?Chapter 2803:


    “Isn’t it ridiculous? Love should be built on genuine feelings, not treated like some bargain to be struck.”


    She shook her head again and again.


    “Let me go. Please, end this deal before it bes even more ridiculous.”


    “Stop it!”


    Ellis’ hand shot out, seizing Hadley’s wrist as he stepped in, pulling her closer.


    Hadley stumbled backward, eyes wide with rm.


    “What are you nning to do?”


    The next moment, her back struck the wall with a heavy thump as Ellis pinned her in ce.


    “Ellis!”


    “She’s gone!” Ellis’ gaze locked onto hers, his jaw rigid, his voice cutting sharp.


    “She’s no longer in this world!”


    Wh… what did Ellis mean?


    Hadley froze, her body stiffening as if rooted to the spot.


    “It’s been many years now.” Ellis’ voice dropped into a low, gravelly tone, his eyes shadowed with sorrow.


    “We were ssmates—since middle school.”


    Later, they had even attended the police academy side by side.


    Wasn’t that wonderful?


    Unable to hold back, Hadley asked softly, “What happened afterward?”


    “Right before we graduated, there was an undercover mission that required new faces. They came to select candidates. She was chosen.” Ellis’ voice was calm—eerily t, like still water.


    “She was exceptional. She fulfilled the mission her superiors entrusted to her, but… she…” His words faltered, pausing as if each syble weighed him down.


    “She didn’t make it back. She gave her life.”


    Hadley gasped, a hand flying to her mouth, her eyes instantly glistening.


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    “That year…” Ellis’ heart seemed to twist painfully, but he forced a faint smile.


    “She was twenty-one. If she were alive, she’d be thirty now—same as me.”


    But that wasn’t all, was it?


    Hadley thought silently. If she had been alive, they would probably have been married by now… with children.


    “You’re not like her.” Ellis’ gaze lingered on Hadley’s face as his fingers brushed a strand of hair from her temple.


    “Nothing like that will ever happen to you. You’ll live a long life.”


    “Ellis…” Hadley’s emotions rippled.


    The story of histe girlfriend had struck her deeply. She had never imagined Ellis’ first love would have been such an extraordinary woman. No wonder he couldn’t let go.


    No wonder he sought me out.


    She could feel the unhealed wound in his heart.


    “Is it true?” she asked gently.


    “You haven’t been with anyone since she passed?”


    “Yes.” Ellis nodded without hesitation.


    “All these years… you’re the first.”


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