?Chapter 1194:


    She knew, logically, that everything she was seeing was standard post-op care—nothing to be rmed about. But a mother’s heart rarely listened to reason.


    Joy wasn’t even four years old yet. And seeing her so small, so vulnerable, surrounded by wires and machines… it was too much.


    “Time’s up,” the nurse gently reminded them. “Please don’t worry. We’ll take excellent care of Joy.”


    “Thank you. We’re truly grateful,” Eric replied.


    Even after they stepped out of the sterile ward area, Hadley couldn’t shake the heaviness in her chest. Herposure, already fragile, threatened to crumble.


    Eric looked over at her, torn. He wanted to offerfort, but his heart was just as heavy. How could it not be?


    Joy was so young, yet she had already endured more than most would in a lifetime.


    After a long pause, he finally spoke in a quiet voice. “Let’s try to stay hopeful… This is the final stretch. Once Joy gets through this, the rest of her life will be filled with nothing but happiness.”


    Hadley looked up at him, eyes glistening, startled by the gentleness in his voice.


    Eric’s heart gave a sharp twist. He quickly pulled a tissue from his pocket and handed it to her.


    “You haven’t been sleeping well these past few days, getting ready for her surgery,” he added softly. “Since we can’t be by Joy’s side right now, use this time to rest. You’ll need your strength once she’s out—she’ll keep you busy.”


    A faint smile broke through Hadley’s tears as she nodded and epted the tissue. “Yeah. You’re right.”


    Just then, Eric’s phone began to ring. It was a call from the nurse.


    “Mr. Scott, your treatment today is about to—”


    “I know,” Eric interrupted gently. “I’ll be there soon.”


    After ending the call, he turned to Hadley. “Shall I walk you back to the ward?”


    “Alright.”


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    Eric apanied her to the hematology department, walking beside her in silence.


    As they arrived, Hadley paused. “You don’t have to walk me all the way in,” she said softly. “Go on and get your infusion.” She gave him a light smile. “I’ll head in now. Let me know if anythinges up.” With a polite wave, she turned and walked toward the ward,posed and steady.


    Her tone hadn’t been cold, nor had it been particrly warm—it was bnced, courteous… and somehow, heartbreakingly distant. Eric stood frozen for a moment, watching her disappear through the door.


    Why did it feel like she was slipping further and further away? A strange hollowness settled in his chest.


    He had never truly held her close—yet somehow, it felt as if he’d lost her over and over again.


    Meanwhile, Elissa was already there, lugging in tworge bags.


    “Hadley!” she called out from the nurse’s station, where she was about to request entry. “These are from Melba. You’re back already? Did the surgery finish?”


    Seeing Hadley return earlier than expected, Elissa assumed the best.


    “Yeah.” Hadley nodded, her lips curving into a small, relieved smile.


    “The surgery was a sess.”


    “Oh, that’s wonderful news!” Elissa beamed. Her eyes lit up as she dropped the bags and threw her arms around Hadley. “That’s truly wonderful!”


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