?Chapter 179:


    With a lightugh, Duran gently dabbed her tears away with the tissue. “Why thank me? This is simply what I ought to do. Let’s drop the formalities; too many thanks create distance between us.”


    Nodding, Hadley calmed her emotions and mustered a faint smile.


    “Understood… I’ll keep that in mind.”


    That evening, Hadley made her way back to West 12th Street.


    Per Duran’s ns, they would relocate to their newly renovated residence together once it was ready, giving Hadley time toe to terms with the change.


    This thoughtfulness deepened her appreciation for him.


    Duran had driven her to Mayfield Road and let her off at the corner, as she had requested, from where she walked the remaining distance by herself.


    Entering the alley, Hadley noticed a tall figure shrouded in darkness leaning against a wall, his face obscured by the shadows.


    A scornful voice shattered the silence. “Look who we’ve got here! Did your boyfriend drop you off?” It was Eric.


    A knot formed in Hadley’s stomach. His presence meant trouble.


    Hadley’s expression tightened, and she instinctively stepped backward. Eric noticed her withdrawal and his gaze sharpened. “Hadley… Are you trying to avoid me?”


    His demeanor became more threatening when he was upset. Desiring to avoid any confrontation, Hadley maintained a steady voice.


    “What is it that you need?”


    Eric scoffed, “What do I need?” He mocked her question. “Are you really asking me that?”


    Emerging from the shadows, Eric moved under the faint glow of the streetlight, his chiseled features tense with barely contained anger. Before Hadley could respond, Eric grabbed her left hand and thrust it forward. “What is this? Exin now!”


    His eyes were fixed on the ring Duran had given her.


    Hadley furrowed her brows, attempting to withdraw her hand. “This is none of your concern!”


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    “Not my concern?” Eric scoffed derisively. “Seems you’ve forgotten, you’re still legally my wife!”


    Fury surged within him at the sight of the ring. Abruptly, he tightened his grasp and forcefully removed the ring from her finger.


    “Remove it immediately. You’re not keeping this.”


    “Release me!” Hadley protested, struggling against his grip.


    However, Eric overpowered her.


    Hadley inhaled sharply.


    With a swift motion, Eric flung the ring. It spiraled through the air, disappearing into the darkness of the street. “Now try wearing it!”


    “No!”


    Hadley cried out, her voice breaking as she stared in horror at where her ring had vanished into the night.


    “Eric!” Her rage was clear; her eyes zed as she stared him down. “How dare you throw my ring away? Have you lost your mind? I am not your wife!”


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