?Chapter 668:
Beside her, Eric sat in continued silence, not offering a word in reply. After another brief hesitation, she continued softly, “I came to see him today because I had to know that he was alright, but that visit will be myst.”
“Hadley.”
“Hmm?”
Eric suddenly reached out and gently sped her hand, cutting her off mid-thought.
Caught off guard, Hadley turned quickly to face him.
He was already looking back at her, his eyes brightening with a wide, unexpected smile. “Let’s get married.”
Hadley was stunned.
All thoughts scattered from her head instantly.
“You…” she murmured, hershes fluttering in disbelief. “Could you repeat what you just said?”
“You want me to say it again?”
Eric leaned closer until their foreheads gently touched. “I said, let’s get married. Hadley, marry me, won’t you?”
What just happened?
Hadley’s lips parted slightly, speechless.
Sneaking off to visit Denver had prepared her for anger or usations—anything but a proposal of marriage!
“Did you ask the wrong question?” Recovering enough tough lightly, Hadley tilted her head slightly and smiled. “Shouldn’t you be demanding to know why I went to see Denver?”
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“You heard me right. I didn’t ask wrong either.” Eric squeezed her hand, sighing gently. “I understand you’re still haunted by the separation with Denver. It’s alright—I ept that.”
Hadley stared at him in stunned silence. Did he really believe that was how she felt?
Even more bewildering, if that was truly his belief, why insist on marriage?
“Eric, marriage isn’t something casual, is it?”
Memories of their earlier marriage crept into her mind.
Hadn’t he treated marriage as something trivial back then, too?
“Eric—”
“Hadley.”
Eric cupped her face gently in his hands, sincerity bright in his eyes. “I want to marry you. We’ll build a good life together. Even if your heart belongs to Denver now, marry me anyway, and I’ll patiently wait until your feelings change. Let me be your husband, Hadley.”
In an impulsive move, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“Stay with me, Hadley. Be my wife and spend your life with me. Will you marry me?”
“Eric…”
His embrace tightened, overwhelming her with unease.
Fear surged within her, and Hadley pushed gently against his chest.
“Eric, please stop. Calm down, okay?”
“I’m perfectly calm.”
Rxing his grip only slightly, Eric looked at her with confusion. “Do you think I’ve lost it?”
“You…”
Hadley rubbed her forehead gently, feeling defeated.
.
.
.