?Chapter 1354:


    “Sounds good,” Eric agreed, a subtle smile ying on his lips.


    “I’ll call the caregiver in then,” Hadley said, turning to leave.


    “Wait!” Eric’s hand shot out, catching her wrist.


    “What is it?” Hadley turned back, puzzled.


    Eric’s brow knitted in frustration. “Why call the caregiver?”


    “To help you clean up and change, of course,” Hadley replied, baffled. “Is that a problem?”


    Eric’s exasperation red. Was she truly oblivious, or ying coy?


    “The caregiver is a woman!” he pointed out.


    Hadley blinked, caught off guard. “I know. What is the issue? She is nearly fifty.”<fnbee3> Discover more novels at FιndＮovel</fnbee3>


    Practically old enough to be his mother.


    “I don’t want that!” Eric’s tone was resolute, his frown deepening. “Forget it. I’ll stay as is and try to sleep.”


    Hadley stared, at a loss. “Why are you making this soplicated? What do you want?”


    “You’re right here,” Eric said, his voice firm with conviction. “Can’t you help me?”


    Hadley froze, unsure if she had heard him correctly.


    Then a wryugh escaped her. “Eric, are you trying to charm your way through this?”


    “Yes,” Eric admitted, his lips pressed into a determined line, his eyes unwavering.


    Hadley’sugh carried a sharp edge. “And why do you think you can y cute with me? Have you forgotten your betrayal? Or do you think losing a finger wipes the te clean?”


    “I haven’t forgotten.” Eric said, his voice heavy with remorse. “I’d never dare think that.”


    Throwing back the covers, he slid out of bed and grasped Hadley’s hand.


    His eyes brimmed with guilt and sorrow.


    Every story starts at g?lnσν????s﹒??оm


    “I was wrong, Hadley. I’m begging you to forgive me. I love you and Joy with all my heart.”


    Hadley’s gaze fell to his injured hand, her words caught in her throat, unable to counter his plea.


    “Hadley!”


    Eric dropped to his knees before her, his voice breaking. “I was wrong, so wrong. I’m sorry!”


    It was the second time since the incident that he had knelt in her presence.


    Hadley’s eyes welled with tears, her heart twisting in a painful knot. Her lips quivered as she reached down to tug Eric to his feet. “What are you doing? Stand up! Getting on your knees won’t fix anything!”


    “Then tell me,” Eric pleaded, his arm encircling her legs as he looked up with desperate eyes. “What will? Name it, Hadley—I’ll do whatever you ask!”


    “Don’t you get it?” Hadley’s voice cracked, her eyes squeezing shut as tears traced paths down her cheeks. “What’s done can’t be undone!”


    “It is my fault,” Eric rasped, his voice thick with anguish. “I haven’t had a single night of peace. Every time I close my eyes, it’s you I see. Hadley, I miss you so much it hurts.”


    Hadley’s face twisted, caught in a storm of emotions, unsure whether to soften or harden.


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