Chapter 457
Hadley remained motionless, tears pooling in her eyes, her heart heavy with unspeakable sorrow.
Denver’s expression was a mixture of pain and disbelief.
“What could she possibly explain at this point?” Wilma suddenly cut in, her voice betraying her nervousness, perhaps afraid that Hadley would expose her involvement. “Denver, isn’t it obvious? Why force her to speak those sordid details out loud?”
Denver’s response was fierce, his eyes bloodshot with emotion. “I need to hear her say it. Only then will I believe it.” How else could he accept the bitter reality?
The image of the woman he loved—the first woman he had truly fallen for, who had been so recently embraced in his arms—could she really have betrayed him with her former husband?
“Hadley!” The desperation in Denver’s voice was evident. “Please, tell me this isn’t true. This has to be a misunderstanding, right? Just say the word, and I’ll believe you.”
“Ha!” Wilma’s laughter echoed in the room. “Denver, open your eyes! How could this possibly be a misunderstanding given what you’ve walked in on?”
“Mrs. Moran!”
Hadley’s glare was piercing as she addressed Wilma.
Her silence wasn’t from shock but out of respect for the fact that Wilma was Denver’s mother—the truth would break him!
But Wilma’s cruelty certainly knew no bounds.
Wilma recoiled slightly, surprised by Hadley’s intensity.
However, before Hadley could elaborate, Eric swiftly scooped her up, blanket and all.
Hadley was stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief as Eric cradled her.
With one arm securing her, he tenderly brushed back her hair with his free hand and delicately held the back of her head. He leaned in swiftly for a kiss.
Hadley’s eyes grew even wider.
But his kiss didn’t linger for long before he released her.
Facing Wilma and Denver, Eric spread his arms wide. “Is there any confusion left? Need more proof?”
Denver stood motionless, his face ashen, utterly overwhelmed by the unfolding events.
“Denver!” Wilma’s gaze shifted between Eric and her son, her expression complex. She swiftly took Denver by the arm. “Isn’t it time we left? Haven’t you had enough?”
With a firm grip, she pulled Denver out of the room.
“Goodbye!”
The door clattered shut loudly, wiping the grin from Eric’s face in an instant.
Behind him, tears streamed down Hadley’s face as she sobbed.
Eric exhaled a long, weary sigh before reaching out to help Hadley up. With gentle fingers, he brushed away the tears clinging to her cheeks.
His gaze lingered on the curve of her rounded shoulders, his throat tightening.
“Sit here for a minute. I’ll grab you some clothes.”
He rose to his feet and strode toward the walk-in closet.
After a brief moment, he stood inside and asked, “Which side of the closet holds your clothes?”