The Sway and Slide of Love

Noelle couldn't help but clench her hand.

She had no idea how long the silence stretched before Dylan suddenly burst into laughter. It was as if he had just heard an unbelievably funny joke. His laughter echoed through the phone, carrying a hint of finality.

Then, he said, "You want me to be honest? Do you really think we'll have a future together if I were to be honest with you? Do you think if I tell you everything now, we can live happily ever after? As if I'm ever going to believe that."

The answer Noelle had been dreading finally came crashing down. She slowly unclenched her fist. Her lips parted, about to say something, but Dylan beat her to

it.

"You're right. I did lie to you. The so-called investor is actually Jean. Her father left her some assets abroad, and I'm going with her to retrieve them.

"Yes, I'm with her again, but you know how I feel about her. I've never liked her, and I'm just using her. Besides, you should know that the reason I'm doing all this is so that I can give you a better future!"

"Is that all you have to say?" Noelle asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I have one more question," Noelle said. "Was it really because of me that your company ended up in this state? Or was part of it your own doing?"

"Did Hendrix tell you that?" Dylan suddenly asked.

Noelle didn't respond.

The smile instantly vanished from Dylan's face, and he didn't say anything more. His silence was as good as an answer to Noelle.

"I thought you had chosen me without hesitation," Noelle said softly. "But it turns out you've been lying to me all along."

"What did I lie to you about? Have I not treated you well? And if it weren't for you, do you really think Hendrix would be coming after me like this?

"Yes, I did pull some dirty tricks, but tell me. Who in the business world doesn't? Do you really think Hendrix is completely innocent?

"If it weren't for you or him, no one would've found out about what I did! And if that hadn't happened, I wouldn't be stuck dealing with Jean right now. You, out of all people, should know exactly how much I can't stand her!"

Dylan was getting more and more worked up. He no longer bothered to maintain any pretense after being exposed.

Noelle suddenly didn't know what to say, nor was there anything left to say.

Him choosing her resolutely had always been a lie. It was his planall along to use this situation to make her feel guilty for the rest of her life so that she would willingly stay by his side forever. en

Noelle closed her eyes briefly, then said, "Let's end it here. I'll return everything you bought for Rosie and me. From now on, let's not see each other again."

"So, you're breaking up with me? Is that it?" Dylan asked in a low voice.

"Yeah."

།

Dylan laughed again. "Fine by me. You really think I was that into you? Let me tell you, Noelle-I was never with you because I liked youdt was all because of Hendrix.

"He's been crushing me in business at every turn, and I wanted him to finally lose

for once. He wanted you, so—"noveldrama

Noelle ended the call.