Chapter 203
Her makeup was flawless. All that was left was to step outside.
Hadley took a steadying breath, her eyes locked on her reflection. Exhaling slowly, she pressed her lips together before allowing a small smile to form.
She rose gracefully, gathering the hem of her skirt as she stepped out. By now, Nyla and Eric had been welcoming guests for quite some time. As Hadley reached the staircase, the hum of conversation and laughter wrapped around her, the energy of the banquet pulling her in. Upon scanning the room, Hadley’s gaze landed on Nyla. She started walking toward her.
Hadley started walking toward Nyla when a cheerful voice cut through the noise. “Hey there!”
Hadley turned to see a young man near the entrance, grinning and waving at her.
Hadley hesitated before recognizing the familiar face. “Is that you?”
It was indeed a familiar face—the man she had occasionally seen at Galant, the one who had once bought her pumpkin soup.
“Yep, that’s me,” Denver said with a brilliant smile. “Didn’t think I’d bump into you here.”
Denver had been abroad for a project in recent weeks and had just returned to Srixby. It had been some time since he last visited Galant and saw Hadley. To his joy, chance had brought them together once more.
He extended his hand. “I realize I never properly introduced myself. I’m Denver Moran.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Hadley responded, her smile modest as she took his hand.
Denver paused, then awkwardly scratched his neck. “Might I know your name?”
“Sure.” It felt right to introduce herself now that he had. “I’m Hadley Pearson.”
Hadley.
Denver repeated her name silently, his smile widening. Her beauty was unmistakable, and she moved with the grace of a skilled dancer. Even the sound of her name brought a sense of delight. She radiated an effortless charm.
“Are you here for the birthday party too?” he asked.
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Pausing briefly, Hadley gave a hesitant nod. “I suppose I am.” After all, she was the guest of honor.
Just then, Denver’s phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID before looking back at her. “Looks like my friends are here—I’ll find you later.”
“Sure, go ahead,” she responded casually.
With a nod, Denver walked away, phone pressed to his ear. “Where are you guys? I’m already here…”
Looking across the room, Hadley caught sight of Nyla, who was waving at her.
She straightened up, offered a courteous smile, and made her way over.
As the event kicked off, the venue buzzed with the arrival of most attendees.
Nyla stood at the center, with Eric on her left and Hadley on her right.
“Who is the young lady beside Nyla?”
“I’m not sure, but she certainly catches the eye. Do you know which family she’s from?”
“Come on, think about it for a moment.”
Whispers gradually filled the air among the guests.
“The invitation mentioned a birthday celebration for the adopted daughter of the Flynn family—that must be her.”