Chapter 498
Eric paused, turning to her with a calm expression. “Getting something… You don’t want to get pregnant so soon, do you?” At the very least, shouldn’t they wait until marriage before considering that step?
“It’s fine.” Hadley’s voice was firm, though there was a slight tension in her jaw. “No need for… that.”
“I’ll take care of it,” she continued smoothly, her tone unwavering. “I came prepared.”
Of course, what she had actually prepared was nothing more than vitamins.
Eric hesitated, his dark gaze scanning her face for any sign of doubt. “But… that stuff isn’t exactly good for you. Maybe I should—”
“I said it’s fine.” Before he could argue, she pressed on, unashamedly adding, “I don’t like it. I’d rather take the pill.” Her voice softened just enough to make it sound reasonable. “I asked a doctor—it’s safe, barely any side effects.”
Eric studied her for a long moment, clearly weighing his options. But Hadley had made her stance clear. With a quiet sigh, he relented, reaching for the drawer—and closing it. Finally… his wish was granted.
Afterward, Eric lay beside her, his fingers threading lazily through her damp hair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“How about a shower?” His voice was low, teasing. “I’ll carry you.”
Hadley, her eyes still closed, let out a drowsy hum before shaking her head. “Not yet. Too tired. Let me rest a little.”
She shifted slightly, reaching for a pillow and tucking it under her waist.
Eric frowned. “What’s that for?”
One of her eyes cracked open, and she shot him a pointed look. “Do you really need to ask? My back hurts! Need some support.”
Oh. Was that because of him?
Eric stifled a chuckle, shaking his head. He let out a hearty laugh, reaching over to pinch her cheek. “I’ll go run the bath. Rest for a bit.”
With that, he slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
Hadley lay still, listening to the steady sound of running water, her expression unreadable. Back pain? Sure, that part was true. But the pillow under her waist wasn’t just for relief.
It was to increase the chances of getting pregnant—so she could leave him sooner.
The thought sat heavily in her mind, but she pushed it aside as Eric returned, his movements gentle as he scooped her into his arms.
The bathroom lights were bright, casting sharp reflections across the tiled walls. As she stepped into the warm water, Hadley’s gaze drifted to Eric’s back—only for her breath to hitch. Scars. They weren’t just a few—they were scattered across his skin, jagged and faded, some overlapping like a brutal roadmap of past wounds.
A chill ran through her. What happened to him?
Eric caught the way her eyes lingered, his jaw tightening slightly. He knew she had seen them. He hadn’t intended to keep them hidden—not anymore. Not when they had come this far. But explaining the past… that was something he still hadn’t figured out how to do.
“Hadley…”
Before he could say more, she looked away. She didn’t ask. Didn’t press.
“I’m done showering,” she murmured, turning toward the tub. “I’ll soak for a while.”
Then Hadley walked out of the shower room without looking back. She had no intention of getting too involved with him. His past? It wasn’t something she needed to know. It wasn’t something she wanted to know.
Eric stood there for a moment, watching her retreat. She didn’t even mention it? Was she indifferent? Or was she afraid?