Chapter 21 Falling Into His
Arms
“What?”
A gasp escaped Hadley, her shock was evident. The courthouse had already shut its doors?
She hadn’t planned this delay. Despite walking miles in search of a taxi, it was only near downtown that she managed to hail one.
Yet, she still arrived late.
Suddenly, darkness enveloped her vision.
Despite her struggle to maintain her balance, Hadley’s legs gave way. Her eyes closed as she fell forward. directly towards Eric.
He barely managed to catch her, stumbling as her weight pressed into his arms.
“Hey!”
Surprised, Eric’s hands reflexively supported her.
“Hadley!”
His voice was sharp, his frustration evident as he uttered her name.
She had vowed to stop playing tricks, yet here she was, literally collapsing into his arms. Anger surged within Eric, convinced that this was just another one of Hadley’s typical maneuvers.
She had to have timed her tardiness today deliberately!
“Hadley, stand up this instant!”
Yet, there was no reaction from the figure limp in his arms.
A sense of urgency crept into Eric’s voice. “Hadley? Can you hear me? Wake up!”
But Hadley remained unresponsive.
“I swear,
if
you don’t get up, I’ll…”
Eric began to push her away, but halted abruptly. Observing her ashen face, he realized she wasn’t pretending. she had genuinely lost consciousness.
“Hadley! What’s happened to you?”
Panic seized Eric.
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Acting on instinct, he lifted Hadley effortlessly, hurried to his car, and drove swiftly to the nearest hospital
In the emergency room, Eric inquired anxiously, “Doctor, how is she doing?”
The doctor responded after finishing his examination, “She’s experiencing severe menstrual cramps. It’s common, but her case is particularly intense.
While looking over at Eric, the doctor questioned, “She’s quite young Why are these symptoms so severe for
her?”
At that, Eric could only offer a helpless shrug
Why would he know that? He wasn’t the doctor here!
The doctor continued, “Menstrual cramps can be quite serious, especially when they’re as intense as hers. She should undergo a comprehensive examination once she regains consciousness to determine the underlying
cause.”
“Understood,” Eric replied, his brow furrowed in concern.
“Here’s a prescription for her,” the doctor added, handing it over.
“Thanks.”
Taking the prescription, Eric left to handle the payment and retrieve Hadley’s medication.
“Did Hadley ever get cramps before?” Eric wondered. But no matter how hard he thought, he couldn’t recall a single time.
All he could remember was her frequent complaints and dependency on him.
Back in the emergency room, Hadley had regained consciousness. She grimaced from pain as she dressed and gathered her belongings.
“Hey,” a nurse interjected as Hadley attempted to leave. “Your boyfriend is picking up y wait here for him.”
Boyfriend?
Hadley hesitated. Could that be Eric?
medication. Please
She recalled being with him just before losing consciousness, but she questioned whether he would actually be so nice and bring her to the hospital.
Regardless, it didn’t seem important at the moment.
“Understood, thank you,” Hadley responded, choosing not to trouble the nurse further. “I’ll wait outside”
“Okay then.” The nurse moved on without further inquiry.
Hadley didn’t linger. Hoisting her bag onto her shoulder and clutching her sore abdomen, she exited the hospital.
Meanwhile, Eric had just collected the medications and was on his way back when his phone vibrated.
It was Nyla calling.
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Chapter 21 Falling into His Arms
“Hello, Grandma.”
“Eric.” Nyla’s voice sounded weary, as if she had just woken up
I’ve just recalled something important. Today marks the airsery of Halley’s garters geing, We ought to honor her memory. I’m ashamed I totally forget, Nya regles, extating doorsy.
“Eric, can you find the time to accompany Hadley? ‘e been four years since ste bat bestelber getmotter’s grave”
“What?”
The news took Eric by surprise.
He moistened his dry lips before inquiring, “Grandma, where is her andmother’s seating place
“You don’t remember? We’ve visited together before. It’s at Kingsby
Oh no!
A wave of realization washed over Eric. Hadley had told the truth. She really had gone to Kingjody today to visit her grandmother’s grave.
“Eric, are you listening?”
“I heard you, Grandma.”
Nyla let out another sigh. “Hadley might have been a bit indulgent before, but she was just a child utawe of her ways. She’s changed a lot since returning, she’s matured. Treat her kindly, Eric. She only has us now.”
“Grandma, I need to hang up now.”
Eric quickly ended the call as he arrived at the emergency room to pick up Hadley.
He yanked the curtain aside, only to stop dead in his tracks.
