?Chapter 737:


    “Eric?”


    Hadley’s voice cut through the moment, her tone soft but unwavering. Eric blinked. “Yes? What is it?”


    Cradled in his palms, Hadley let out a faint smile—one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I was just wondering… have you ever ignored Linda’s calls?”


    Eric froze. Hadley’s faint smile remained, but there was an unmistakable sadness in it. “If it had been her calling youst night, would you have ignored it?”


    “Hadley—”


    Eric’s chest tightened painfully. She wasn’t angry. She wasn’t crying. Yet this—this quiet, resigned hurt—was far worse than any outburst she could have had.


    “Hadley, I was wrong.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Please, forgive me this time. I swear—it won’t happen again.”


    Hadley didn’t push him away.


    “Alright,” she murmured, her voice unreadable. “That’s what you said.”


    “Yes!” Eric tightened his hold, as if afraid she would slip through his fingers. “Never again!”


    Carefully, he eased her back against the pillows, making sure she wasfortable. Then, he spoke up again. “The doctor said we need to run some tests to find out why you fainted. Just a routine examination—”


    “NO!” Before he could even finish, Hadley shut him down with firm resistance. “I don’t want any tests.”


    Eric frowned, his voice turning gentle as he tried to coax her. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s just check to be sure. Alright?”


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    “I’m just a little weak from skipping meals.” Hadley shook her head, already turning away. “I was trying to lose a few more pounds. Nothing serious.” No matter what Eric said, she refused.


    “I don’t like hospitals. I don’t like examinations.” Her voice turned cold as shepletely ignored him. “Don’t force me.”


    Eric let out a low exhale, rubbing his temple. Even when he was just trying to take care of her, she found a way to push back. Yet, despite everything—he couldn’t help but indulge her.


    “Alright, alright—no tests,” Eric sighed, relenting with a small shake of his head. He wasn’t going to fight her on this. Not now. “But listen,” he added, “next time you feel even the slightest symptom, youe to the hospital immediately. No more excuses. Deal?”


    Hadley met his gaze, studying him for a moment before nodding. “Alright.” Next time? She almostughed at the thought.


    Since she had refused the examination, the doctor had simply given her a list of precautions before signing off on her discharge.


    That evening… After dinner, Hadley stretched out her arms toward Eric. “Carry me, please.”


    “Feelingzy today?” With a yful tap to her nose, he crouched down in front of her, motioning with his hands. “Hop on, honey.”


    Hadley’s lips curled into a smile as she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.


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