?Chapter 534:


    “Yes.” Hadley epted the milk and sipped gently, careful of its heat.


    “Could you reach everywhere yourself?” Eric asked with mild concern.


    “You could’ve waited for me.”


    “I managed fine,” she replied lightly, finishing the milk and handing him the empty cup.


    Taking it, Eric gently probed further. “Are you hungry? I made some pancakes. Want to eat a bit?”


    “I’m not hungry,” Hadley said weakly, waving off the suggestion. “I just want to sleep.”


    She settled back into bed, showing no sign of further conversation. Eric didn’t press—he tucked the covers around her and ced ice packs beneath her armpits.


    “Rest now. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”


    Hadley remained silent, turning her back to him. Eric sighed softly. Well, at least she was back. He would patiently win her over again.


    Turning off the main lights, he left only a soft glow from the wallmp. Hadleyy still, awake but quiet, sensing Eric had moved to the sofa, likely upied with work.


    As sleep finally began to im her, she heard him rise and enter the bathroom. Momentster, the bed dipped gently as he climbed in beside her, wrapping his arms protectively around her from behind.


    Hadley shut her eyes and said impulsively, “Don’t hold me like this. I can’t sleep.”


    “Why not?” Eric asked, caught off guard. “Isn’t this how we always slept?”


    With a scoff, Hadley replied coldly, “You said it yourself—that was in the past. Things aren’t the same now as they used to be.” Her return to him didn’t imply forgiveness. “I don’t want you touching me… at least for now.”


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    Feeling the tension, Eric’s embrace tightened. “For now? How long will thatst?”


    “I don’t know,” Hadley responded, shaking her head. “I can’t specify a time for something I’m still uncertain about.” In truth, if she was already carrying his child, this temporary distance might need to be permanent.


    His silence prompted her to speak again. “What, is that not eptable?”


    She was ready for his objection. She knew he still had reasons to keep her close—because he had promised Linda.


    As expected, the room fell silent for a long stretch before Eric finally yielded. “Fine.”


    Yet no sooner had he spoken than he tightened his grip on her. Hadley tensed up.


    “Hadley.”


    She was about to voice her difort when Eric whispered, “I’ll respect all your wishes. But can you promise me you’ll let go of Denver and stay by my side?”


    After his request, he released her. “Try to sleep. Good night.”


    He then rolled away, turning his back to her.


    In the quiet darkness, Hadleyy awake, her thoughts racing. What was he implying? Their rtionship was merely transactional, wasn’t it? Why did his concerns extend beyond mere convenience? Wasn’t he asking for too much?


    Why was he making such a request when she hadn’t even mentioned his lingering thoughts about Linda?


    Exhaustion finally won out, and Hadley drifted off to sleep. Throughout the night, she dimly registered someone moving around—recing ice packs, offering her water, even helping her change her damp sleepwear. As dawn neared, the activity ceased, and Hadley slipped into a deep, undisturbed sleep.


    When she awoketer, she felt disoriented in the empty room. Her phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Joy, calling on Melba’s phone.


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