?Chapter 18:


    Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, she made her way back to the dining area.


    The noodles on the table had gone cold, sticking together and turning mushy.


    Hadley settled into her chair, speared arge bite of noodles, and stuffed them into her mouth. They were cold and soggy, causing her to cough as she struggled to swallow.


    Despite the unpleasant texture, she continued eating. She was hungry and there was nothing else avable to eat.


    As she reached for another bite, Eric abruptly re-entered the room.


    “Hadley!”


    Startled, Hadley choked and began to cough violently.


    “Tsk.”


    With a frown and a click of his tongue, Eric nced at the bowl in front of her.


    “What is this? Can you actually eat it?”


    “Just noodles,” Hadley replied, catching her breath. “Did you need something?”


    “Noodles? You call that noodles?” Eric examined the clumps of noodles, and with a sneer, he mocked,


    “You struggle to make even noodles? It looks like Grandma has spoiled you too much.”


    Really? A silent, coldugh escaped Hadley as she barely opened her mouth.


    “Anyway,” Eric continued, remembering his original intent and gesturing toward her meal.


    “Stop cooking here. Eat out instead. The kitchen used to be free of smoke and grease, and it will stay that way!”


    He arched an eyebrow, giving her a look filled with cold disdain.


    “Understood?”


    “Understood.”


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    Hadley nodded. “I won’t cook here again.”


    Noticing his evident revulsion, she assured him,


    “I’ll ventte the kitchenter to clear out the smells and make sure everything is cleaned up.”


    “You?” With a scoff, Eric mocked, “You struggle with noodles, and now you want to clean? Don’t bother. Let the housekeeper handle it tomorrow.”


    He then turned and ascended the stairs.


    Atst, some peace…


    Relieved, Hadley exhaled and resumed her seat.


    The noodles, now even more unappetizing in their cold and mushy state, stared back at her.


    Expressionless, Hadley picked up her fork and hurriedly finished the noodles.


    She then proceeded to open the windows to air out the kitchen, tidied up the space, and copsed onto the couch in the living room. Opting against the guest room, she didn’t want to give him any further reasons toin about odors again.


    Her n was to start looking for an apartment the following day; for the moment, she would cope with the situation as best as she could.


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