?Chapter 2732:


    Joy pouted, whispering, “I want a little sister too… Or a little brother would be fine.”


    Her voice softened with longing.


    “Locke is older than me, but I want to be a big sister too. Can’t I?”


    Her innocent question tugged at Eric’s heart, leaving him caught between a smile and a pang of sadness.


    He followed his daughter’s gaze toward Hadley, his Adam’s apple shifting with the weight of unspoken words.


    “That’s up to Mommy.”


    “Mommy?” Joy’s wide, hopeful eyes turned to Hadley—so like her father’s that it almost made herugh and ache all at once.


    Hadley’s brow knitted; a faint sheen of sweat gathered on the bridge of her nose. She pointed gently at Joy’s backpack.


    “Didn’t you say you had a lot to show Daddy?”


    “Oh, right.” Joy’s face lit up again as shemanded, “Daddy, take off my bag, please.”


    “Alright.” Eric chuckled softly, unshouldering the bag as his eyes lingered on Hadley with quiet resignation.


    She hadn’t said no. Did that mean… there was still hope?


    And if that day ever truly came, Eric thought, perhaps all this would have been worth it.


    Time was slipping away.


    Hadley turned to Joy.


    “Grab your backpack. It’s time to go home.”


    “Alright.” Joy obeyed quickly, putting her things in order.


    Hadley crouched down to lift her. She then shot a nce at Eric.


    “We’re heading out now. We’ll be back tomorrow. Get some rest tonight.”


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    “Okay.” Eric nodded but couldn’t resist asking, “What time tomorrow?”


    “First thing in the morning,” Hadley answered.


    “I’ll bring your breakfast.”


    The surroundings werefortable enough, yet the food here couldn’tpare to what their private chef usually made at home.


    “Sounds good.” A small smile curved Eric’s lips, and his eyes sparkled.


    “I’ll be waiting.”


    “Okay, let’s get going.” Hadley looked down at Joy.


    “Time to say goodbye to Daddy.”


    “Bye-bye.” Joy snuggled against her mother’s shoulder, waving her tiny arm with excitement.


    “Bye-bye, Daddy!”


    “Goodbye, Joy.”


    “Come on.” Hadley held her daughter carefully and started toward the door. Joy kept turning to wave at Eric over her mother’s shoulder.


    “Bye-bye, sweetheart.” Eric’s gaze stayed on the little girl, returning her waves until the door clicked closed behind them.


    His smile never wavered during those two hours.


    Days like this were pure happiness. Their little family of three would be together again. They had to be.


    The next morning, Hadley arrived just before seven.


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