?Chapter 2751:


    “Yes.” A faint sting pressed against Hadley’s chest, though her expression stayed tender.


    “I know you did it for me. Back then I wasn’t willing to see beyond my anger.”


    Each word carried the weight of her truth.


    What once seemed impossible to grasp—what she believed she could never ept—had revealed itself the instant Ellis cornered her into making a simrly tough decision Eric had once faced.


    All she wanted was for Eric to live. And that had been his only wish as well months before.


    Memories returned of how she’d turned away, refusing to hear him out, and how she had never visited him after his surgery. Hadley’s mouth trembled open as a hushed confession slipped out.


    “I’m sorry… for abandoning you back then.”


    “Don’t say that!” Eric blurted, frantic, his head shaking over and over.


    To him, there had never been a single debt on her side. If anyone carried the burden, it was him—and in this life, he would never stop owing her.


    But now that forgiveness rested in her eyes, a fragile hope stirred.


    “Hadley.” His chest hammered as he dared to ask, “Does this mean… we still—”


    “Hahaha…” Joy’sughter suddenly echoed from upstairs.


    “Joy! Slow down! It’s time for your bath!”


    “I want Mommy!”


    In the blink of an eye, a small figure dashed down the staircase.


    “Mommy!”


    “Hey there.” Hadley’s smile bloomed as she caught her daughter in her arms.


    “Why aren’t you upstairs getting washed?”


    “Because Mommy has to do it!” Joy clung tightly to her neck, saying, “I only want Mommy! Please?”


    ???????? ???????? ???????????? at galn??v??????．?????


    Refusing her daughter wasn’t an option.


    “Fine, fine.” Hadley tapped her daughter’s nose gently, saying, “You little rascal… Come on then.”


    “Come on!” Joy echoed, nestling into her embrace while twisting around to wave at Eric.


    “Daddy, stay here! After the bath, dry my hair! I want you to read me a story as well!”


    Eric’s heart melted as he answered with a grin, “Of course.”


    The moment felt perfect, even though he and Hadley hadn’t finished their conversation.


    They would have time to continue once Joy was asleep.


    Once Joy’s bath was finished, Hadley carried her to the bed, where Eric stepped in without hesitation.


    With gentle care, he first patted her hair with a towel until only a trace of dampness remained, and then guided the blow dryer through each strand with steady patience. Hadley recognized this tenderness all too well.


    Back when they were together, he had fussed over her in just the same way.


    The reminder of those days pulled her briefly into memory, her mind drifting away.


    “Mommy!” Joy pointed eagerly toward the study next door.


    “Can you get my storybook, please?”


    .


    .


    .