?Chapter 304:


    She recalled what N had once told her: if Hadley herself wasn’t ready, no one would force her. N truly wanted her to find someone she cared about.


    If she and Denver pretended to be together, and N backed them up, Eric wouldn’t have a way to interfere.


    The thought passed through her mind for only a second before she pushed it away.


    “No, I can’t.”


    Hadley shook her head, her voice firm.


    What was she thinking? She knew Denver had feelings for her. How could she even consider using him like that?


    Using him to get rid of Eric was no different from ying with Denver’s genuine feelings, and that was something she couldn’t do.


    “Why not?” Denver’s expression darkened. “You won’t even consider it? Not even if it’s just an act?”


    “Denver…”


    Hadley hesitated, searching for the right words. “We haven’t known each other long, but I already think of you as a friend.”


    It was the same feeling she had when she first met Colleen in the.


    She knew Denver was a good person.


    And for that very reason, she couldn’t take advantage of him.


    “You’re someone with a kind heart…”


    “So that’s it? The ‘good guy’ speech?” Denver let out a wry smile.


    Hadley shook her head, her gaze steady. “That’s not what I mean. You’re genuinely a good person. If the situation permits, I’d be overjoyed to have you as my best friend—but nothing more. Look, I’m just an ordinary person, and your life is only just unfolding. One day, you’ll meet someone incredible, the kind of woman who’s meant to be in your story.”


    Hadley looked dead serious.


    Denver forced a wry smile. It was obvious that Hadley had already figured him out. She had no ns of giving him any hope.


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    Still, he tried to reason with her. “Don’t take it so seriously. I already told you. It’s all pretend. Nothing real.”


    Since he was so adamant about that charade, Hadley decided not to argue.


    She simply shook her head and said firmly, “I don’t want to drag you into my mess. My problems with Eric have nothing to do with you. I can handle them on my own.”


    Hadley gave him a small wave. “It’s gettingte. You should go. I’m heading back in.”


    Without another word, she turned and jogged into the alley.


    Denver let out a heavy sigh.


    Under his breath, he muttered, “But do you even know you’re already the most incredible woman in the world to me?”


    Half an hourter, Hadley stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying her hair. Her phone buzzed nonstop on the table.


    She rushed over and picked it up. Denver’s name shed on the screen. Hadley furrowed her brows as she swiped to answer. “Hello? What’s going on?”


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