to help her forget her troubles—if only for a little while. And, at the same time, he wanted to put a leash on her.
Noelle never called him out on it. Even now, after her emotions had stabilized, she had never once brought it up.
If it weren't for the doctor mentioning it today, Hendrix wouldn't have even known that Noelle had been taking birth control pills all along.
After hearing her answer, Hendrix fell silent.
He looked down at Noelle's hand for a long moment before finally saying, "It's not that I don't care about Rosie. I just thought if I could give you something else to hold on to, you might heal faster."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Sway and Slide of Love
Like how the story is progressing now but why is the author only releasing 3 chapters at a time? this is torture😩😩...
Woah chapters 41-45 is intense!! Good to see Noelle’s character who has come across as mostly detached actually express emotion....
I find Noelle’s character so frustrating, she comes across lacking any true emotion. The chapters where Rosie was missing was probably the most where we have seen some strong outward emotion shown. Dreading these next few chapters if she is going to do something drastic to “go find Seline” The author has taken us on a rollercoaster with these characters. The novel feels like it is at a stage now where they can come full circle....
A good change of pace and story in the last 10 chapters. Good to see the shift in Hendrix’s character (more patience) to win over Noelle and Rosie. Hope we start to see them warm up to him. Please no crazy twist where he loses them again. Have enjoyed this story and looking forward to its wrap up👨👩👧...
A good change of pace in the last 10 chapters. Also nice to see a shift in Hendrix’s character (more patience) to win Noelle and Rosie over. Hoping in these next few chapters we start to see Noelle and Rosie warm up to him. Please no crazy twist where he loses them again. Have enjoyed this story and looking forward to its wrap up 👨👩👧...
I have been in love with this novel but I don’t know how much patience I have to wait until the to finish line. Dear Author, can you atleast give us some idea about how long is this going to be or if there’s any turning point coming soon. And it would be great if you could upload at least 10 chapters at once. 5 chapters is making me more impatience with the anticipation of the further story of novel🙈...
I really hope there is a turning point in this story where Noelle starts to show some interest in Hendrix...