The Sway and Slide of Love

Noelle's words might have been tactful, but Dylan understood her meaning all too clearly. She found him repulsive-so much so that she couldn't bear to look at

him.

And why didn't she hate him? How could she not hate him? If she truly felt he had wronged her, then she should hate him! But why didn't she even feel hatred? Was it because he wasn't even worthy of her hatred?

Dylan's expression slowly faded, his face turning grim. But Noelle didn't seem to notice.

She simply nodded at him and stopped walking. "I'll leave you here."

Only then did Dylan realize they had reached the hospital entrance.

Without waiting for Dylan to respond, Noelle turned and walked away.

Dylan watched her leave and suddenly laughed, his lips curled into a twisted smile.

After a long moment, once Noelle had disappeared from his sight, he slowly wiped the smile from his face. Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned and

walked away.

Noelle quickly returned to the hospital room. It was quiet now.

Marla was peeling an apple while Marshall lay in bed, seemingly watching the TV across the room. But the volume was low, and his mind clearly wasn't on it.

"Dylan is a good man," Marla suddenly said.

Hearing this, Marshall turned to look at her. The meaning in his gaze was clear, but Marla ignored it and continued, "If Seline were still alive, I would've definitely had her marry Dylan."

Marshall immediately frowned and said, "Why are you saying things like that again?"

Upset, Marla shot back, "Why can't I say it?"

"Fine, fine. Even if you're right, do you think Seline would've listened to your arrangements?"

At Marshall's words, Marla fell silent. Then, she smiled and said, "You're right. Seline's such a stubborn

BUMS

girl she would've never listened to me."

"Exactly. Remember how she reacted when you tried to set her up on a blind date?"

"Yes, and it's obvious Dylan likes Noelle. So, Seline would never be with him."

"True. But Noelle is already with Hendrix now."

"How about I introduce some other women to Dylan someday?"

Noelle stood outside the door. Marshall and Marla continued talking inside, but Noelle no longer had the courage to go in.

Even though they were saying nothing particularly harsh, the casual tone of their conversation made Noelle's heart ache even

more Because the pain and regret in

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Marta's voice were still there V

And when she talked about introducing Dylan to someone, the excitement in her voice left Noelle speechless. She knew exactly what that excitement meant. It was like someone who had given up on life suddenly finding a new purpose.

५

Just as Noelle was debating whether to go in, her phone suddenly rang. Thenoveldrama

abrupt sound instantly silenced the conversation inside.

Noelle quickly hung up the call. But then, Hendrix called again.