The Sway and Slide of Love

"And yet, Dylan still chose to be with you. So, Ms. Swanson, the only reason you lasted this long with him is because he was willing to put up and make compromises with you. But what have you ever done for him?"

With those final words, Leah left.

Her last sentence wasn't spoken loudly, but it still felt like a heavy blow to Noelle's chest, reverberating in her mind.

It wasn't until some time later that Rosie came out of her room. She looked up at Noelle with concern and confusion. "Mommy?"

Hearing her voice, Noelle finally snapped out of her daze and turned to her.

"Was that Mr. Pritchett's mom just now?" Rosie asked. "Why was she being so mean to you?"

Noelle forced a smile. "She wasn't being mean. It's just a mother's instinct. Just like how I would chase away all the bad guys who try to hurt you, she's just trying to protect her own child."

"But Mommy, you're not a bad guy." Rosie looked even more confused.

"Wasn't she?" Noelle asked herself.

Over the past two days, she had indeed fallen into a sort of illusion. Just because Dylan had said he was tired of that life, and just because she was overjoyed at being chosen, Noelle had truly taken it for granted that she could enjoy all of this.

However, as Leah had said, Dylan had done so much for Noelle, yet what had she done for him in return? She had even given him so little in terms of emotional reciprocation.

"Everyone sees things differently." Noelle could only tell Rosie that. "You'll understand once you're all grown up."

But this explanation didn't satisfy Rosie. She muttered softly, "Why do I have to wait until I grow up to understand everything? When will I finally grow up?"noveldrama

Noelle reached out and ruffled her hair. "Time will pass, and you'll grow up before you know it. Now, go brush your teeth. After that, we'll have breakfast."

Rosie didn't say anything more.

Noelle ate breakfast with her as usual, then took her downstairs.

The moment the playground and her little buddies came into view, Rosie immediately rushed over on her balance bike, her earlier confusion and unhappiness vanishing in an instant.

Noelle sat down not far away and unlocked her phone. Several times, she tapped on Dylan's chat, but every time she started to type

something, she found herself, net

knowing what to write. In the end, she could only put her phone down.

After repeating this a few times, it was Dylan who messaged her first. He said he was busy handling company matters and would be tied up for the next few days, so there was no need for her to worry about anything.

As Noelle read his message, she suddenly remembered what Leah had said.

From her perspective, she must seem selfish and cowardly.

She was the reason Dylan was going through so much right now. With that thought, Noelle didn't hesitate any longer. She messaged Dylan, "When will you be free? Can we talk on the phone?" en

"What's the matter? You miss me?" Dylan replied instantly.

Noelle suddenly didn't know how to respond.

Perhaps sensing that he had misspoken, Dylan quickly sent another message.

"How about tonight? Around 11:00 pm. Will that be too late for you?"

This time, Noelle's reply was immediate. "It's fine. I'll wait for your call."