But eventually, Noelle couldn't hold out any longer. Since she couldn't go to the room directly, she just collapsed onto the couch to catch a brief nap.

When she woke up, the first thing she felt was the weight of a figure pressing down on her.

Noelle gasped in shock and instinctively opened her mouth to scream, but Hendrix quickly covered her mouth with his hand.

It was only when his palm pressed down on her that Noelle realized who it was. Her body, which had been rigid with tension, relaxed at once.

Hendrix noticed the change and pressed his weight into her even more without hesitation, lowering his head to kiss her lips.

Noelle could smell the alcohol on him. Just as she was about to pull away, he gripped her chin firmly and bit her lip.

The taste of champagne mingled with the kiss.

Combined with the overzealous energy Hendrix was showing, Noelle couldn't help but make a soft protest. instinctively pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance.

She

But Hendrix quickly seized her hand, his movements rough His eyes locked onto hers, intense and unrelenting.

That look reminded Noelle of a beast lying in wait in the darkness, and her heart skipped a beat.

However, she didn't choose to fight him head-on Instead, she arched her body and kissed the corner of his mouth gently. Her soft, tender gesture was like a warm spring breeze, instantly dissolving the aggression in Hendrix's demeanor.

Hendrix's gaze remained fixed on her, but his movements slowed noticeably.

Noelle took the initiative and wrapped her arms around his neck, letting out a soft hum as she did.

It was just like Hendrix had said before they were from different worlds and had never understood each other completely. But in some ways, they had always been perfectly in sync.

In the end, they ended up in bed.

Hendrix gripped her waist, pressing his back against her chest, and asked, "Have you forgotten something?"

Noelle felt like she was about to pass out from sheer exhaustion. Her head was spinning as she asked, "What?"

"You tell me."

Noelle bit her lip and stayed silent.

Hendrix waited for a while, but when she didn't make a move, he suddenly let go of her.

Noelle's legs had lost all strength. She collapsed forward, her body still trembling slightly.

Hendrix didn't say anything more. After staring at her for a moment, he turned and walked away.

Soon, Noelle heard the sound of water running from the bathroom. Her eyes were already starting to close. But after a moment of pondering, she pushed herself up from the bed. Then, she opened the drawer of the nightstand.

Inside was the gift she had prepared for him.

It was a pair of delicate black and gold cufflinks. She had bought it the day before at the mall.

Noelle's fingers lingered on the item, tracing its smooth edges as she hesitated. Finally, she made up her mind and turned toward the bathroom.

But just as she took a step, Hendrix's phone, which was nearby, lit up.

Noelle's steps slowed.

Back when she was still his wife, she had never once checked his phone. But now, seeing the screen flash briefly before dimming again, a surge of conflicting thoughts flooded her mind.

In the end, she walked over to it slowly.

She knew his password. As she entered the familiar string of numbers, a photo from an unknown number appeared on the screen.

It was a photo taken outside Freeman Manor, and Hendrix was tightly embracing a woman.

Even though Noelle could only see the woman's back, she immediately recognized her.noveldrama

It was Sandra