The Sway and Slide of Love

Chapter 313

Beatrice handed the box to Noelle. "Even though we've known each other for a while, since you and Hendrix have decided to start over, it's only right to mark the occasion with something auspicious. This was part of my wedding gift when I got married, so I'll give it to you as a gift for today."

"This is too much," Noelle said.

"It's fine," Beatrice replied with a smile. "Hendrix has already made up his mind about you, so everything of mine will end up with you eventually anyway, won't it?"

Noelle looked at the woman in front of her. She was still the same-poised, composed, every bit as dignified as the Beatrice in her memories.

But what Noelle remembered even more vividly was how this same Beatrice had once been so desperate to escape the Freeman family-so much so that she was even willing to take her own life.

And now, her lover was gone.

That part of the past had long been forgotten by everyone in their circle, as if it had never happened. Even Beatrice herself seemed to have erased it entirely.

But Noelle remembered. And now, she didn't know how to respond to her. Hendrix, however, acted swiftly, reaching out to take the gift on her behalf.

"Thank you, Mom," he said.

Beatrice didn't seem to mind. Instead, she turned to Hendrik. "Your grandmother's unwell. Go upstairs and check on her. Noelle can stay here-I have something I'd like to discuss with her."

"Noelle can come upstairs with me," Hendrix said, tightening his grip on Noelle's hand.

Beatrice only smiled. "You've already gotten your marriage certificate, and you're still worried I'll whisk her away from you?"

Hendrix said nothing further. After giving Noelle a glance, he turned and headed upstairs.

Beatrice watched his retreating figure for a moment before urning back to Noelle. "Have a seat. I had the household staff prepare coffee-didn't you used to enjoy this blend?"

Noelle glanced at the coffee cup in front of her, then looked back at Beatrice. "What is it you want to say?"

Beatrice sat calmly, meeting Noelle's gaze. After a moment of silence, she asked softly, "You must resent me, don't you?"

Noelle frowned.

"I know everything now," Beatrice continued. "It was because of the document I gave you back then that Hendrix misunderstood you. If not for that, maybe the two of you at that time could have

"No," Noelle cut her off.

Beatrice looked at her slowly.

Noelle picked up the coffee cup in front of her. Even though it was the height of summer, she seemed to feel unbearably cold, pressing her palms tightly against the warm cup.

Her voice was soft as she said, "Even if you hadn't met with me back then, things between him and me would never have stayed fine. In his world, only interests matter. Even without what happened with you, the moment

Chapter 313

any conflict arose, he would have thrown me under the bus.

"So, there's no need for you to blame yourself."

Her tone was calm, as if she were nothing more than a spectator to the relationship. Hendrix's choices, whatever they were, wouldn't stir her in the slightest.

Beatrice suddenly found herself at a loss for words. After a moment, she finally asked, "Then, do you resent him?" "No," Noelle replied, her expression blank. "How can I resent him if I don't feel anything for him?"

Beatrice looked at her and suddenly laughed a bitter laugh.

She lowered her gaze, staring into the coffee in her cup for a long while before finally saying, "I'm sorry. I can't help you with much. But if I were you, I think I'd at least try... to like him."

Noelle furrowed her brows instantly at her words.

Beatrice continued, "After all, if you could convince yourself to like him, maybe life wouldn't feel so unbearable, would it?!