?Chapter 173:


    She was like a delicate flower, and when she smiled, it was as if that flower bloomed right before his eyes.


    “Alright, good to know.”


    Duran swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s gettingte. I should head out.”


    What? Hadley hesitated. Was he really leaving without her?


    Duran caught the flicker of confusion in her eyes and smiled.


    “Not tonight, but soon. I’ll take you somewhere nicer than this. We’ll have dinner and everything. It shouldn’t happen in a ce like this—you deserve better.”


    He let go of her waist but kept her hand in his. “Walk me out?”


    “Alright.” Hadley quickly steadied herself and followed as he led her toward the exit.


    Meanwhile, just outside, Eric’s car approached Gnt.


    Eric hadn’t set foot in Gnt for ages, and he wasn’t here for a casual visit. He had one goal—to find out who Hadley’s new man was.


    Eric remained across the street, hidden in the shadows of his car, his eyes locked on Gnt’s entrance. This wasn’t exactly something he could talk to other people about—this was personal, and he needed to handle it alone.


    Rather than parking in front, he had chosen a spot with the perfect view of the door. He’d see Hadley the moment she stepped outside, no distractions.


    “Here I am, almost-ex-husband of the year, acting like some overprotective big brother,” Eric thought.


    He almostughed at the irony.


    Then, through the tinted ss, he spotted her. Hadley. But she wasn’t alone. Her hand was wrapped around another man’s.


    And just as his stomach tightened, the valet brought Duran’s car around.


    Hadley nced up at Duran, her voice light. “Mr. Murray, drive safely.”


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    “Sure.”


    Duran’s smile softened as he let go of Hadley’s hand and slid into the car. But just as he was about to close the door, he paused and nced back at her.


    “Hadley.”


    “Yes?” She smiled, her gaze steady.


    Duran hesitated for a brief moment, his nerves catching up to him. “Can I kiss you?”


    Hadley froze, a sh of tension tightening her muscles. Her fists clenched instinctively, but she kept her smile intact. “Of course,” she replied, her voice calm.


    “Great.”


    Duran stepped forward, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek, his touch lingering.


    Then, Duran lowered his head.


    Hadley closed her eyes, a faint crease forming on her brow as a wave of tension swept through her.


    Sensing her unease, Duran hesitated. Instead of kissing her lips, he gently pressed his lips to her forehead.


    Hadley blinked slowly, her eyes fluttering open, confusion flickering across her face. “Mr. Murray?”


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