The Sway and Slide of Love

"I was the one who had the surveillance camera installed." As if reading Noelle's mind, Hendrix quickly explained, "But I did it for your safety. Take what happened tonight, for example. If it weren't for "

Noelle cut him off, "If you hadn't suddenly moved in, that man would never have entered our lives in the first place."

Hendrix was momentarily stunned, then he couldn't help but laugh. "What are you trying to say? Are you saying this is my fault, too?"

"Isn't it?" Noelle shot back. "You were the ones who hired those movers!"

"I only hired the moving company. Who they employ is beyond my control."noveldrama

"But this all started because of you. If you hadn't moved here, none of this would have happened!"

Hendrix fell silent because it finally dawned on him that Noelle was determined to pin the blame on him, and no amount of arguing would change her mind. So, he decided to say nothing more.

Noelle didn't bother with him, either. She turned around and took Rosie back inside.

But once they were inside, Noelle realized something her apartment's electrical wires were still cut, and the place was still pitch dark.

She pressed her lips into a tight line. Then, she picked up Rosie and went back outside.

Hendrix was still standing at his door, watching her with a raised eyebrow. It was as if he had already anticipated her predicament. Yet, he had chosen not to say anything earlier-just so he could watch her struggle.

"It's late. You probably won't be able to find anyone to fix it now," Hendrix said.

Noelle ignored him and continued walking with Rosie.

After over an hour of chaos, it was well past Rosie's bedtime. Rosie could barely keep her eyes open. She held onto Noelle's hand with one of her own while she kept rubbing her eyes with the other.

When Noelle didn't stop walking, Hendrix called out again, "Where are you planning to take Rosie at this hour?"

Noelle still didn't respond.

Hendrix continued, "Do you really think staying at a hotel is a good idea right now? You know very well that there aren't decent hotels

around t this area. Look at her. She's exhausted. Aren't you afraid you'll come to regret it should something go wrong again?"

Hearing this, Noelle finally stopped walking and slowly looked down at Rosie.

By then, Hendrix had walked over to

them, and in a softer tone, he said,

"Just stay at my place for the night, and I'll have someone fix the wires tomorrow. Or are you afraid O something might happen?

The distance between them had somehow narrowed. The elevator doors opened,

the numbers on the display flickering faintly.

Noelle looked up and met his gaze. "What exactly are you implying?"

A faint smirk appeared on Hendrix's face. Though he was smiling, his eyes were devoid of any warmth. Instead, they were filled with a different emotion-one Noelle recognized all too well.

"Your reverse psychology won't work on me," Noelle told him.

Hendrix didn't respond.

After taking a glance at Rosie and seeing how sleepy she was, Noelle finally bent down and picked her up. She then turned to Hendrix and said, "Open the door."

When Noelle had come over earlier that afternoon, she hadn't paid much attention to the apartment's interior. Now, as Hendrix led her inside, she noticed that he had made significant changes to the layout.