?Chapter 228:


    “Right?” Hadley grinned, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thanks for the pumpkin soup the other day…”


    After finishing most of her ramen, she finally spoke, her voice soft, “But please, don’t buy it for me again.”


    Hearing this, Denver paused mid-bite, his expression shifting. He looked a bit flustered. “You… don’t like it?”


    “No, I don’t like it.”


    Denver was at a loss for words as he stared at her nkly. “I’m sorry…”


    “You don’t need to apologize.”


    Hadley exhaled, her voice quieter now. “Fine. The pumpkin soup was delicious, and I liked it a lot. But I don’t want you bringing it to me again.”


    Denver nodded slowly. “I get it. It’s not the soup—it’s me you don’t like.”


    The words hit harder than he expected. He hadn’t even gotten the chance to show her who he really was.


    “Do I really annoy you that much?”


    “Don’t say that.” Hadley’s tone was steady but firm. “You’re a great guy, and I’m sure you know that. But we’re not right for each other. Even if all you’re looking for is something casual—”


    Something casual? Was that really how she saw him?


    “No! That’s not it!” Denver panicked, shaking his head. “Just because I grew up in a culture where casual dating ismon doesn’t mean I take rtionships andmitments lightly. I never saw you as just some passing distraction!”


    That only made it worse.


    Hadley sighed inwardly. “That’s why you should understand—we’re not a good match.”


    “Why not?”


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    For Denver, Hadley was the first woman to make his heart pound. From the moment he saw her on the Gnt stage, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. How was he supposed to just walk away?


    “Is it… because of Eric?” Denver hesitated before asking.


    Hadley frowned slightly but didn’t answer. “You should find someone who fits into your world.”


    “But feelings don’t work that way!” Denver refused to ept it. “It’s the 21st century now! People don’t turn away from someone just because they were married before!”


    Hadley opened her mouth but found no words. She hadn’t expected someone like Denver to be this direct, this determined.


    Hadley’s guard was down.


    And the truth was, she was moved.


    But that was exactly why she had to turn him down.


    “I appreciate it, I really do. But this can’t happen.”


    “Why?” Denver clenched his fists. “Even N wants you to move on and be happy. Why reject that?”


    Hadley struggled to find the right words, knowing she couldn’t exin without revealing too much. “It’s my choice. I’m sorry, but I’m not looking to start something new. And you… you’re just caught up in the moment. Soon, you’ll forget about me.”


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