The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix's eyes snapped open. The dream had terrified him, and a cold sweat had broken out of his forehead.

He closed his eyes for a moment, and once his mind cleared, he got out of bed. As soon as he stepped out of his room, he saw Rosie.

She had already changed into a dress, her hair tied into a small braid. She sat obediently on the living room couch, holding her water cup, waiting for Noelle.

When she heard the sound of footsteps, she immediately looked up. But the moment her eyes met Hendrix's, her expression changed. Then, she quickly turned her head away.noveldrama

If this had happened in the past, Hendrix might not have paid her any attention. But this time, after a brief pause, he walked over to her.

"Are you going out with your mommy?"

Hendrix had no experience talking to children. He tried his best to soften his tone, but his voice still came out stiff and awkward. In fact, it sounded more like an interrogation than a question.

Rosie turned to look at him again, studying him carefully before squeaking out a soft "yes".

"Where are you two going?" Hendrix asked.

"I don't know."

Hendrix immediately frowned. He sensed something was off, but before he could press further, Noelle emerged from her room.

She was wearing a light-colored top and a white long skirt. Her hair was tied into a low ponytail, and she had light makeup on. She had lost a lot of weight recently, and the belt around her waist emphasized just how slender she was.

Hendrix stared at her for a moment before blurting out, "Where are you going?"

Noelle paused, pulling Rosie behind her before answering, "I'm taking her out for a bit."

"Where?"

Noelle couldn't help but frown at his question. But after a moment, she replied, "The amusement park. But do we really need to report to you about where we're going?"

"No, you don't," Hendrix said,

lowering his gaze. His eyes lingered on her waist for a moment before he suddenly smiled. "But I just realized I don't have anything to do today, so don't I join you?"

"No, that's okay," Noelle replied without hesitation.

Hendrix narrowed his eyes.

"I thought you're very busy? Beside, if you go with us now-"

"Didn't you say it yourself before? Rosie is my daughter. It's my responsibility as her father to spend time with her. Besides, don't you want her to have one more person who cares for her?"

Noelle didn't believe for a second that Hendrix's offer was out of care for Rosie.

After all, he had left Rosie for dead when she was ill. So, why would he suddenly...

As Noelle was thinking this, Hendrix had already turned around. "So, which amusement park do you two want to go to?"

Before Noelle could answer, Rosie said, "I don't want to go."

She stood firmly in place, and without waiting for Hendrix's response, she turned

to Noelle and said, "Mommy, I don't want to go with him."

She used the word "him".

Although Hendrix didn't expect her

to call him "Daddy" just yet, hearing her refer to him so coldly and distantly as "him" still made him

pressed his lips into a thin line.

Noelle furrowed her brows slightly.

But the next second, Hendrix crouched down and asked Rosie, "You want to go to

the amusement park, right? What ride do you want to go on?"

Just moments ago, he had no idea how to talk to a child. But now, his gentle tone and warm smile came naturally, as if he'd been doing it all his life.