Chapter 210
“What did you just say?” Eric halted abruptly, his eyes narrowing.
Hadley’s words echoed in his mind, but instead of feeling regret, a sinister spark flickered in his eyes. Without a second thought, he reached for her again.
“Stay away from me!”
Fear began to seep into Hadley as she trembled, hastily retreating. She turned and sprinted toward her bedroom. Reaching the door, she flung it open and slammed it shut once she was safely inside.
“Hadley!”
Eric followed closely behind but found the door shut in his face. His hand hovered in the air, tempted to knock, but he restrained himself, not wanting to disturb Nyla.
A chilling laugh escaped him, sharp and cold. His eyes, half-lidded, shimmered with a menacing light. Did she really think she could escape him?
As soon as Hadley entered her room, her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. She raised her hands to her lips, rubbing them desperately as she whispered to herself, “No… no way…”
Her body shook violently, overwhelmed by a fear that blazed through her like an uncontrollable fire. This was pure fear, not just shock.
Eric had kissed her.
Why? What was his intention?
Hadley struggled to make sense of it. The thought repulsed her, and she forced herself to her feet, staggering towards the bathroom. She grabbed her toothbrush and began to scrub her teeth.
Over and over, she brushed. Once, twice, relentlessly.
She was desperate to wash away his touch, to rid her mouth of any trace of him.
Out of nowhere, her phone vibrated in her pocket.
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A call from Colleen flashed on the screen.
Taking a deep breath, Hadley composed herself and pressed the answer button. “Hello?”
To her surprise, it wasn’t Colleen on the line, but a cheerful, little voice. “Hi, Mommy!”
“Joy?!” Hadley gasped, emotion overwhelming her as tears began to well up. “Oh, Joy, my sweet baby…”
“Mommy!”
Her daughter’s voice was warm and tender, filled with life. “Is it night there? Are you getting ready for bed, Mommy?”
In Srixby, it was nearing midnight, while in Blathe, it was still morning, just after 10 a.m.
“Yes, that’s right.” Hadley managed a laugh, though her voice trembled with tears. “Joy, you’re so clever. Are you just up? Did you sleep well?”
“Yes!” Joy’s voice bubbled with excitement. “I’ve been awake for a bit! Auntie Colleen visited, and I told her I wanted to talk to you!”
“Really?” Hadley’s heart warmed at her daughter’s initiative. “Did you call because you miss Mommy?”
“Yes!” Joy’s tone softened further. “It’s your birthday today, Mommy. Happy birthday!”
The emotion caught in Hadley’s throat, a mixture of joy and sorrow swelling within her.
Her precious daughter had called to wish her a happy birthday!