?Chapter 1121:


    She couldn’t argue with that. “But—”


    “I have to try,” he said, smiling softly. “Even if it doesn’t work out, at least I won’t have regrets.”


    “Denver…”


    He was gentle, yet resolute. “No pressure. I’m not a kid. I know what I’m doing. Don’t mind me. Just follow your heart, and your own pace.”


    After he left, Hadley went back upstairs, still holding the flowers, her heart heavy.


    That weight lingered until Brady arrived to take her and Joy to the hospital.


    Today, they were going to the hospital for Joy’s routine check-up. Besides, Brady also needed a physical.


    As the donor, he had to be in perfect health—physically and emotionally—before the transnt surgery. Both he and Joy were fasting for blood work.


    Hadley had brought breakfast, ready to hand it over as soon as the tests were done. “Eat up.”


    “Thanks, Hadley.”


    “Thanks, Mommy.”


    While they sat outside eating, Hadley waited for the results to take to Dr. Duncan.


    “How’d it go?” Brady asked, lifting Joy onto hisp. “Am I cleared?”


    Hadley smiled and nodded. “Yes, you’re good.”


    “I figured.” Brady kissed Joy’s plump cheek, and then turned back to…


    “Hadley.”


    “Is the surgery date set?”


    “It is,” she replied. “Mid-next month.”


    Less than six weeks away.


    Brady cradled Joy in his arms as they exited the outpatient building together.


    To their surprise, a figure blocked their path at the entrance.


    Stay tuned for more g??lnoνe??s.c?m


    “Hello there.” Astrid stood with her arms crossed, her gaze flitting provocatively from Brady to Hadley and Joy. “Care to exin what is going on here?”


    Hadley frowned, a sinking feeling gnawing at her chest.


    “Why are you here?” Brady hurriedly passed Joy over to Hadley, urgencycing his voice. “Hadley, take Joy and go first. Astrid can be difficult, and I don’t want her scaring Joy.”


    “Okay.” Hadley nodded without hesitation. “Joy, say goodbye to Uncle Brady.”


    “Bye-bye, Uncle Brady!”


    “Bye, Joy!”


    Without wasting another second, Hadley turned on her heel and hurried off with Joy in her arms.


    “Hey! Don’t walk away from me!” Astrid shouted, taking a step forward.


    “Hadley! Stop right there! Do you hear me?”


    “Astrid!” Brady stepped into her path, arm outstretched to block her advance. “Enough! Don’t make a scene in public. What the hell are you doing here? Were you following me?”


    “Yes, I was! And what of it?” Astrid had no intention of denying it.


    Ever since the incident with the car, Astrid had been nursing a grudge. Brady had t-out refused to admit he had bought the car for Hadley.


    “If I hadn’t followed you, you would still be lying through your teeth, wouldn’t you?” Astrid snapped, jabbing a finger in the direction Hadley had disappeared. “What do you have to say now? Didn’t you swear you weren’t even in touch with her?”


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