?Chapter 60:


    “Thank you so much, officer!”


    “Make it quick,” he responded, shifting the barrier to allow her passage before swiftly closing it behind her.


    Hadley then checked her phone for directions. It would be a long walk to the courthouse, at least two and a half hours away.


    Tightening her jaw, she continued her walk, eyes scanning for a taxi ahead. The prospect of paying for a ride bothered her. Nevertheless, today Hadley was set on ending her marriage to Eric.


    Eric was in his car, ncing at his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to five o’clock. Hadley was still nowhere in sight!


    She had made him wait for two whole hours!


    In frustration, Eric spun his phone in his palm before decisively pressing the screen to dial her number.


    “Hello.”


    “Hadley!” Eric’s voice crackled with exasperation. “Are you messing around?”


    “I’m sorry,” Hadley replied. “I’ll be there soon. Just a little longer, okay?”


    “Longer?” Eric let out a derisiveugh. “Alright, I’ll wait.”


    He was eager to hear what sort of excuse Hadley would concoct this time.


    Minutes passed, and finally Hadley’s call broke the silence.


    Breathing heavily, she said, “I’m here! Where are you?”


    “Are you actually here?” Eric questioned, scanning the surroundings through his window.


    A yellow taxi pulled up at the courthouse, depositing Hadley on the curb. She hurriedly thanked the driver and looked around. “Can you see me, or have you gone inside already?”


    “I’m watching you. Stay right there,” Eric instructed, disconnecting the call. He seized his ck umbre, exited his car, and walked toward Hadley, using the umbre to shield them both from the relentless rain.


    Drenched, her clothes clinging to her skin, mud smeared on her, Hadley stood before him. Eric’s face showed clear signs of displeasure.


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    “Did you just roll in the mud?” Eric blurted out.


    “Let’s just go,” Hadley responded, pausing briefly before wiping her nose and whispering, “Let’s go. This won’t ruin the divorce proceedings.”


    “Hadley!”


    Reacting instinctively, Eric reached out and seized her arm.


    “What’s this about?”


    Hadley twisted away sharply, as if his touch burned her. Her eyes shed with fury.


    “Don’t touch me! How many times must I say it?” she hissed.


    Taken aback, Eric froze, startled by the intensity of her response. It was that familiar look, the one Hadley reserved for moments when he crossed into her personal space. A mix of fear, disgust, and adamant defiance painted her face.


    Could she possibly detest him?


    A lump formed in Eric’s throat. A profound sorrow and difort settled heavily in his heart, a feeling he couldn’t dismiss.


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