The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 669

"Even back when Rosie was sick-"

At this point, Hendrix paused on his own. He knew that because of this incident, Noelle had permanently condemned him.

The fact that they were here now, living together like this, was nothing short of a miracle. There were nights when he'd wake up in the middle of the dream, needing to hold Noelle tightly just to reassure himself she was really still by his side.

And as for that period of their lives, neither of them had spoken about it for a long time.

That was until now, when Hendrix brought it up on his own.

Noelle clearly didn't want to revisit that memory, either. The moment he mentioned it, she frowned and instinctively pulled her hand away from him.

But Hendrix immediately tightened his hold, as if he knew exactly what she was going to do.

"I know what I did was wrong back then," Hendrix said. "I was just so angry and wanted to hurt you as badly as you hurt me. I wanted you to give in to me. That first time at the hotel-I just wanted you to yield to me. But I never expected you to ask me to sign the consent form.

"It made me feel like I'm being used. So, I deliberately played hard to get in the hopes you'd give me a way out. I know I was an asshole back then. No matter what, I should never have used Rosie's life as a bargaining chip.

believe me when I say I love Rosie, too. I mean, how could I not love her when I love

She knew her current stance and decisions contradicted her past beliefs. Her way of

in this world was constantly changing, including her emotions and how she viewed those around her. So maybe some things from the past weren't as important anymore. But just because they didn't

could remember the pain Hendrix had caused her because

he brought up what had happened when Rosie was

after he confessed

he once thought he'd never be able to say-she still refused

Noelle simply reached over with her other hand and pried his fingers off one

into an even

"Get out," Noelle said.

Yet, Hendrix remained seated.

a moment, Noelle simply turned away and

out to

won't leave, then I will,"

then did Hendrix relent. "Fine. I'll go. Just lie back down and get

stayed still,