The Sway and Slide of Love

"Thank you," Noelle said as she took the invoice from the mover. While confirming and signing the document, she added, "I was going to ask my husband to grab you guys some energy drinks when he got back, but he couldn't make it back in time. Here. Take this cash and get some yourselves."

"You're too kind, but we can't possibly take this." The movers initially refused but eventually relented.

After they left, Noelle immediately placed a pair of men's shoes by the door and hung a few men's clothes on the balcony.

"Mommy, are we going to live here from now on?" Rosie asked.

"That's right, sweetheart."noveldrama

"What about our old apartment?"

"I gave it back to the landlord. This is our new home now."

"Then, will I still get to see Marco and the rest of my friends?"

"Of course. This place is close to our old place, and you'll also get to see them when you go to kindergarten."

Hearing this, Rosie finally nodded in relief.

Noelle had spent the whole day unpacking and didn't have time to cook dinner. But Rosie didn't mind at all. After all, her favorite food was fast food.

However, adjusting to the new environment made it harder for Rosie to fall asleep that night. She tossed and turned for a long time before finally drifting off.

Thinking Rosie had fallen asleep, Noelle was about to get up and take care of her own tasks when Rosie suddenly opened her eyes again.

"Does that mean I will never see him again?"

"Who are you talking about?" Noelle blurted out.

But Rosie didn't answer. She simply closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

Noelle stood by the bed, and after a moment, it dawned on her that Rosie was talking about Hendrix.

Noelle wanted to respond. But by then, Rosie's eyes were closed again, and she seemed to be truly asleep.

Noelle didn't disturb her further and simply turned to leave. She still hadn't finished the book illustration she had been commissioned to do. She turned on her computer and stared at the characters on the screen for a long time before finally picking up her pen.

But just then, there was a knock on the door. In the quiet of the night, the sound was especially jarring, causing Noelle to jump up in fright. Then, she started to panic afte recalling the events of the previous night.

Then, she started running through her mind, searching for any mistakes she might have overlooked. But she had always made a habit of keeping men's

items around the apartmet

even had a razor ready. So, there was no way those people could have noticed anything, right?

Maybe she shouldn't have taken the easy way out today-she should have gone back herself.

Should she call the police now?

As these thoughts raced through her mind, the knocking came again. The soft, rhythmic sound felt like a hammer striking her chest.

Then, as if the person on the other side of the door could read her mind, he said, "Noelle, open the door."

His voice was low, carrying a hint of restraint.

Noelle froze for a moment. Then, she finally let out a sigh of relief and walked over.

"Who is it?"

He let out a cold laugh. "Who do you think it is?"

"It's late. Do you need something?"

"Open the door."

"If there's nothing important, you should leave," Noelle said. "It's really late, and you-"

Before she could finish, Hendrix knocked again. This time, much louder.

Worried that Rosie might wake up, Noelle had no choice but to open the door.