The bed was empty. Hadley had disappeared.
“Where did she go?”
Eric asked the nurse.
The nurse appeared confused. “She mentioned she’d wait outside. Didn’t you run into her?”
Eric’s smile held no warmth.
“If I had seen her, do you think I would be asking? Eric thought to himself
His expression hardened, and his jaw tightened. “She was a patient! And you allowed her to leave? If anything happens to her, it’s on this hospital!”
“Sir, I…” the nurse said, her eyes brimming with tears.
Frustrated, Eric left in a hurry, dialing Hadley’s number as he stormed out.
She didn’t answer.
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Chapter 21 Fating into His Arms
Could she be upset, deliberately ignoring his calls? Or perhaps she had collapsed again and couldn’t respond?
Perplexed, Eric decided to drive back to Silver Villas to see if Hadley had returned there.
During the drive, be called Phillips.
Mhe. Flynn, how can I assist?”
“Check for any incidents in Kingsbridge today.”
Phillips responded promptly. “There’s no need to check. I’m aware of the situation. The overpass near Kingsbodge collapsed earlier today. Rescue teams are still managing the aftermath as we speak.”
That explained the situation.
fric shut his eyes, feeling a wave of remorse. Hadley hadn’t been deceptive. She truly had been stuck in Kingsbridge today!
Then how did she manage to reach the courthouse today?
He recalled his own harsh words-“You’d better be on your way, even if it means crawling here!”
Visions of her outside the courthouse, wet and muddy, flashed through his mind. Had she taken his words. literally and crawled to the courthouse?
At that moment, Eric’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his jaw clenched.
He didn’t like her, but he had never meant to be so harsh with her.
Accelerating, he pushed the car faster.
Upon arriving at Silver Villas, the living room was dim, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. Eric entered swiftly.
The sofa was empty. Had Hadley not returned? Where else could she be?
Then, footsteps resonated. Glancing up, Eric saw Hadley, dressed in clean clothes, stepping out of the bathroom. She had obviously just showered.
She was here after all. What a relief!
Eric exhaled, though his face still held a stern expression as he spoke sharply. “Hadley, do you think this is a game? Leaving without a word? Making me look for you everywhere?”
Hadley gave no response.
Too weary to engage, she had no desire to exchange words with him.
The idea of him worrying about her? It was laughable. Even if she were right in front of him, he’d likely just ignore her presence.
She moved to the sofa without a glance his way, spread out a blanket, lay down, and turned away from him. She had to perform at Galant by nine that night and needed her rest now.
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Chapter 22 Photo In Her
Wallet
Eric’s expression darkened as he stopped abruptly.
Could Hadley really be that irritable?
Lacking patience, Eric was nearly at his breaking point, ready to leave. However, looking down at the medicine bag he carried, he sighed internally. “I’m the one at fault here,” he muttered.
He moved closer, leaned over, and placed the bag gently on the coffee table.
Facing Hadley’s turned back, Eric mentioned, “I’ve picked up your medicine. The instructions are on the bottles, Make sure to take them as directed.”
Hadley remained still, unresponsive.
The room’s dim lighting cast her silhouette, emphasizing her frailty.
Eric’s brow creased in concern. Was she always this slight?
Recalling how light she felt in his arms earlier, he realized she was significantly underweight.
A pang of remorse struck him.
Eric hesitated before saying, “I need to apologize for today. I overlooked that it was the anniversary of your grandmother’s passing. Plus, I just found out about the collapse near Kingsbridge. I’m sorry.”
Eric had said everything he needed to.
Previously, Eric had little patience with her, yet now he addressed her with unprecedented calmness and
humility.
However, Hadley remained mute.
Eric narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you sleeping? You can’t go to sleep yet. You need to take your medicine.”
He then realized there was no glass of water on the coffee table.
Feeling somewhat remorseful, he said, “Wait here. I’ll get you some water.”
Eric made his way to the kitchen.
Returning shortly with a glass of water, he set it down on the coffee table.
“Hadley, I’m aware you’re not asleep. Stop sulking and take your medication. You fainted earlier from the pain It’s important you take your medicine now.”
As he placed the glass down, Eric accidentally brushed something off the table.
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Chapter 22 Photo In Her Wallet
“Oh? What’s this?”
Eric stooped to retrieve the item.
It turned out to be a woman’s wallet, clearly belonging to Hadley.
As it fell off the table, the wallet opened, and Eric caught a glimpse of a photo inside.
Whose face was in the photograph?
