?Chapter 5:


    The night dragged on in a blur of anguish.


    She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep, but she was jolted awake by the incessant ringing of the doorbell, each ring sharper than thest.


    Possibly tired of waiting, the person stormed in as the door burst open. Eric entered, irritation evident on his otherwise striking features.


    Upon seeing Hadley on the couch, Eric’s expression grew sharp with annoyance.


    “Why wasn’t the door answered?”


    Silently, Hadley muttered to herself,


    “Icked the strength to even get up,”


    but she left her thoughts unspoken, simply shaking her head in response.


    Hadley was acutely aware that any attempt to exin herself would merely be seen as an excuse by Eric.


    To someone who harbors disdain for you, even the act of breathing could seem like a fault.


    Overwhelmed by an ufortable feeling, Hadley went directly to the heart of the matter.


    “What brings you here?”


    She thought he wanted nothing to do with her.


    “Do you actually think I came here willingly?”


    With a sneer, Eric made no effort to mask his contempt as he nced coldly at Hadley.


    “Grandma sent me to escort you to the airport.”


    That was how things stood.


    Hadley asked herself bitterly,


    “Why did I even harbor any hope?”


    For m??r?, v??????t g??l??ov?ls.??○??


    “Is your luggage upstairs?”


    The impatience in Eric’s voice was unmistakable. Spending even a moment with Hadley was clearly something he found almost unbearable.


    Hadley nodded, but then quickly added,


    “It’s upstairs, but I haven’t finished packing yet…”


    She had nned to finish packing the previous night, but overwhelming fatigue and sickness had caused her to fall asleep prematurely.


    “What?”


    A shadow crossed Eric’s face as his irritation red.


    “You’ve had all day and still haven’t managed to pack your bags?”


    He fixed a stern gaze on Hadley, who appeared bewildered and unresponsive. Eric guessed bitterly,


    “Is she trying to dy her departure?”


    “Don’t just stand there; get moving and finish your packing!”


    “Alright,” Hadley responded with a vacant nod, turning to ascend the stairs swiftly.


    Making her way up, Hadley felt each step cause her to break out in a cold sweat. She sensed that something was amiss. Hesitantly, she touched her forehead.


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