The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 2 The person speaking was Sandra's good friend, Ruth Upton. She was a heiress of a wealthy family. Ruth and Sandra had grown up together. She had always been the biggest supporter of Hendrix and Sandra's relationship. Now that Noelle had become Hendrix's wife instead, it came as no surprise that Ruth was unfriendly toward her.

Even when she noticed Noelle standing at the door, she didn't feel the least bit embarrassed or uneasy about what she'd said.

It was Sandra who greeted her first. "You're here, Noelle."

Noelle nodded. "I'm here to take you home. Have you packed your things?"

"Yes. I'm all set. Let's go," Sandra replied good-naturedly.

Ruth couldn't help but ask, "Where's Mr. Freeman? Sandy is being discharged today. Isn't he coming to pick her up?"

"He's gone to the office," Noelle replied.

"Oh, he seems really busy. I wonder if he's too busy to come or if you didn't let him come," Ruth conjectured with disdain.

Before Noelle could respond, Sandra interrupted softly, "Ruth, stop it."

Ruth chuckled coldly. "Why can't I talk about this? Did I hit the nail on the head?"

with her. Instead, she unlocked her phone and scrolled to Hendrix's number in her contacts. Then, she handed

mean by

whether I'm preventing him from coming? Call him and ask him

but Sandra hastily grabbed her hand and shook her head. She pleaded, "Don't argue

nice." Ruth gritted her teeth. "That's why others

bother responding to Ruth's remarks. She grabbed Sandra's suitcase and walked ahead. As soon

"Did

was a noticeable tension in Matilda's voice when she spoke

"Yes," Noelle replied.

Your father and I are overseas and aren't back yet. After you bring her home, make sure you take good

"Okay," Noelle answered calmly.

been a bit harsh, and after a brief pause, she added, "You're

swirl of emotions rose inside her, but she suppressed it and

of silence, Matilda said,

Sandra, who was sitting in the

a soft and sweet voice. It was the kind of girlish voice that a daughter used when speaking to her

contrast with Noelle's cold and formal