He picked it up and peered closer to get a better view…
“Hand that over!” Hadley exclaimed, suddenly sitting upright and grabbing the wallet from Eric’s grasp. She quickly closed it.
Her eyes flashed a warning. “Stay away from my things!”
Eric could no longer contain his frustration.
“Hadley, really? I was merely picking up your wallet after fetching you some water for your medication…”
“I don’t need your help!” Hadley retorted, gripping the wallet firmly, her expression cold and detached. ”
didn’t ask for water, nor did I ask you to get me any medicine. I won’t take it!”
“You…” Eric said, his expression turning into a mask of anger.
He pointed a finger at her aggressively. “You don’t want my help? That’s just fine! Do you really think I enjoy
dealing with you? The next time I decide to intervene, just remember…”
Eric stopped mid–sentence.
Overwhelmed with anger, he couldn’t finish his words in front of Hadley. He turned sharply and marched
upstairs.
Hadley closed her eyes, enduring Eric’s rant. After a moment, she slowly reopened them and gazed at her
wallet.
She gently touched the photo compartment.
“That was too close.”
He nearly discovered Joy.
Despite knowing Eric’s scorn for her was so profound he would never acknowledge their child, Hadley still
couldn’t bear the thought of him finding out about her existence.
Joy belonged solely to her.
… The following day, Hadley remained at home, recovering and feeling significantly improved.
By evening, her real estate agent contacted her. The paperwork was complete.
After freshening up, Hadley met with the landlord accompanied by the agent, completed the payment for her deposit and rent, and received the keys to her new apartment.
She caught a ride back to Silver Villas to collect her belongings.
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Chapter 22 Photo In Her Wallet
Hadley was thankful she didn’t have to encounter Eric after today.
On her way back, she traveled by subway to the city center, followed by a bus ride, and made a stop at an ATM to withdraw some money.
During rush hour, the traffic was chaotic, and the sidewalks overflowed with people.
That same evening, as Eric was on his way to dinner at Marshall’s, the traffic came to a halt at an intersection.
“Boss.” Sebastian, his driver, gestured towards the window. “Isn’t that your wife out there?”
What?
Distracted by work emails on his phone, Eric was caught off guard by Sebastian’s interruption.
He looked out the window and spotted Hadley.
There she stood among the throng, slender and noticeable. She wore a white T–shirt paired with light blue
jeans, her long hair flowing down her shoulders in waves.
She appeared effortlessly graceful yet strikingly vivid.
There was a simplicity about her that was mysteriously captivating.
Eric’s brow furrowed. What was she doing here? Just yesterday, she was in severe pain and refused her medication. And now, here she was, weaving through the crowd?
She lacked a stable job and seemed to just meander through life.
“Mrs. Flynn!” Sebastian shouted, lowering the window and gesturing excitedly before Eric could intervene. “Right here!”
At the sound of Sebastian’s voice, Hadley turned, catching sight of them, her expression one of surprise.
She paused briefly but then approached, greeting Sebastian with a smile. “Hello, Sebastian.”
It was only after this greeting that Hadley peered into the backseat. Through the darkened glass, she ghed
Eric’s silhouette but couldn’t make out his expression.
Noticing the silence that had settled since Eric remained quiet, Sebastian broke it by inquiring, “Where are you
off to?”
“Returning to Silver Villas,” responded Hadley, still smiling.
“Mm–hmm…”
Sebastian looked towards Eric, seeking guidance.
“Sir, your wife is heading to Silver Villas,” Sebastian mentioned, checking the situation. He unspoken question
lingered in the air-“Should we offer her a ride?”
Eric remained focused on his phone, showing no interest in the situation.
Sebastian chuckled awkwardly, his discomfort increasing.
Recognizing his unease, Hadley offered a warm smile. “It’s okay, Sebastian. I’ll manage on my own. Goodbye.”
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“O–okay, goodbye.”
With a wave, Hadley turned and disappeared into the crowd, quickly becoming invisible.
Sebastian released a resigned sigh.
Having driven for the Flynn family for years, he sometimes dared to offer advice to Eric.
“Sir, catching a taxi around this time can be difficult. Perhaps we could give her a lift?”
“Difficult to find a taxi?”
Eric finally set his phone aside and looked up, his eyebrow arched.
“It’s no issue. She’s not in any hurry. She has nowhere urgent to be.”
“But…” Sebastian said, his voice trailing off in frustration.
Sebastian was well aware of Eric’s disdain for Hadley.
“No buts,” Eric interrupted him, gesturing dismissively. His gaze hardened. “We both know Hadley well. If we let her in, she’ll cling to me as she always does. I’d rather avoid any drama.”
