?Chapter 1231:


    “It means that, in your eyes, I’m not someone you could turn to. Not someone you could depend on,” he whispered.


    Hadley had nothing to say to that.


    She couldn’t argue.


    After everything that had happened, she had even thought about reaching out to Ernest. But Denver? She hadn’t considered him at all.


    “Denver.” Hadley took a moment to gather her thoughts. Then, she looked him in the eye and said, “You’re a good friend to me.”


    “I understand,” said Denver with a nod. “I’ve only made things harder for you… What kind of friend am I?”


    At his words, Hadley felt a lump in her throat, and her eyes began to sting.


    “Don’t say that…”


    Denver chuckled softly, then added, “From now on, I won’t trouble you anymore.”


    Hadley’s eyes widened in disbelief.


    “You heard me right,” Denver continued, seemingly relieved. He smiled bitterly and said, “I’ve given up, Hadley. I’m done waiting for you toe around. You don’t have to worry about how to turn me down anymore.”


    Hadley couldn’t hold back any longer. Her tears welled up and spilled over before she could stop them. Choking up, she whispered, “Denver, thank… thank you.”


    “Don’t cry.” Denver’s smile grew wider as he looked at her eyes reddened with tears. “If you cry like that, I’ll think you don’t really want me to let go. And if I think that, I might just change my mind.”


    Hadley froze for a second. But instead of stopping, her tears came down harder. She knew he was joking.


    “You’re so annoying,” she murmured.


    “Ha-ha!” Denver stood up, walked over to her, and handed her a tissue. “Wipe those tears and walk me out, will you?”


    “Okay.” Hadley took the tissue, gave her eyes a quick swipe, and stood up.


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    “Hadley.” Denver’s smile suddenly disappeared, and he straightforwardly asked, “Do you… like Eric?”


    “Huh?” Hadley blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. She didn’t answer, and Denver didn’t push her. Instead, he said, “If you do like him, then why let go?”


    Even without an answer, he could see it in her eyes. She liked Eric. And that was enough for him to speak up.


    Hadley faltered. She didn’t know what to say.


    “Why are you looking at me like that? Like I’m pitiful,” said Denver with a teasing grin. “I’m not. I cared about someone, so I gave it my best shot. That’s more than most people do. What about you, Hadley? Maybe it’s time you fought for what you want.”


    Hadley scoffed lightly and shot back, “What do you know? I already fought for him. From 15 to 20, I never stopped fighting for him…” She forced a smile. “But I failed miserably.”


    “That was then. Things aren’t the same now.” Denver shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. “Back then, he didn’t like you. But now, he does. Guys can tell. We just know. Hadley, when a man likes someone, everything changes. You should’ve felt that by now.”


    Hadley froze. Slowly, the smile on her face faded.


    “Alright.”


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