?Chapter 916:


    “Yes.” Hadley ced a handful of peeled pistachios in her hand. Elissa popped one into her mouth and went on, “Whether it’s about Joy or not, you just can’tpletely cut him off, can you?”


    Hadley stopped shelling the nuts and looked up sharply.


    “Just like the Flynn family, they took you in and treated you nicely, but they also caused you pain.” Elissa sighed. “It would be easier if you could ignore everything else and just hold onto anger. I know how that feels.”


    Just like her situation with Robin…


    Robin’s constant cheating and violent temper… But deep down, she knew she had hurt Robin first, even if it wasn’t deliberate.


    Robin’s personality had twisted and he slowly changed into someone unrecognizable. But in truth, he was also a victim of what happened on their wedding night.


    The two women sat quietly, each knowing exactly how the other felt.


    “Have some of this.”


    “Looks like we’re out of coffee. Let me prepare some more.”


    “Okay.”


    Hadley was barely on her feet when a sudden knock sounded at the door.


    She turned around quickly.


    Who could be visiting at such ate hour?


    A man’s deep voice came clearly through the door. “Hadley!”


    Could it be Eric? Was he back in Srixby? She nced at the clock; it was now past eleven-thirty.


    “Hadley?” Elissa called out from the couch. “Why aren’t you opening the door?”


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    “Oh.” Hadley snapped out of her thoughts and rushed to the door. When she opened it, she saw Eric, dressed warmly in a ck coat. He had his face down and was smiling shyly at her.


    “Hadley, I made it.” His eyes, dark and bright, reminded her exactly of Joy whenever she hoped for approval.


    “Come in,” Hadley finally said, moving back cautiously.


    “Alright.” Eric entered. He stopped short when he noticed Elissa, surprised to find her sitting there. “Hello, Elissa.”


    “Mr. Flynn.” Elissa smiled as she rose from the couch. Turning slightly in Hadley’s direction, she said, “Hadley, I feel sleepy. Can you take me to my room? I want to sleep.”


    “Of course,” Hadley responded immediately, rushing over to support her.


    Elissa gave a soft chuckle and said softly, “Enjoy some family time with Joy tonight. Goodnight, Hadley.”


    “Okay, goodnight.”


    When Hadley came back, she found Eric on the couch, peeling a tangerine. He spotted her, dropped the tangerine, and got up right away.


    “Is Joy asleep?”


    “Yes, she slept early.”


    Eric nodded. “So, should I wake her?”


    “Would you do that?” Hadley immediately stopped him.


    “To see the fireworks, of course. I promised her, and I need to keep that promise.”


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