The Sway and Slide of Love

So when the host approached him, Dylan already knew what was coming. He wasn't particularly surprised. After smiling faintly, he set down his wine glass and excused himself before the host could speak.

"Sorry, but I just remembered I have something to attend to. So, I'll take my leave now. I'll treat you to dinner next time."

With that, Dylan turned and left, leaving the host standing there, utterly bewildered.

Since Hendrix had been drinking tonight, Levi took him home. When he opened

the door, Noelle was just slipping on her coat, ready to head out.

"Where are you going?"

"Why are you back?"

They spoke at the same time.

Hendrix immediately frowned. Then, he swept his gaze over Noelle's outfit-a light-colored dress with a white coat over it.

Her complexion had improved over the past few months. So now, even with just a touch of lipstick, she looked especially alluring.

Hendrix's expression darkened further. "Where are you planning to go?"

Noelle, however, found his question strange. "Weren't you the one who asked me to pick you up?"

Her words jogged Hendrix's memory. Right-he hadn't wanted to attend the banquet tonight in the first place. But the host had been persistent, and since he was technically his elder, Hendrix couldn't refuse outright.

Even so, he had no intention of staying long. Thus, he told Noelle to pick him up at the agreed time. In other words, she was just heading out to bring him home.

The moment he realized this, he felt the tension in his body melt away. Then, he answered Noelle, "I decided to come back early because I was bored."noveldrama

As he spoke, he took Noelle's hand and led her inside.

Noelle didn't resist, but after glancing at him, she suddenly asked, "Did something happen at the banquet?"

"No."

"Did you run into Dylan?" Noelle had hit the nail on the head.

Hendrix immediately stopped in his tracks. Then, he turned to look at her. "How did you know? Did Dylan tell you?"

"I was just guessing."

Hendrix fell silent. But the way he looked at her made it clear-he didn't believe her.

Knowing what he was thinking, Noelle simply took out her phone. "Do you want to check my phone?"

"That's not what I meant."

Hendrix actually did want to take her phone and look through it. But after a moment of hesitation, he decided against it-because what if Noelle was testing him?

So, he quickly pressed her hand down and said, "I was just wondering. How did you guess so accurately?"

"Who else besides Dylan could make you this worked up?" Noelle shot back.

Hendrix was momentarily at a loss

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for words. Just then, Noelle shook off his hand. He immediately frowned and instinctively reached out to grab her again.

"You've been drinking, haven't you?" Noelle said. "Let me make you some honey water."

Hearing this, Hendrix finally let go. Only then did Noelle manage to slip off her

coat and head toward the kitchen.

At this hour, Rosie and the

household staff were all asleep. The kitchen light was on, its brightness spilling through the window and into his eyes.

Noelle had already taken out the honey and was about to pour a glass of water

when Hendrix gently embraced her from behind.