The Sway and Slide of Love

"Thank you," Beatrice's voice came from behind just as Noelle was in the kitchen preparing a snack for Rosie.

Even though there were household staff and chefs in the villa, Noelle still preferred making Rosie's food herself.

Despite being in a new environment, Rosie adapted quickly. Noelle had spent the morning reading to her, and during lunch, she ate quietly without fuss. She even took her medicine without any tears or complaints. Now, she was upstairs sleeping.noveldrama

Beatrice adored her but was careful not to overwhelm her with too much attention. Seeing Noelle take the time to make snacks, she couldn't help but speak up.

Noelle froze for a second, then turned to her with a puzzled look, unsure what she meant.

"You've raised Rosie well," Beatrice said.

"I'm her mother. That's what I'm supposed to do," Noelle said. "And she's my daughter, so you don't have to thank me for that."

The line Noelle drew was clear and firm.

Beatrice understood what she was saying right away. She also knew that, on the surface, Noelle had agreed to move into the villa, but in truth, it was nothing more than a tactical retreat.

She was well aware of Noelle's real intentions, so she simply went along with it.

It was partly to ensure Rosie could have access to better medical resources and partly to make it clear to Batrice that there was no longer any possibility between Noelle and Hendrix.

Beatrice wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing by pushing this arrangement, but one thing was certain-she had to at least try.

"The fruit in the backyard will ripen soon," Beatrice suddenly said. "Does Rosie like cake? We could make one for her with fresh fruit when it's ready."

Noelle smiled and replied, "She loves cakes but doesn't like mango. She prefers strawberries and chocolate-anything sweet."

"I see. In that case, I'll have someone-"

"No, it's okay, Mrs. Freeman. Besides, she's still recuperating and shouldn't eat too many sweets. So, there's no need to trouble yourself."

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As she spoke, Noelle placed the freshly made bread into the oven Her movements were quick and practiced-clearly, this wasn't her

time making them.

Beatrice watched her for a moment before suddenly asking, "It must have been hard raising her alone."

Noelle kept her gaze on the oven's temperature. When she heard that, she paused but didn't look up. Instead, she simply replied, "It wasn't too bad. Rosie's very well-behaved."

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"You've lost a lot of weight."

"Well, I've spent most of my time in the hospital lately." Noelle answered calmly "But things are better now, and they'll only keep getting better from here."

After she finished speaking, she completed her task on hand before finally lifting her head to look at Beatrice.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes, and after a moment, she nodded. "Yes, things will get better."

"I'm going upstairs to check on Rosie. I'm worried she might not sleep well in an unfamiliar place. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"No, go ahead."

"Alright." Noelle gave her a nod and turned to leave.

Beatrice couldn't help but sigh softly at Noelle's polite but distant attitude.

It was also then that Hendrix had finally replied to the message she sent him three hours ago.

The message simply read, "Got it."

Beatrice began typing a reply, but halfway through, she deleted it.

Before this, she still held onto a lot of hope. Now, however, she suddenly felt that

no matter what she said, it wouldn't make a difference anymore.