?Chapter 1030:


    By the time the afternoon rolled around, Melba was back. Joy, now awake and cradled in Eric’s arms, appeared much better.


    “I’ll take over. Mr. Flynn, you must be hungry too, right? Why don’t you and Hadley go out for a bite?” She had followed Hadley’s earlier directive to prepare food only for Joy.


    “Sure,” Eric agreed, passing Joy to Melba. He brushed Joy’s head affectionately. “Enjoy your meal. We’ll return shortly.”


    “Okay…” After her fever, Joy’s voice was tender but spirited. She pped her small hand. “Bye-bye, Mom. Bye-bye, Eric.”


    Her yful spirit shone through now that she felt a bit better. “Make sure you buy something yummy for Mommy.”


    Eric stopped, a smile breaking across his face, and then he nodded in agreement. “You got it. I’ll make sure of it.”


    Finding themselves with little appetite, they chose a nearby café and settled for simple set meals, eating without much conversation. With his injured arm, Eric struggled somewhat with his food, and Hadley finished eating first.


    Setting aside her utensils, Hadley dabbed at her lips with a napkin and took a sip of water, sensing the right moment to initiate a conversation.


    “Eric,” Hadley said, pausing briefly before continuing in an even tone, “We’ve discussed marriage before. Is that still something you’re considering?”


    At her words, Eric’s head snapped up, his features hardening. “Why wouldn’t it be? Are you thinking of calling it off?”


    “I’m not pulling away,” Hadley said, shaking her head slightly. “But do you really think, under these circumstances, that we can go through with a wedding?”


    “Why not?” Eric responded, setting his utensils aside to look her directly in the eyes.


    “Are you really asking me?” Hadley’s smile held a hint of irony. “Have you forgotten how you almost threw your life away for Linda?”


    “What are you implying?” A rush of emotions flickered through Eric’s eyes. “Are you jealous? Didn’t you im to have no feelings for me?”


    “That’s right, I don’t,” Hadley replied, maintaining herposure. “However, Linda does care about you a great deal. And yet, you’re here, wanting to marry me. Don’t you worry about breaking her heart?”


    gα?ησν????s is where your journey begins


    At that, theplexity in Eric’s expression cleared. It dawned on him. He had been fooling himself, believing Hadley might actually be showing signs of jealousy. Now, a deep pain ignited within him, feeling both intense and sharp.


    “Do you despise her?” Eric’s voice wasced with a pained chuckle, his words hoarse as he tried to mask the ache inside. “Wouldn’t her heartbreak actually please you?”


    Hadley was momentarily stunned by his question; her first instinct was tosh out in anger. However, she held back, herughter tinged with fury as she fixed him with a cold stare.


    “Eric, you’re truly despicable!”


    He was ready to sacrifice everything for Linda, and yet insisted on dragging Hadley into a marriage. In frustration, Hadley mmed her cup down on the table, preparing to storm off.


    “Hadley.”


    Her wrist was suddenly caught, and Eric drew her close, encircling her with his good arm. He leaned his head against her, his voice muffled against her chest.


    “She’s not in love with me. Her despair isn’t about me… She’s upset because she can’t walk anymore.”


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