Chapter 468
A tear escaped him as he tried to speak again.
Hadley turned sharply, seizing Eric’s arm. “We need to leave now!”
Eric caught on immediately; she wanted Denver to witness her departure—with him.
Though irritated, Eric played along, gripping her hand firmly.
“Let’s go.”
Denver’s eyes, red with sorrow, followed their hands as they exited the room. He felt utterly helpless.
On the ground floor, Hadley let go of Eric and sank to the floor, her face hidden in her arms. Her sobs were quiet, yet her grief was profound.
She mourned for Denver, for a romance that could never fully blossom. She wept for her daughter, whose medical treatment was now uncertain, threatening her future.
The world seemed filled with endless tragedies, and she bore the weight of far too many.
Eric stood nearby, watching silently, unsure how to comfort her.
He thought back to four years ago, when he had sent her away from Srixby. Did she still hold feelings for him at that time?
Had she cried for him then, in his absence, as she did now?
Sighing, Eric looked away, his heart aching at the sight.
He felt truly despicable.
He knelt beside her, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket to gently dab at her tears.
Impulsively, he blurted out, “Hadley, come back to me. I promise, no more tears for you.”
What was that?
Hadley raised her head, her eyes wet with tears, and stared at Eric.
His commitment to Linda was unmistakable, perhaps influenced by his loyalty to Ernest.
The connection between the brothers was undeniable.
It seemed Eric feared he might lose control and betray Ernest’s trust, didn’t he? Feeling a deep sadness, Hadley noticed her tears had ceased.
“Your loyalty knows no bounds,” she said.
For Linda, his support was always unwavering.
“Hadley?” Eric’s face showed confusion; he couldn’t grasp her thoughts. She looked back at him, her smile vanishing, and asked gravely, “Is there really no other choice for you?”
Taken aback, Eric pondered if another like Hadley could possibly exist.
He affirmed with a nod. “Yes, you’re the one and only.”
A sarcastic chuckle broke from her, and Hadley, finding brief humor in the moment, rose to her feet. As she stood up, her legs felt weak, causing her to sway a bit. Eric quickly reached out.
“Be careful.”
He observed her recent tears. “Feeling dizzy?”
“I’m okay.” Hadley firmly shook her head, distancing herself from his touch. “I understand what you mean. I’m just exhausted. I need to rest.”
“I can help you to—”
“No need!” Hadley interrupted sharply, spinning to face him with a stern look.
“Don’t come after me. I mean it—don’t!”
“Hadley…” Eric’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. How could he leave her alone in such a state?