The Sway and Slide of Love

Ruth had actually blurred Noelle's face in the photo, but the antique lamp behind them was too eye-catching. Though the auction house had never disclosed the buyer, word had circulated in their social circles.

Moreover, Noelle had attended some events before. Many people carefully compared the blurred figure in the picture to past photos of her and confirmed the woman in the photo was indeed Noelle.

And just like that, rumors about her relationship with Hendrix started spreading.

Meanwhile, Noelle had no idea what was happening outside since she wasn't feeling well today. At first, she thought it was just a mild cold. But by noon, she suddenly developed a low-grade fever.

When the household staff informed Hendrix, he immediately rushed home with a doctor in tow.

After checking Noelle's temperature, the doctor hesitated before suggesting she go to the hospital for a blood test.

"A blood test? Is it that serious?" Hendrix asked with a frown.

"Not necessarily. Based on Mrs. Freeman's current symptoms, it's likely the flu. But a blood test would help rule out any other possibilities so I can prescribe the right medication."

"What kind of possibilities?" Hendrix asked, confused.

The doctor was about to explain further, but Noelle cut in, "Don't worry, doctor. I'm not pregnant."

As soon as he heard that, a jolt immediately went through Hendrix. Then, he snapped his eyes toward her.

Noelle, however, remained composed as she continued, "So, there's no need to go to the hospital. You can just prescribe the medication now."

"I see." The doctor seemed unsure but still felt the need to clarify. "Mrs. Freeman, sometimes a regular cycle doesn't necessarily mean you're not pregnant, especially in the early stages. So, if you haven't been taking precautions—"

"I have," Noelle interrupted.

Hendrix's frown deepened when he heard that.

She glanced at him briefly before finishing her sentence. "I'm on birth control pills."

Only then did the doctor feel completely reassured. But in the same breath, an unmistakable chill settled over the room.

Not daring to stay any longer, the doctor made a quick excuse about preparing the medication and promptly left.

Hendrix, of course, didn't pay him

any attention. He didn't even glance at the doctor's retreating figure instead asking Noelle, "When did you start taking the pills?"

"I've been taking them all along," Noelle replied.noveldrama

"Including last month?" His voice noticeably tightened.

Noelle met his eyes, then said softly, "Yeah."

Even when she had been emotionally unstable last month, she had still remembered to take her pills every day.

At the time, Noelle knew exactly what Hendrix was trying to do. He was constantly afraid she might do something drastic, so he used that as a way to help her forget her troubles-if only for a little while. And, at the same time, he wanted to put a leash on her.

Noelle never called him out on it. Even now, after her emotions had stabilized, she had never once brought it up.

If it weren't for the doctor mentioning it today, Hendrix wouldn't have even known that Noelle had been taking birth control pills all along.

After hearing her answer, Hendrix fell silent.

He looked down at Noelle's hand for a long moment before finally saying, "It's not that I don't care about Rosie.

I just thought if I could give you something else to hold on to you might heal faster."