?Chapter 2757:


    What she was about to say might feel like breaking her promise. But as she had made clear before, making amitment was no trivial matter.


    Even if it made her seem unreasonable, she had to voice it.


    “What if I don’t like you? Would that not matter to you?” she asked.


    Ellis’ expression faltered for a moment, but hisposure quickly returned.


    He nodded, unshaken.


    “I know you don’t like me. But…”


    Meeting her gaze head-on, determination glinted in his eyes.


    “That’s alright. It doesn’t change how I feel about you. And…” He added with quiet conviction, “time’s on our side. I’ll work hard to make you like me.”


    “What if…” Hadley leaned forward, hands braced on the table, her voice firmer.


    “What if I never like you—even after a lifetime together?”


    “What?” Ellis paused, and then let out a soft, almost incredulous chuckle.


    “Am I really that unbearable?”


    “This isn’t a joke.” Hadley’s brows knitted, her tone heavy with frustration.


    “In a rtionship, one-sided affection isn’t enough. Sooner orter, you’ll grow weary…”


    “Alright.” Seeing her seriousness, Ellis stopped smiling. In aposed tone, he said, “You doubt me? Then I’ll prove it to you—let’s see whiches first: you falling for me, or me growing tired of you.”


    Leaning in slightly, his voice lowered.


    “Hadley, you already agreed. There’s no backing out now.”


    Hadley faltered, caught between unease and helplessness. She had said everything that could be said, yet he remained immovable.


    All he asked was that she honor her promise.


    Momentster, Ellis pressed the service bell.


    A knock came, and a server stepped in.


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    “How may I assist you?”


    “We’d like to order.”


    “Of course.”


    Ellis handed the menu to Hadley.


    “Choose what you like. From now on, I’ll learn your tastes—and remember them.”


    His tone was light, casual, as if the promise carried no weight.


    “Actually, I’m a fair cook. I’ll prepare meals for you in the future. Oh, and…” He gestured toward the server.


    “A bottle of red wine, please.”


    Turning back to Hadley, his lips curved faintly.


    “Today’s our first date. We should celebrate.”


    Eric gently closed the storybook. Beside him, Joy had already drifted into sleep.


    He rose, ced the book aside, turned off the light, and stepped out—only to hear faint movement from downstairs.


    A nce at his watch: nearly 9 p.m.


    Hadley and Ellis’ dinner was stretchingte.


    After a brief wait, footsteps sounded, and Hadley came up the stairs.


    Catching sight of Eric, her eyes flickered.


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