?Chapter 216:


    Now alone with Eric, Hadley was consumed by thoughts of their kiss from the previous evening, reying it repeatedly in her mind. Feeling restless, she grabbed the soup bowl and took a hearty gulp, trying to distract herself.


    Suddenly, Hadley gasped.


    “What’s wrong?” Eric reacted quickly, rising and rushing to her side.


    With her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes, Hadley’s face turned a shade of red.


    “Did the soup burn your tongue?” Eric asked, concern flooding his voice.


    Understanding the situation, Eric cradled Hadley’s face in his hands. “Don’t just stand there. Spit it out!”


    However, Hadley had already swallowed it.


    The searing liquid scorched her throat and chest, causing her to wince in agony.


    “What were you thinking?” Eric’s expression grew stern. “Why would you drink something so blisteringly hot?”


    Hadley held her mouth, speechless. How could she have known it would be scalding? Moreover, she had been determined not to waste the soup, which had been enriched with an expensive herbal remedy. After years of hardship, Hadley had grown ustomed to conserving whatever little she had.


    Eric’s heart softened as he noticed the tears forming in Hadley’s eyes and her vulnerable stance. It felt as if a part of his heart had melted. “Is it very painful?” he asked, his voice gentle.


    Hadley, still with tears brimming in her eyes, nodded in confirmation. Clearly, the soup had been left on a simmer for too long, making it unbearably hot.


    “Follow me!” Eric said, his tone filled with urgency.


    He grasped Hadley’s hand and guided her toward the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door, he motioned for her to look inside.


    “Open up.”


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    Confused, Hadley kept her hand mped over her mouth. What was he asking her to do?


    “Quickly, now!”


    Seeing her hesitate, Eric cupped her face and gently guided her mouth open.


    Before she could resist, Eric popped a few ice cubes into her mouth. Her cheeks bulged with the cold.


    Trying not tough, Eric said, “Wait here.”


    Eric released his hold and stepped away briefly. When he returned, he found Hadley standing quietly with the ice cubes filling her mouth. She remained silent andpliant.


    “Why haven’t you sat down yet?” Eric asked as he drew nearer. He fetched a chair and gently eased Hadley down by the shoulders. “Do you need help sitting?”


    As he spoke, he began unpacking a box of medicinal supplies. Hadley nced at the box, her mouth still full of ice, unable to respond.


    “This is a medicinal spray for burns,” he exined, noticing the puzzled look on her face. He opened the box and gestured towards her mouth. “I’ll apply this once the pain subsides.”


    Could he really be this kind?


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