?Chapter 86:


    “Understood,” Eric replied, his eyebrow arching. “I’ll get them. Wait here.”


    Hadley settled into a seat, waiting calmly.


    Shortly, Eric returned with a tray that surprisingly included donuts and two cups of coffee.


    “I’ve got us coffee as well.”


    “Thanks.”


    Hadley immediately inquired without much thought, “What are these?”


    Eric responded casually, “You said anything was fine, so I let them choose.”


    That seemed reasonable.


    Hadley picked up a donut and took a bite. She then grimaced slightly.


    Eric caught her expression. “Something off with the donut?”


    “No…” Hadley offered a small smile. “It’s just… it’s really hot; burned my tongue a bit.”


    Eric didn’t dwell on it.


    He picked up a donut himself and took a bite. “Maple syrup and bacon, huh? Not bad.”


    He looked over at Hadley. “Do you like it?”


    Hadley swallowed her bite with difficulty. “Yeah, it’s good.”


    Good?


    Far from it.


    She absolutely hated maple syrup.


    After nearly a decade of knowing Eric and sharing countless meals over five years, it baffled her that Eric still hadn’t picked up on her hatred of maple syrup.


    It made sense, though. Eric often overlooked the preferences of those he was indifferent towards.


    Hadley knew she couldn’t really me him; he wasn’t obligated to remember her preferences.


    Nevertheless, she managed to suppress her difort and finished one donut.


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    After that, she stopped eating.


    “Why have you stopped?” Eric appeared surprised. “Are you full already?”


    “Yes,” Hadley replied, patting her mouth with a napkin. “I’m fine now.”


    “Really?” Eric’s tone grew skeptical, and his expression hardened. “Is that all?”


    “Yes.” Hadley affirmed with a nod. “I’ve received your thank-you gift and appreciated it. Thank you.”


    Appreciated it?


    Eric felt a twinge of annoyance. Was that her idea of appreciation?


    “We’re even now.”


    Hadley reached for her bag, ready to leave. “I need to get going…”


    Suddenly, she stopped, a thought urring to her. “Hey, Eric, when are you avable? Now that N’s surgery is over, we should finalize our divorce.”


    “I’m not avable anytime soon!” Eric responded abruptly, irritation evident as he nced at the leftover donuts. “What’s the hurry? You can’t wait?”


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