?Chapter 106:


    Could it be that Eric was trying to avoid any deeper involvement with Hadley? Maybe he feared she might cling to him again if the truth came out.


    “Sure thing,” Marshall eventually gave in, deciding to support Eric’s strange charade.


    “No big deal,” Marshall said smoothly, picking up where Hadley left off. “I appreciate the gesture, Hadley.”


    “Actually,” Hadley added, suddenly recalling another detail.


    She extended her hand, presenting a neatly folded tie. “I also wanted to return this to you.”


    Marshall looked at the tie, his smile widening as he epted it.


    “I took care to wash it, used the hotel’s hairdryer to dry it, and even ironed it out. It should be just like new,” Hadley exined, ensuring everything was returned in perfect condition.


    “Cool,” Marshall acknowledged with a nod. “You always handle things well, Hadley.”


    “It’s no big deal,” Hadley responded casually, adding a shrug. “Looks like you’ve got a lot on your te. I won’t keep you.”


    Marshall nced at Eric briefly before asking Hadley, “Do you need me to arrange a ride for you?” Eric remained impassive.


    “No need!” Hadley quickly dismissed the offer. “I’ll catch the bus. Thanks anyway! See you around!”


    With a quick turn, she started walking away.


    “Stay safe on your way!” Marshall called after her.


    “Will do!”


    After she had left, Marshall turned to face Eric.


    “Why the insistence on keeping her at arm’s length? Afraid she’ll get too attached again?”


    Eric, caught off guard by thement, blinked. He wasn’t really worried about that; he was more annoyed that Hadley seemed to be feigning ignorance.


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    ying along with Marshall’s assumption, Eric responded, “Exactly.”


    Marshall chuckled, shaking his head.


    “Man, rx. She’s not chasing you anymore. Did you notice how effortlessly cool she was just now? People move on. Her crush on you is old news. We haven’t been a part of her life for years. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Even the deepest infatuation fades away eventually.” He chuckled heartily.


    “Who knows, she might have found someone new in the, someone exotic!”


    “Sure,” Eric responded, his expression unreadable, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. “That would be ideal.”


    Yet, a sharp look shed briefly in Eric’s eyes, revealing a flicker of something deeper.


    Snatching the tie from Marshall, Eric approached a nearby trash can and tossed it in without a second nce.


    “The day I get tangled with her again is the day I admit I’m a fool,” Eric muttered darkly to himself.


    Later that evening, Hadley was at Gnt.


    The Dance-Off Championship was in full swing, attracting huge crowds, much to Lennon’s delight.


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