?Chapter 93:
Marshall expressed genuine surprise before warmlyplimenting her. “You’ve be so much prettier. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Thanks, you’re too kind.”
“Are you here to see N?”
“Yes.”
“Wonderful, I am as well. Let’s enter together.”
“Certainly.”
With a courteous gesture, Marshall opened the door, motioning for Hadley to proceed. “Ladies first, please.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re wee.”
Inside, a nurse was attending to N’s morning needs. Marshall indicated the sofa. “Please take a seat.”
“Okay.” Hadley seated herself.
“Would you care for something to drink?”
Before Hadley could respond, Marshall had already risen and was heading to the kitchen. He returned with two cups of coffee and ced one in front of her. “Is this alright?”
“It’s fine, thank you.”
Hadley, feelingpelled, took the cup.
Marshall encouraged her with a smile. “Go ahead, take a sip.”
“Alright…”
Upon tasting it, Hadley found it bitter and furrowed her brow.
“It’s in ck coffee. Not to your liking? Shall I add some milk or sugar?”
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“There’s no need to bother!”
“It’s no bother at all.”
Marshall went to the kitchen and soon returned with milk, adding it to her cup.
“Is this sufficient?”
“That’s enough…”
“Oh dear, that’s too much!”
Marshall feigned a spill, causing Hadley to startle. He then chuckled.
“I’m just messing with you.”
Hadley, realizing the jest, gave him a look of mock distress. “You really frightened me!”
“Do you scare that easily?”
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and Eric entered. He found Hadley and Marshall sharing a moment ofughter on the sofa.
He stopped sharply.
His attention was drawn to Hadley’s face, slightly uplifted, her lips curved in a gentle, warm smile.
He recalled never seeing such a smile directed at him before.
Always, she had been more critical and questioning towards him. Yet here she was, smiling so freely—but for another man.
.
.
.