?Chapter 713:


    Something was off. Without a word, he picked up the spoon and took a bite. And then he knew.


    His brows furrowed, and he slowly turned his gaze to Hadley.


    “You didn’t make this, did you?”


    “What’s wrong?” Hadley asked, noticing his change in demeanor.


    She nced at the bowl and sniffed it, and then immediately understood the problem.


    The ingredients weren’t exactly the same as what she once used—the housekeeper had put honey in it. The taste would be close, but not quite what Eric remembered.


    “I see. The base recipe and method are the same. Just a slight variation.”


    The same? Eric scoffed internally, a heaviness settling in his chest.


    Did he really care what was put into the dish? No! What he had wanted—what he had really wanted—was her effort, her personal touch.


    He hadn’t craved just the taste; he had wanted the warmth of knowing she had made it herself.


    His grip on the spoon ckened. With a quiet clink, he dropped it into the bowl and pushed it away.


    “Do you really expect me to be happy with this?”


    “Ever since I opened my eyes, you’ve treated me like I don’t matter at all!” Eric’s frustration surged, his voice shaking with hurt. “If you don’t like looking after me so much, you’re free to go! I’d rather be alone than force you to stay against your will!”


    With visible effort, he gestured toward the door. “Leave now if you want!” A deep scowl shadowed his face.


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    Hadley’s eyebrows furrowed softly. Aware she’d been distant, she couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge it openly—especially now, when the slightest conflict could cause things between them to fall apartpletely. Quietly, she perched on the edge of his bed and gently took his hand.


    Eric tensed immediately, attempting to pull away from her touch.


    “Hey, don’t stay angry,” she whispered, sping his hand more firmly.


    “I really didn’t think it would upset you this badly—it was a miscalction on my part. Honestly, I was afraid you’d wake up alone if I stepped out too long, so I called the housekeeper on my way back and had her prepare it. But if it truly matters to you, I’ll personally cook for you every day from now on, alright?”


    Was she genuinely serious?


    Eric eyed her skeptically.


    Though Hadley was clearly making an effort to soothe him, a lingering sense of detachment still emanated from her.


    True affection couldn’t be faked—actions always spoke louder than mereforting words.


    Yet, telling her again to leave was something Eric couldn’t bear to repeat.


    Swallowing his irritation, Eric simply stared quietly at her.


    “Stop being upset, okay?” Hadley coaxed gently, scooping a spoonful of pear.


    “It’s honestly delicious. Will you let me feed you?”


    “Fine…”


    Eric grudgingly allowed her to feed him, taking careful bites.


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