?Chapter 153:


    “That’s all there is to it?” Eric’s eyes narrowed as he pressed for more.


    “What else would there be?” Hadley shot back, still not understanding where he was going with this.


    Alright.


    Eric quickly figured it out—it was just some guy with an unrequited crush. A smirk tugged at his lips as he crouched down, easily hoisting a box. “Quit standing around. Come give me a hand.”


    “Alright.”


    Hadley walked over, her thoughts lingering. Since when had she asked for his help?


    Eric had already bnced two boxes in his arms and motioned toward her. “Stack the flour on top. You’re carrying those two bags of fruit.”


    Right after speaking, he realized his tone might havee off a little harsh.


    “Can you handle that?” he asked.


    “I can.” Hadley gave a firm nod and followed his instructions.


    Still, she hesitated. “Are you sure that’s not too heavy?”


    As far back as she could remember, she had never once seen Eric do any kind of manualbor.


    “This? You call this heavy?” Eric let out a mocking scoff as he strode ahead without slowing down. “Move it. Don’t just stand there.”


    Even his posture radiated irritation.


    Hadley was dumbfounded. Then why carry it at all? she thought. No one forced him to help, yet he went out of his way to do it and then got annoyed about it.


    With a sigh, she grabbed the fruit bags and hurried after him.


    Eric was strong—she had to admit that much. He carried the heavy boxes straight to her apartment and ascended to the fifth floor without a single pause.


    “Open the door.”


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    “Yeah, yeah.” Hadley fumbled with the keys, twisting them in the lock until the door finally swung open. Eric walked in and dropped the boxes onto the floor without ceremony. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths, exhaustion clear on his face.


    Hadley caught sight of the sweat glistening on his forehead and felt a slight pang of guilt. “Do you want to wipe your face? Maybe get some water?”


    “Bring it.” Eric didn’t hesitate.


    “What?”


    “A towel.”


    His re sharpened. “What else do you expect me to wipe my face with?”


    “Oh! I’ll grab one!”


    Hadley rushed into the bathroom, grabbed a fresh towel, and handed it over. “Here. This one’s clean.”


    Eric’s expression darkened as he shot her an unimpressed look.


    Hadley blinked in confusion. What now? What had she done this time?


    “Tsk.” Eric clicked his tongue, clearly irritated. “You seriously expect me to wipe my own sweat?”


    He lifted his hands, showing them off. “Take a good look. They’re covered in dust from carrying your stuff. How do you expect me to clean my face like this?”


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