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
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 glimpsed 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 would just pull it out and leave.
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.
