?Chapter 714:


    After sessfully finishing the dessert, Hadley cleared the dishes away before beginning to organize her things around the room.


    From the bed, Eric silently observed every move she made, unwilling or perhaps unable to look elsewhere.


    When Hadley finally finished tidying up, she picked up her phone and curled upfortably on the small sofa.


    Since gaming didn’t interest her, she opened a video app and immersed herself in a variety show.


    Eric couldn’t see what captured her attention, but the sound of herughter drifting over to him was unmistakable.


    “Hadley.” Eric shot a sharp look at the woman lounging across from him, his brow creasing. “Come here.”


    Setting down her phone, Hadley asked patiently, “What is it—water, bathroom?”


    “Neither.” Eric tapped the empty space next to him decisively. “Come lie down over here instead. That sofa’s too cramped and ufortable.”


    “I’d rather not.” Hadley firmly shook her head. “I’m perfectly fine over here. Your bed might berger, but you’re hurt all over—what if I identally bump into you?”


    Without further argument, she returned her attention to her phone screen,ughing softly again at whatever amused her.


    At that moment, Eric’s temper finally snapped, unable to bear her aloofness any longer.


    In a burst of irritation, he threw the nkets aside, clenched his jaw, and got up from the bed, determinedly heading straight toward the sofa.


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    Footsteps echoed sharply, causing Hadley to nce up from her phone—only to find Eric, tightly bandaged and pale, looming over her.


    “Eric, what on earth are you—”


    For a moment, she was speechless, stunned to see him upright. “Have you lost your mind?”


    Considering his condition, he shouldn’t have even been sitting up, let alone standing here before her.


    “If you insist on ignoring me, I’ll just carry you myself.”


    Ignoring the sharp pain, Eric reached down and swiftly pulled her into his arms. “I said I want you beside me.”


    “Eric!”


    As her body lifted off the sofa, panic surged in Hadley’s eyes. Instinctively, she twisted to break free. “Put me down immediately!” Had hepletely lost his senses?


    “Stop it, Eric! Your wounds! You’ll hurt yourself!”


    “I don’t care!” Eric scoffed defiantly, carrying her toward the bed despite his ghostly paleplexion and the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.


    “Ah!” Hadley gasped aloud when heid her down abruptly. “Eric, wait—let me see your injuries—”


    But before she could rise, Eric silenced her protests by capturing her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss.


    His lips slid across her face, trailing downward insistently.


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