The Sway and Slide of Love

This floor was clearly reserved for presidential suites, and at that moment, the hallway was eerily quiet. After pressing the doorbell, Noelle looked down at her feet. She had been at the hospital for so long that her white sneakers were now stained with dirt.

They were a stark contrast to the luxurious brown carpet beneath her, making her feel like she didn't belong here at all. This place was no longer her world.

Noelle wasn't sure how long she waited. It might have been just a few seconds, or it might have been ten minutes. All she knew was, standing there, time seemed to stretch endlessly.

It wasn't until her hands and feet began to feel stiff that the door finally opened. But the moment she saw the person inside, the urge to turn and leave grew stronger.

Her hands clenched at her sides, and her eyes widened as she stared at him.

Hendrix had just stepped out of the shower. He had nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still wet, with water droplets dripping from the ends. The droplets rolled down his tanned, toned chest, tracing along his abs and sliding further down.

His hair was messy, the bangs almost covering his eyes. Yet, despite the shadow they cast, Noelle could still clearly see the darkness and depth lurking in his gaze.

Hendrix didn't say a word. He simply turned and walked back inside after opening the door. But after a few steps, he seemed to remember something and turned to look at her.

She was still standing there, unmoving.

Hendrix narrowed his eyes. "What's your problem?"

His question made Noelle's breath hitch. She shot back, "What's your problem?"

Hendrix laughed. "Noelle, are you really asking me that right now?"

She stared at him in silence.

Hendrix leaned against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do you think? Did you really believe I invited you here for coffee and small talk?"

Noelle pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Hendrix didn't push her. "If you're not willing, you can leave now. Don't act like you're the victim here." With that, he continued walking inside. He was that confident that Noelle would follow him in.

Sure enough, before he even reached the room, he heard the sound of the door closing behind her. Then, came the soft footsteps of her shoes on the floor.

Hendrix didn't look at her. He simply tossed out a command, "Go take a shower." After that, he walked over to the balcony.

This was one of the best hotels in Coppersville, so the presidential suites naturally offered the best view.

The city lights had just come on, the warm glow of distant residential areas contrasting sharply with the glitz and glamour on the other side.

It was a scene that never changed in this city.

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Hendrix's gaze lingered on the cozy lights for a moment before he slowly lowered his head to light his cigarette.

The lighter in his hand was provided by the hotel. It was of poor quality but light-much lighter than the one he had used for years.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't smoked for so long that the taste of nicotine now felt unfamiliar to him. Yet, it did little to calm his emotions.noveldrama

He tilted his head slightly, catching a

glimpse of a blurry figure through the frosted glass of the bathroom, which was accompanied by the soft sound of running water.