The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix fell silent. He lowered his eyes and stood in place for a moment before finally turning around.

"Sorry for disturbing you," he said.

Levi had been waiting outside the gate the entire time. He had initially thought Hendrix would have to wait all day again and was just about to go buy himself a cup of coffee. But before he could start the car, he saw Hendrix coming out.

He quickly got out of the car and opened the door for Hendrix.

Hendrix silently got in. Levi didn't need to ask to know that Hendrix had failed to convince the Swift family again.

Honestly, it was to be expected. After all, Marla and Marshall had just lost their daughter. In such a situation, how could they possibly care about anyone else's troubles?

Hendrix understood that, too, but he had no other options left. The doctor had said that Seline's death was the root of Noelle's mental anguish.

Hendrix was willing to do anything for Noelle, but he couldn't bring the dead back to life. All he could do was beg, over and over again. He hoped that Marla and Marshall would say the words "we forgive you" to Noelle.

Even though he didn't know if it would make Noelle better, as long as it was a possibility, he had to try—no matter the cost.

Soon, they arrived at Roselle Court.

Hendrix had been sitting in the car with his eyes closed. But as soon as the car entered the courtyard, his eyes snapped open, as if he sensed something.

Instead of waiting for Levi to open the car door for him, he did it himself.

"Mr. Freeman." A household staff quickly approached, holding a tray of untouched food. Her voice was hesitant. "Mrs. Freeman still refuses to eat anything." Hendrix said nothing. He simply took the tray with practiced ease.

Noelle was sitting on the bay window in the room. Even though the heating was on full blast, her clothes were too thin, and her feet were bare.

Hendrix couldn't help but frown at the sight. Then, he called out to her, "Noelle."noveldrama

She didn't respond.

Hendrix tried again. "Penny."

At this, Noelle finally showed a slight reaction. Slowly, she turned her head.

"Let's eat," Hendrix said softly as he walked over to her. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "I had

them make a cake, too. Eat your

st, then have some dessert,

okay?"

"I don't want to." Noelle turned her head away sharply to avoid Hendrix's touch. At

the same time, she closed her eyes.

Hendrix didn't give up. He simply picked her up and placed her in a chair.

"I said I don't want to eat!"

Noelle was furious and was about to push him away when Hendrix said, "But I

want to eat. Will you sit here and keep me company?"

Noelle didn't answer. Just as she was about to get up and leave, Hendrix added, "It'll be Christmas in

a few days. How about wate

it at Sienna Villa? No matter what, you should at least give Rosie a Christmas present, right?

"Rosie has been talking about you for days. And after the new year, she should be starting kindergarten right? Have you decided on a school yet?"

Noelle remained silent and sitting where she was. Her lips were pressed into a

thin line, and she was trembling slightly.

"How about we take her to school together?" Hendrix scooped up some soup, bringing the spoon to her lips, his voice soft as he coaxed her.