?Chapter 1243:


    Eric paused for a moment. “I was just about to leave.”


    From the kitchen, Melba’s voice carried over. “Hadley,e have breakfast!”


    “On my way!” Hadley called back, giving Eric a wave with her hand still on her mask. “Goodbye then. Just make sure to shut the door behind you.”


    With that, she moved towards the kitchen.


    “Sure,” Eric replied, his voice tinged with concern as he heard her cough again. His brow creased with worry. How was she managing to push through like this?


    In the mid-afternoon, around three or four, Hadley was fast asleep, finally getting some rest after taking her medicine. The ringing of the doorbell jarred her awake.


    “Who could that be?” she murmured, climbing out of bed. With Melba and Joy out for the afternoon, the ce was quieter than usual.


    Upon opening the door, she was surprised to see Eric.


    “Do you need something?”


    “Hadley,” Eric began, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. He was holding a bag. “I’ve brought some imported medicine that’s supposed to be very effective.”


    He ced the bag on the table and began to unpack the medicine.


    “You…” Hadley tried to speak but was interrupted by a fit of coughing.


    “Still feeling ill?” Eric’s brow furrowed with concern. “Maybe you should try some of this right now.”


    He proceeded to open the medicine box, preparing to help her.


    “Wait!” Hadley interrupted, holding up a hand to stop him.


    “What’s wrong?” Eric stopped, looking puzzled.


    Hadley’s cough persisted, breaking through her attempts to speak. She had hoped her rejection would convey her message. Yet, it appeared that some things couldn’t be left unsaid.


    Managing a wry smile through her difort, she posed a direct question. “Are you worried about me? Do you still have feelings for me?”


    Caught off guard by her straightforwardness, Eric’s expression shifted to one of surprise. After a moment of silence, he met her gaze, his eyes revealing ayer of openness.


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    “I am…”


    Instinctively, Hadley shook her head. “You shouldn’t. And I don’t want it…”


    As she spoke, her throat tickled unbearably, as if a feather were stuck there.


    “You don’t want it?” Eric’s features hardened, his eyes narrowing into a frosty re. “Then whose concern are you looking for? Denver’s?” he scoffed bitterly. “Is it because of him that you’re in this state? Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to want you anymore!”


    Hadley stared at him, stunned. What in the world was he even saying? Anger surged within her, and she pointed sternly toward the door. “Get out! Now!”


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice broke as panic set in. He immediately regretted his outburst.


    Why did he let his emotions get the better of him again?


    Despite his realization, Eric didn’t move to leave, instead bowing his head in remorse. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”


    Hadley’s cheeks were tinged red, whether from her coughs or her mounting irritation was unclear.


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