?Chapter 1403:


    “You’re not worried at all?” she asked, surprised.


    He could tell she meant it. She really was worried about him.


    “Not at all.” Eric shook his head. His smile deepened. “It’s just my pinky. And it’s on my left hand. Even if it doesn’t work perfectly, it won’t affect much.”


    “What kind of logic is that?” Hadley frowned.


    “Don’t be upset.” Seeing the look on her face, Eric quickly softened his expression. “The doctor said it’ll recover, didn’t he?”


    “He did.” Hadley let out a quiet sigh. “Just make sure you follow through with the rehab.”


    “I will.”


    Eric nodded, still smiling, and carried Joy as they made their way out together.


    As they walked through the outpatient hall, Hadley noticed Linda in the distance. She was seated in a wheelchair, with Jane standing behind her.


    Hadley nced up at Eric.


    “What is it?” Eric asked, puzzled.


    She tilted her chin slightly in Linda’s direction. She didn’t believe he hadn’t seen her.


    “Aren’t you going to say hello?” she asked.


    “What?”


    Eric followed her gaze, as if noticing Linda just then. He paused for a beat, then shook his head. “No.” He kept walking, Joy still in his arms.


    What was that?


    Hadley caught up to him, puzzled. “What’s going on between you two?”


    “What do you mean?” Eric let out a shortugh. “Didn’t you tell me to stay away from her?”


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    That part was true, but she hadn’t expected him to take it this far—not even acknowledging Linda when they crossed paths.


    She frowned, narrowing her eyes. “You’re acting strange.”


    “Strange how?” Eric leaned in and whispered, “You get upset every time you see her, so I stay away. I just want us to live peacefully together, as a family. If you’re at ease, we all are. Your happiness means everything to me.”


    Hadley froze.


    She looked up at him.


    Did he just say the word… “family”?


    “You…”


    “Hey!” Before she could respond, Joy grabbed Eric’s face with both hands. “What are you and Mommy talking about? I want to hear too!”


    “Oh!” Eric’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “How could I forget you, Joy?


    We were just talking about…”


    He leaned in, whispering something in her ear. Father and daughter walked ahead, their heads close, giggling as they talked.


    Hadley let out a quietugh and shook her head, trailing behind them.


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