?Chapter 568:


    It was both humiliating and incredibly painful, a sting that was new to him.


    Hadley returned to her apartment to find Joy already tucked in for the night.


    Melba, however, was still awake, seated on the sofa and foldingundry fresh from the dryer.


    Noticing Hadley enter, Melba whispered, “Hey, you’re back? Joy’s asleep. Once I finish here, I’ll go sit with her.”


    “Thank you for everything, Melba,” Hadley said earnestly.


    It wasn’t mere courtesy; she meant every word.


    Joy’s special needs demanded extra care, even during thete hours. Though Melba waspensated, tending to Joy’s nighttime routine required more than just a paycheck—it took genuine kindness.


    “You’re too sweet,” Melba replied with a gentleugh. “I raised my daughter on my own too, so I know how tough it can be sometimes.”


    Because Melba had navigated the challenges of single parenthood herself, she deeply understood Hadley’s situation.


    Hadley nodded. “It’ste. I’ll go wash up. You should get some rest too.”


    “Alright,” Melba replied, smiling. As Hadley headed toward the bathroom, she called back, “I’ll stay with Joy tonight. You deserve a break.”


    “That’s wonderful,” Melba said, returning to the clothes she was folding, a look of relief crossing her face.


    Half an hourter, Hadley stepped into Joy’s room. The little girl was sprawled across the bed like a tiny frog, head turned sideways, with her small mouth slightly open and a gentle snore escaping her lips.


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    “Such a little snorer,” Hadley murmured, smiling fondly as she touched her daughter’s forehead. With the heater on, Joy’s skin felt…


    Warm beneath the light nket, beads of perspiration dotting her brow, Hadley stretched out on the narrow bed beside her child, though she wasn’t quite sleepy yet.


    She couldn’t deny that ever since returning to Srixby, their life had been steadily improving.


    And now, she was expecting again…


    “Joy,” Hadley whispered, softly squeezing her daughter’s plump little fist. “My brave, strong darling—just a bit more time, and you’ll be going to school and making friends, just like any other kid.”


    She closed her eyes, blinking against the sudden wetness gathering there.


    The next morning, the rich aroma of breakfast wafted through the kitchen.


    Hadley emerged from the bedroom, gently carrying Joy and settling her on the sofa before handing her a bottle.


    “Drink some water first, sweetie,” she said.


    That morning ritual was something Hadley had taught Joy early on.


    “Okay,” Joy said, grasping the bottle with both hands, her wide eyes darting around happily. “Mommy, it smells so good.”


    “You’ve got a keen nose, little one.” Hadley smiled, tapping the tip of Joy’s nose. “There’s a fruit pie in the oven. You want some?”


    “Yes!” Joy’s face lit up. “I love those! Did you make it, Mommy?”


    “Sure did.”


    “Amazing!” Joy eximed, practically bouncing with excitement. “Even though you’re busy, you still made my favorite pie. Thank you, Mommy!”


    She flung her arms around Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss to her cheek.


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