The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 12 Chapter 12

In the end, Hendrix didn't send Noelle to the villa. After he made himself clear, he dropped her off at a random intersection.

Before she even stood still, he had sped away in his black Porsche without hesitation. That did not surprise her at all. Still, she couldn't help but curl her fist out of anger, digging her nails into her palm. She felt a slight pang of pain in her flesh-a warning to herself not to hold any hope for Hendrix.

Since she was still out there, she decided to go shopping. Alas, luck wasn't on her side. She bumped into someone she despised when she entered the mall.

"Hah! Mrs. Freeman, is that you?" Ruth said with a grin. "How surprising! I thought an uppity woman like you would never go to the mall!"

As Sandra's best friend, Ruth was the one who loved picking on Noelle the most. The other friends had mellowed down after Noelle married Hendrix, but not Ruth. Instead, she seemed to grow more vicious in her attacks.

Unwilling to waste time on Ruth, Noelle planned to walk around her, but Ruth stopped her.

"Where are you going? How about joining me for some shopping since you're here alone?" Noelle stared at Ruth impassively. "Sorry, I'm afraid that won't be possible."

you have a date that you have to hide from me? Oh, is he

woman, aren't you?"

parents and teachers raise you lies?" Noelle spoke with calmness, all while

caused

to spread

expression fell. She barked, "Noelle Swanson, a country girl like you has no right

so you have to face the music. Got it?" "You" Ruth's face was red from anger. At that moment,

said timidly, "Ruth, don't fight with

behavior created the illusion that she had been a longtime victim

was upset when Sandra told her

Swanson, what are you so smug for? You have Sandy to thank for your smooth life. She gave up

Sandra tugged at Ruth Keeping her head low, she shuffled toward Noelle. "I'm sorry, Noelle. Ruth is quite brash at times, but she's a good egg. Please don't take

enough, I will apologize to