?Chapter 31:


    “As long as you’re aware.”


    Realizing he lingered still, Hadley voiced her confusion.


    “Shouldn’t you be needed somewhere else?” Was this her way of dismissing him?


    Eric was taken aback. Could it really be that the same person who once could hardly stay away from him was now so distant?


    “There’s no hurry.”


    Yet, for reasons unclear to him, Eric found himself reluctant to depart. He looked down at the table, took up a fork, and deftly transferred a piece of king crab onto her te.


    “You always enjoyed this.”


    Hadley was startled. He still remembered her favorites?


    She quickly responded,


    “Thank you.”


    “You’re wee. Savor it,” Eric said, lifting an eyebrow as he rose from his seat. “I should get back to Grandma and Linda now.” With that, he turned and left.


    Watching him walk away, Hadley couldn’t suppress a smirk. So, his attempt at making amends was to offer her a king crab, as though it were somevish offering.


    She scoffed and shook her head in disbelief.


    Gently, she moved the crab to an empty te with her fork.


    It wasn’t a rejection of his effort.


    Her fondness for king crab had faded; people changed.


    The celebration itself was dull and challenging to endure.


    Nheless, for N’s benefit, Hadley remained until it concluded.


    Observing Linda taking the ce beside Eric, where Hadley herself should have stood and engaged their guests, she felt detached but epting.


    This detachment, Hadley reasoned, was her method of reciprocating N’s five years of kindness.


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    As the final guest departed, the festivities drew to a close.


    Subsequently, Hadley was called to N’s quarters.


    “Hadley,” N said, grasping her hand with a gentle sigh. “This evening was undoubtedly tough for you. Have you visited Ernest since your return?”


    The question caused Hadley to tense, and she shook her head in denial.


    “No, not yet.”


    With another sigh, N continued,


    “It’s been four years. Ernest once held you dear. You ought to see him, let him know you’ve returned.”


    “Certainly.” Hadley agreed with a nod.


    N’s actions bespoke a genuine familial warmth. Observing thete hour, N said,


    “It’s gettingte. I won’t detain you further. You should head home and get some rest.”


    “Alright, N. Goodnight.”


    “Goodnight.”


    When Hadley exited the room, she was taken aback to find Eric lingering outside.


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