?Chapter 2731:


    Inside the room, Eric was already waiting, his neck craning every time footsteps echoed in the corridor.


    The police had temporarily removed his electronic ankle monitor for the visit—just two hours of freedom to keep the illusion intact.


    “Go on,” Hadley whispered, pushing the door open.


    “Joy?” Eric crouched on the floor, arms open wide.


    “Come give Daddy a hug!”


    The little girl froze, staring at his hospital gown.


    She had seen clothes like that before—patients’ clothes.


    So her father really was sick. That was why he hadn’te to visit her for so long.


    With tiny, hurried steps, she ran into his arms.


    The moment her cheek pressed against him, she burst into tears.


    “Joy?” Eric held her tightly, his heart twisting.


    “Why are you crying? Are you angry with Daddy?”


    Joy pouted through her tears, her tiny fingers brushing his bandaged head.


    “Here… is your head hurting again?”


    She remembered what her mommy had said beforest time, her daddy had forgotten her because his head was sick.


    What about this time?


    “Will you… will you…” Her lips trembled as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    “Will you forget me again?”


    Eric’s chest tightened painfully. His arms wrapped around his daughter tighter, his voice low and rough.


    “No! Daddy won’t forget you again.”


    Joy nced at Hadley for reassurance.


    “Mommy?”


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    Hadley’s eyes stung, but she nodded softly.


    “It’s true.”


    Joy’s tears slowed. Her small hand patted his head.


    “Get better, okay? And don’t forget me.”


    “I promise.” Eric nodded solemnly.


    “Daddy promises you. I’ll get better. I won’t forget you. You’ll always be Daddy’s little princess—the only one. Alright?”


    He held out his pinky.


    “Pinky promise?”


    “Okay…” Joy pursed her lips, lifting her small hand.


    Yet just as their fingers were about to meet, she hesitated. Her gaze flicked between her parents, a small crease forming on her forehead.


    “The only one…” she murmured.


    She now understood so many words—and “only” was one of them.


    Only meant… just one, didn’t it?


    “But… Mommy and Daddy?” Joy frowned, puzzled.


    “Am I really the only one? No little brothers or sisters?”


    Locke had told her he had a little sister who lived with his mommy now, and someday, his mommy and sister woulde back and their family would be together again.


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