The Sway and Slide of Love

Matilda asked why, huh? Teenage Noelle used to ponder about this when g

first reunited with her family.

Back then, she had tried to mimic every flattering gesture Sandra had used to win over her family. But what did that get her? Indifference..

Things became crystal clear one day when she prepared a cup of coffee for Matilda. She had thanked her for the effort, only to discard it into the flowerpot behind her back

That night, she overheard the conversation between her parents.

Matilda contemplated whether to take Noelle for an HIV test. At that time, she was too young to know what that was. It wasn't until later in life that she realized it was a test for AIDS.

All because she was almost sexually assaulted by her adoptive father. To her parents, that incident remained an indelible stain on her name.

Even if the truth revealed that nothing had happened, she was no longer pure to them, and she had lost the right to be their daughter.

At that thought, Noelle shut her eyes tightly. When she opened them again, her gaze displayed nothing but calmness. "It doesn't matter anymore. I don't need your validation."

"What does that mean?"

"I thought you guys regretted reuniting with me. Well, you'll finally be free of that feeling" Noelle smiled. "Don't worry. I'll leave. From now on, Sandra will be your one and only daughter-the one you adore and take pride in.

"Noelle, do you know what you're saying?" Matilda's voice rembled, unsure whether it was out of anger or shock.

Regardless, it was none of Noelle's concern. She simply smiled, saying, "Of course, I do. To be frank, you guys aren't the only ones who regretted it. I do, too.

"Perhaps I should've just died in that village. At least that way, I could've indulged in the fantasy that my mom and dad loved me.!!

Matilda stayed silent, but her trembling body betrayed her emotions.

Noelle averted her gaze away from her and gazed at Craig. "I've said what I needed to say. Now... take care. Goodbye.

She turned around decisively.

"Stand right there!" Craig piped up at last. He came to stand before Noelle and chided her, "You're acting crazy! You're the daughter of the Swansons and share the same blood as us. Do you honestly think you can just leave like that?"

"So, what do you want me to do? Sell my soul and body to you?" Noelle questioned solemnly, her gaze so determined that it felt like she would realize her words.noveldrama

Words stuck in Craig's throat, and he was speechless to answer her.

"I guess not. If that's the case, goodbye," Noelle turned around again, her footsteps resolute and steadfast this time.

Meanwhile, Matilda seemed to be reprimanding her behind her back. Whatever it was, Noelle couldn't care less. She soon left the Swanson residence and headed to Nivis Villa.

Once she stepped inside Nivis Villa, she began packing up her stuff. That place had been her home for the last two years of her marriage with Hendrix.

Usually, she would attend business parties with Hendrix as his plus-one. Hence, Beatrice had gifted her plenty of expensive gowns and jewelry. However, Noelle left them all behind.

She only took whatever she came with. In the end, all her belongings fit into a single suitcase and

backpack.

When Mabel saw the scene, she was taken aback. "What's with all of this, Mrs. Freeman?"

Noelle ignored her and dragged her belongings toward the door.