The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 772

Noelle ended up leaving the room first. The moment she stepped out, she shut the door firmly behind her.

Irene thought that was weird. "Why did you close the door?"

"No reason. Just a habit."

Noelle's cheeks were still faintly flushed, and she avoided Irene's gaze, brushing off the question with a vague reply.

Irene found it odd but didn't press further.

After breakfast, Irene announced she was heading to the back mountain to gather herbs to sell at the market in a few days.

Noelle had been thinking about how to divert her, and this played right into her plans.

"Come with me," Irene said. "And bring two more bottles of water."

Noelle hesitated for a moment. She usually accompanied Irene on these trips, so refusing now would seem suspicious. In the end, she nodded.

called out, "I'm closing

was loud, ensuring the person inside

strange look. "Who are

"You."

right here, and

arm through Irene's. "Let's go. The sooner we leave,

she was acting strange, but the affectionate gesture quickly distracted her. After glancing at her, she quickly broke into a smile and ruffled her hair. "Silly girl. You're old enough to be married,

Noelle simply smiled.

Irene mentioned was actually just a deeper part of the

shade from the sun. A narrow path wound alongside small

her crouch by the stream, filling a basket with tiny snails. She was busy scooping them up when footsteps

look! I even caught a

excited words cutting off

approaching wasn't Irene. A man stood a short distance away, squinting at her. His narrow eyes made Noelle's heart

in sight. The vast woods