Eric pondered, “Moreover, didn’t she insist she didn’t need my help?”
Why complicate his life? It was easier to let her sort things out on her own.
“Sir…”
“Sebastian,” Eric interjected, raising his hand. “Just drive. The traffic’s starting to move.”
“Okay then.”
Back at Silver Villas, Hadley arrived sweating after a cramped bus ride, feeling like she was stuffed into a tiny
can.
She came just to collect her belongings. Since her suitcase was still packed, packing was quick. She w pull it out and leave.
Just
Hadley collapsed on the living room sofa and pulled the cash she had withdrawn from the ATM out of her bag, counting it carefully. Exactly $5, 200.
She then grabbed a blank envelope, jotted down a few words on it.
After stuffing the cash inside, she placed it neatly on the coffee table.
Bountiful Free Coins are waiting for you, don’t miss out!
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Chapter 23 Move Out Of His House
Having completed her tasks, Hadley felt a sense of relief wash over her. Now, she could depart with peace of
mind.
Before leaving, she snagged the remaining two pieces of bread from the refrigerator.
She made her way back to her new rental
Fortunately, the peak of rush hour had subsided, leaving the roads open and easier to navigate.
Upon arriving, Hadley unlocked her new home, placed her suitcase inside, and rolled up her sleeves, ready to
clean.
She diligently cleaned every surface, dusted all areas, and neatly arranged her possessions.
By the time she finished, the day had turned into night.
Feeling her stomach rumble, Hadley remembered the bread she had consumed on the bus ride, it had hardly satisfied her after all the cleaning
With her wallet in tow, Hadley secured her apartment and walked to the nearby supermarket
She bypassed the better options, opting instead for a huge loaf of bread, some pickles, and a jar of peanut
butter.
Once home, Hadley prepared a simple meal–peanut butter sandwich with some pickles.
Options were few. Without any income yet and after parting with $5, 200, she had to make each dollar last.
The $5,000 from the police settlement wasn’t her choice, but Hadley was adamant about not letting Eric handle
- it.
She was determined to sever all ties with him.
Luckily, Hadley had a job now and would soon get her first paycheck. She would have to stretch her budget
until then, but at least she wouldn’t starve.
This situation didn’t faze her, she had endured far worse.
Back in Blathe, Hadley once rummaged through restaurant bins for food.
At least now she could afford some bread and pickles, and she no longer faced the harsh glares or had to compete with homeless people over discarded food.
Gone was the delicate young woman the Flynn family had once sheltered.
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Chapter 23 Move Out Of His House
Late that night, Eric arrived back at Silver Villas around two in the morning
The living room was shrouded in darkness, with only the dim light from a streetlamp filtering through the
window.
Entering, Eric instinctively looked towards the sofa.
He stopped, blinked, thinking perhaps his eyes deceived him, and looked again
But no, his initial observation was correct.
The sofa was unoccupied.
Confusion set in. Wasn’t Hadley supposed to be there? It was incredibly late. Where could she be?
Eric let out a derisive snort. “Done playing the helpless card? Finally got herself a room?”
A wave of dizziness washed over him, prompting him to shake his head clear.
Tonight, he had inadvertently overindulged in alcohol.
Without further ado, he made his way upstairs.
The following morning, Eric emerged late from bed, nursing a hangover that was tempered slightly by a refreshing shower.
Downstairs, his housekeeper, Lina Hinks, was tidying up.
Upon spotting him, she approached quickly. “Mr. Flynn, I found this on the table for you. Please, have a look.”
“What’s this?”
Eric accepted the substantial envelope.
Curiosity piqued, he wondered what it contained.
The envelope was thick, seemingly stuffed with cash, and bore handwritten notes.
“To Eric Flynn, enclosed is $5, 200. Of this, $5, 000 covers the settlement you paid, and $200 is for deaning the
couch, which is the standard rate. I’ve moved out. Apologies for any inconvenience over the last few days.
Hadley Pearson.”
That was the entirety of the message.
Eric’s expression hardened as he slit open the envelope, and a bundle of bills tumbled out.
“What on earth…”
Chuckling bitterly, Eric flung the envelope aside and continued deeper into the house.
Pausing at the bathroom, he noticed the absence of Hadley’s bulky suitcase.
“Lina!”
“Yes, Mr. Flynn!” Lina hurried to his side. “What can I do for you?”
