The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 646

It was Christmas Eve-the season of warmth, renewal, and celebration.

Even though people often said the holiday spirit wasn't what it used to be, it remained one of the most anticipated days of the year.

On this day, everyone dressed in their best clothes, setting aside the troubles and sorrows of the year, if only for a little while. This day symbolized joy, hope, and reunion.

Noelle had never found the latter word so piercing before. This was likely the liveliest Christmas Rosie had ever experienced. In previous years, it had just been the two of them.

No matter how much Noelle prepared, the cold emptiness was always there. But on the other side, she knew that the Swifts' household had to be just as cold. A holiday like this only magnified the pain of loss.

Noelle remembered how Seline used to spend Christmas Eve with her own family before flying to Stormridge on Christmas Day to be with her and Rosie.

Seline would always give Rosie a Christmas present. But this year, Rosie would never receive a Christmas present from her again. And yet, Rosie didn't seem to realize it. After all, she now had Hendrix and Beatrice.

even remember the last time she heard Rosie bring up Seline. So, had Rosie forgotten all about Seline?

forget? Seline had died because of her. If she

moment later, he wrapped

to the present, and she was horrified by

she actually been blaming Rosie? Rosie was only three years old-what could she possibly

responsible for Seline's death? If Rosie knew what she was thinking, how would she

that thought, Noelle couldn't even bring herself to look at

quickly raised his hand to gently pat

that Rosie noticed Noelle's presence. She immediately ran over, calling

visited her in a while, and Rosie didn't even take the time to look at her expression before wrapping her arms

me! Grandma said you were sick and didn't want to spread it to me, but I'm

from her eyes. Just moments ago, she had been

those tears and thought of her earlier resentment,