Chapter 486
Hadley’s breath hitched. She shut her eyes, gripping her phone so tightly her fingers ached.
She had partly expected this.
She and Eric were Joy’s parents—the ones who had given her life once. But now, when she needed them most, they couldn’t do it again.
Hadley pressed her eyes shut, forcing herself to breathe until the ache in her chest dulled and the burn of unshed tears faded. Only when she was sure she had a grip on herself did she finally open them, her gaze sharp and unwavering. There was only one choice left.
She had seen this coming—had prepared for it. It was a risk, a dangerous bet, but she was ready to play her hand. She couldn’t afford to waste time.
At dawn, she made her way to the clinic Colleen had recommended. The doctor barely looked at her, already assuming why she was there.
“How much do you want this time?”
“No, that’s not why I came…”
Hadley shook her head, sitting straighter, tension tightening every inch of her body.
She drew in a deep breath. “Dr. Perkins, I’m here for the treatment.”
The doctor stilled, finally looking up. “You’ve made up your mind?”
“Yes.”
Hadley nodded, her grip tightening in her lap.
There was no other way.
Neither she nor Eric was a match for Joy. If she wanted to save her, she had to conceive—fast.
Before, she had considered relying on medication to get herself into Duran’s bed.
But this time, that wasn’t an option.
It could affect the baby.
No matter her reasons for being with Eric—no matter how calculated this choice was—the child would be innocent in all of it. If it came into this world, she would love it. Completely.
Which meant she had to be ready, mind and heart.
“Dr. Perkins, please—I need your help.”
“Alright.”
Dr. Perkins nodded in approval. “I’m glad you’ve made this decision. I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Thank you so much.”
“The earliest we can start is this afternoon. Come in for your first session.”
“Alright.”
That afternoon, Hadley returned as scheduled.
The therapy room was quiet, the curtains drawn to shut out the outside world. As she lay back, Dr. Perkins’ voice guided her—steady, calm, pulling her toward a place of ease.
“Good.”
Thirty minutes later, Dr. Perkins lit an incense stick, its delicate smoke curling into the air. “Close your eyes and relax.”
Hadley obeyed, letting her eyelids drift shut. Then—
She jolted awake, drenched in sweat, chest rising and falling in ragged breaths. Her eyes darted around the room before locking onto Dr. Perkins.
He sat calmly across from her, a gentle smile on his face. “Awake? How do you feel?”