?Chapter 947:


    “Take care, Ernest,” Hadley said with a nod.


    She watched him leave, and then turned and pushed the door open without rush.


    Inside, Eric sat up in bed, his expression full of mock hurt. “Hadley, didn’t you hear me calling? I thought you left me again.”


    Hadley didn’t dignify theint with a full response. “Why were you calling?”


    “I’m thirsty,” Eric said, lips slightly pouted. “Could you get me some water?”


    “Alright.” Hadley gave a soft sigh—half indulgent, half amused—and walked over to the pitcher. “Hold on a moment.”


    She returned with a ss of water and held it out to him. “Here you go.”


    “I still have no strength in my hands,” he said, his lips curving into a pitiful expression that was far too practiced.


    Hadley stared at him, silent for a long moment. “Are you pretending again?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “You seemed plenty energetic when you were chasing after me earlier.”


    “That was just… adrenaline.” Eric defended himself, lifting his chin with exaggerated dignity. “The doctor said I’m still weak. I need rest.” He pointed solemnly at his head. “I had brain surgery, you know? That’s a bit more serious than a scraped knee,” Eric said, gesturing to his head with exaggerated solemnity.


    His hair, once neatly styled, had been shaved clean for the operation. Some imed a man’s true handsomeness revealed itself with a shaved head. If that were true, Eric had nothing to worry about.


    Hadley’s eyes flicked to the bandage, her irritation softening as the reality of what he’d endured tugged at herposure. With a quiet sigh, she lifted the ss to his lips. “Now drink.”


    Eric’s expression brightened with boyish smugness. He took a few slow sips, savoring the moment. “It tastes sweeter when you give it to me,” he murmured, smiling.


    Without a word, Hadley pressed the rim of the ss a little harder against his mouth, effectively shutting him up. “More drinking. Less talking.”


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    “Mm—!” He spluttered slightly, nearly choking, his wide-eyed look of innocence earning no sympathy from her.


    Later that afternoon, Eric was wheeled in for follow-up scans—both a CT and MRI—to check the state of his recovery. The results would take a day or two toe in.


    The night slipped by without disturbance, and the hospital settled into its familiar hush.


    The next morning, Eric began his early round of treatment. While he rested between sessions, Hadley spoke to him gently, her tone matter-of-fact. “You seem stable now. I was thinking… I’ll head back home this afternoon. Just for a day. I’ll return tomorrow.”


    Eric’s expression shifted instantly. His eyes


    “You’re leaving?” Eric’s voice dimmed.


    Hadley’sshes fluttered. “I haven’t been home in days. Joy’s been asking for me, and today’s also my follow-up with the doctor.”


    “Oh… right.” Eric’s voice lowered. With her exnation, he had no ground to object.


    But then, he perked up slightly. “Then wait until I finish treatment. I’ll go with you.”


    “No need,” Hadley replied, her brow creasing as she shot him a look. “You’re still not fully recovered. You need rest.”


    “I’m not—”


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