?Chapter 55:


    “Make sure it doesn’t fall out again.”


    “Thank you so much,” Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her keys, and the expense of a locksmith, was daunting. “No problem at all.”


    He continued to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do I know you? You seem really familiar.”


    Hadley paused briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro, don’t you think?”


    The young man’s cheeks turned a shade of crimson. “It wasn’t meant to be a line!” He eximed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.”


    Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,” she said, and quickly turned to leave.


    “Wait…”


    He watched her depart, pping his forehead in dismay. “Why did I even say that? I just made fun of Eric for being old-school, and here I am, sounding just like him.”


    It was unfortunate. She was truly striking. He pondered whether she was merely visiting or worked at the club, and whether they might meet again.


    Hadley stirred before dawn, jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense, wrenching her from sleep. Previously, this hadn’t been an issue for her. However, since bing a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of providing for her child. The recurring pain each month had be a harsh reality.


    She had learned various methods to manage it. Today, she would skip her dance routine, avoid cold beverages, and endure the difort until it subsided.


    Rising from her bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth would soothe the pain. Though she had no dance performance scheduled, today held significant importance. It was the anniversary of her grandmother’s passing.


    Life in Srixby had been a rollercoaster since Hadley moved back, and she hadn’t found the time to visit her grandmother’s grave. Today, she decided, would be the day to pay her respects.


    By eight o’clock, she was on her way out. As she settled into her car, her phone vibrated. Eric’s name shed on the screen, causing her to frown slightly before answering.


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    “Hello, what’s up?”


    Hadley’s tone was steady and cold, a stark contrast to how eagerly she used to pursue him. Now, he seemed almost like an inconvenience, which upset him.


    “What, I can’t check in without a specific reason?”


    “That’s not what I meant,” Hadley responded, masking her irritation.


    Thinking to herself, Hadley pondered, How did I ever get involved with him? Eric’s temper was unpredictable, swinging wildly without warning.


    “Do you need something?” Hadley asked, wanting a clearer reason.


    “Meet me at the courthouse at three today,” Eric responded.


    Hadley instantly knew it was to finalize their divorce. Today, though? That was sudden. She hesitated before responding.


    “Can we possibly pick another day?”


    “What?” Eric’s voice took on an edge, though he managed to restrain any outright anger. “When would you suggest then?”


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