?Chapter 104:


    A knot formed in Eric’s throat as he observed her rosy cheeks.


    Hadley must be intoxicated.


    That was the only exnation for why she would refer to him in such an endearing way, reminiscent of when she had first be part of the Flynn household.


    Even while drunk, Hadley’s recognition of Eric was clear.


    Feeling a strange surge of warmth, Eric extended his hand to her, his voice deep and resonant. “Why did you have to drink so much? Let’s get you up.”


    “No!” Hadley eximed as Eric reached out. She backed away, her expression wary.


    “Don’t touch me!” she insisted, shaking her head emphatically.


    “Hey,” Marshall intervened,ughing lightly. “Looks like Hadley’s still sharp, even a bit tipsy. She’s keeping her boundaries clear.”


    Eric’s expression darkened. “Don’t sleep on the couch. Use the bed.”


    “No, no!” Hadley’s eyes flew open as she protested. “I’ll stay on the couch. I don’t want to disturb your bed.”


    His frown deepened, his tone bing stern. “Do you really think I’m that fussy?”


    What harm could she do to his bed?


    “Indeed!” Hadley confirmed, nodding earnestly. “Others might not see it, but I know how much you dislike having me around.”


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice softened.


    Chuckling lightly, Hadley nestled deeper into the sofa, her eyelids drooping again. “Here is fine for me,” she whispered.


    “Hadley?” Eric persisted, trying to keep her awake. “Stay up. Let’s talk.”


    “Too noisy!” Hadleyined, brushing him off with a hand wave. “I just need some sleep.”


    Was she irritated with him?


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    Eric shook his head, a half-smile creeping onto his face. “What’s the use of arguing with a drunk?” he pondered. “Are you really going to sleep without even showering?”


    “A shower?”


    Hadley’s mind was foggy, her thoughts slow to connect. Abruptly, she leaned forward, closing the distance between her and Eric. “Do I smell bad?” she asked, almost nose to nose with Eric.


    Eric’s pulse quickened. What was she doing so close? He recoiled quickly, his face hardening. “Please, keep your distance and speak properly!”


    Unaware of Eric’s difort, Hadley pulled at her shirt’s cor. “Go on, smell. I’m not offensive, am I?”


    Reluctantly, Eric conceded with a resigned sigh. “Alright, alright. You…”


    “Smell fine. Actually, you smell quite nice.”


    Hadley’sughter rang out, her mood evidently lifted. “See? I’m as fresh as a daisy, no shower needed!”


    She gestured towards Eric, her voice slurring slightly. “Night-night, Eric.” The tie from Eric’s earlier attempt to guide her still dangled from her wrist.


    Eric found himself at a loss for words, managing only a stuttered, “G-goodnight,” as he watched her.


    Before she knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep on the sofa. Eric nced at her peaceful, slightly smiling face and couldn’t help but let a small smile form on his own lips.


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