?Chapter 23:


    Eric, seated next to her, experienced an unexined uneasiness.


    Was the silence too profound?


    Eric recalled the days when Hadley would chatter endlessly around him, always having something to share. It used to irritate him immensely.


    Why had she be so reserved? Clearly, something was off.


    Was she plotting something new?


    He dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. The divorce papers were signed. Whatever her ns, the separation was sealed.


    When they reached the sanatorium, Eric escorted Hadley to meet N. Their timing was less than ideal, as N was in the middle of receiving routine therapy from the doctor.


    “Hadley.” N grasped Hadley’s hand warmly.


    “The therapy willst about half an hour. Why don’t you catch up with everyone first? It’s been so long since you’ve seen them all.”


    “Sure, N,” Hadley responded with a soft smile and a nod.


    Yet, N appeared concerned, turning her attention to Eric with specific instructions.


    “Please, stay by Hadley’s side and look after her.”


    “Grandma…” Eric’s expression clouded with reluctance.


    “What?”


    A shadow crossed N’s face.


    “After all the times I’ve listened to you, can’t you do the same for me now?”


    She was referring to the decision made four years earlier, when Eric had decided Hadley should leave, cutting off theirmunication…


    Finding himself at a loss for words, Eric reluctantly agreed.


    “Fine.”


    “Good.”


    R?????? ???????????? ????????ov?????.??o??


    Comforted, N squeezed Hadley’s hand encouragingly.


    “Now, go with Eric. Don’t hesitate to ask him for help if you need anything.”


    “Alright.”


    Hadley quietly acknowledged with nods.


    As they left the room, Hadley walked closely behind Eric.


    They moved from the living room into the courtyard, aware of many eyes tracking their every move.


    Hadley could even pick up snippets of their quiet spection.


    “Hey, who is that with Mr. Flynn?”


    “Is that Linda?”


    “That doesn’t look like Linda; she’s not that tall.”


    “Could she be wearing heels, though?”


    A soft chuckle escaped Hadley.


    She was aware of how close Linda and Eric were, but the idea of being mistaken for Linda was somewhat absurd.


    They differed significantly in both height and physical appearance.


    .


    .


    .