The Sway and Slide of Love

Chapter 142

"It was me who arranged for you to meet Clark," Brandon hally admitted. "But I had no idea Sandra would show

out of nowhere, let alone... say those things. Noelle, you're my friend, no matter what. I haven't sunk so low as to scheme against you like that."

up

Noelle said nothing. Instead, she slowly lowered her gaze, as if she were weighing the truth behind his words.

"Regardless, tonight was an oversight on my part," continued Branndon. "And I'd like to formally apologize

you.

From now on-

"That won't be necessary," Noelle interrupted. "I don't think there's any need for us to meet again in the future."

"What do you mean?" Brandon's voice tightened. "You still don't believe me, do you?"

Noelle smiled faintly. "I'm going to head up now. Goodbye, Mr. Quinlan."

Without waiting for a reply, she started making her way home. But Brandon suddenly gripped her wrist just as she was walking past him.

"Let's get married."

The suddenness of his proposal made Noelle jolt. She slowly turned to face him with eyes wide with disbelief, as if she were looking at a madman.

However, Brandon was unfazed by her reaction. He pressed on, "I don't believe what they said about you. Even if it's true, I'm certain that you were the victim!

"Noelle, I'm really happy that we're friends, and it makes me want to protect you even more after what happened tonight. So, will you marry me?"

Meanwhile, just as Yvonne was about to get out of the car, she couldn't hold back her question any longer. you like to come in for a drink?"

"Would

"It's too late. Maybe next time," replied Hendrix crisply, his response no different than all the ones he'd given her before.

It was always "next time", but no one could say for sure when exactly that "next time" would come. Yvonne clenched her teeth before trying again. "It's just a drink. We-

"I still have work to do," said Henry, turning his head away from her. His rejection couldn't have been clearer.

Yvonne considered herself quite attractive, and she was never short of admirers. Yet, she had never received so much as a hint of interest from Hendrix.

It would be a lie to say she wasn't frustrated, but she knew nothing she said would change his mind. With a forced smile, she turned to leave.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. "By the way, your mom called. She invited me over to her place for dinner tomorrow. Can you give me a ride then?"

Hendrix had no idea about this. The way things were arranged, almost as if forcing a square peg into a round hole, only served to irritate him further.

He frowned briefly before uttering a lackluster, "Okay."

Finally, Yvone felt satisfied. No matter what, Hendrix was her fiancé now. This alone made her feel superior to all

she

the women in Coppersville. As for how things really were between them... Well, she was sure would be able to win him over eventually.

Yvonne smiled at the thought of that day happening. Then, she leaned toward Hendrix with the intention of kissing him on the lips, but he quickly turned his face away. In the end, her kiss landed on his cheek instead. She didn't mind the least.

After saying goodbye, she gracefully stepped out of the car.

Hendrix remained in the car, waiting a few seconds before instructing the driver, "Take me home." The next day, Hendrix gave Yvonne a ride to Freeman Manor as promised.