Eric’s face was stern as he gestured towards the servants quarters. “Have these rooms been cleaned? Is anyone
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Chapter 23 Move Out Of His House
Occupying them?”
“They’ve been cleaned,” Lina replied, puzzled. “They’re empty. No one has occupied them.”
It was clear then. Hadley hadn’t just moved to another room.
She had left for good.
she likely departed the previous evening
And she had settled her debts with him.
Since the age of fifteen, Hadley had depended on the Flynn family for everything.
A cold rage flickered in Eric’s eyes as his lips curled into a sneer. “Hadley, do you think you can treat my home like a hotel? just coming and going as you please?”
Eric then dialed Hadley’s number.
At that moment, Hadley was still deep in sleep.
“Hello…” she answered groggily.
“Hadley,”
Eric’s tone was even over the phone, yet Hadley sensed an underlying coldness that made her uneasy. She
swallowed hard,
“What’s up?”
“You didn’t return last night? Where did you go?”
What?
A wave of surprise jolted Hadley more awake. “Didn’t you read the note I left? I’ve moved out…”
“Who said you could leave?”
Eric’s voice rose sharply, the anger in his tone nearly piercing Hadley’s ear. “Was that cleared by me?
Hadley’s brow furrowed. “Since when do I need your approval? It’s your house. I shouldn’t have to stay where
I’m not wanted.”
Caught off guard by Hadley’s retort, Eric fell silent, unable to muster a comeback.
Hadley seized the moment. “Is it the divorce that you’re worried about? I admit I messed up the other day. That won’t happen again.”
Seeking to reassure Eric, she continued with a tone of resolve, “I promise to be available every day until we finalize the divorce. I won’t waste any more of your time. Are we okay now?”
Her assurance was firm.
Despite this, Eric couldn’t quite dispel the irritation that lingered.
“After all these years abroad, you’ve learned nothing about courtesy. Can’t you even give a simple heads–up before leaving someone’s home? What happened to your manners?”
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Hadley clutched her phone tighter and sighed, shaking her head. Eric’s temperament was as terrible as ever, and his disdain for defiance remained strong.
There was a time when his mood swings affected her deeply, but those days were long gone.
“You’re right. I was impolite,” Hadley replied, ready to wrap up the conversation. “Is there anything else? Because if not, I’m going to hang up.”
With a quick tap, Hadley ended the call.
She set her phone aside and turned over, ready to fall back to sleep.
“Hadley!” Eric’s voice echoed loudly through the room, his surprise and anger evident.
She just hung up on him? That took nerve. Eric seethed with frustration. Well, if she was so eager to be gone,
so be it.
Regardless of Eric’s feelings, Hadley remained indifferent.
With a new job secured, a fresh living arrangement, and a singular goal to earn money, she was focused.
Hadley immediately set about securing additional part–time work.
Her plan was to teach dance, as dancing was her only real skill.
However, her hopes were dampened after visiting two studios; their schedules didn’t align with hers. Each studio required instructors for evening classes, but her evenings were already committed.
The salary at Galant was too substantial to consider leaving.
Consequently, Hadley abandoned the idea of teaching dance.
Following a morning filled with frustrations, Hadley found herself sitting in a park, unwrapping a peanut butter
sandwich.
The bread was now a bit gooey, yet she consumed it regardless.
A commotion nearby captured her attention.
A film crew appeared to be in the midst of a crisis, pausing their shoot.
Visibly upset, the director exclaimed, “Are we really considering canceling today’s shoot because we’re short one dancer? We have multiple scenes scheduled for this morning!”
The assistant director bore the director’s frustration.
“We’re only missing one dancer. Perhaps we could still proceed with the remaining ones? It might work out.”
“Really?” the director shouted, gesturing angrily. “Is this your standard of professionalism? Are you joking with me, or are you underestimating our audience? Find a suitable replacement immediately. You have half an hour!”
“Understood!”
The assistant director, clearly overwhelmed, turned aside, muttering under his breath.
“That dancer canceled last minute. How is this my responsibility? Where am I supposed to find someone on
such short notice?”
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Just then, the assistant director noticed a woman observing the scene.
He dismissively gestured at her. “Can I help you? If you’re here to watch, please move along.”
“Um…”
The woman was none other than Hadley,
After a brief pause, Hadley gathered her courage. “Sorry but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation.”
The assistant director looked at Hadley skeptically. “And?”
Pointing to herself, Hadley confidently responded, “I’m a dancer. I hold a degree in modern dance from the Chauncey Academy of Art. Perhaps I could be of help? I believe I can step in for your missing dancer.”
