?Chapter 2863:


    “Can you stand? Let me help you, alright?”


    His eyelids fluttered as he struggled to lift them.


    “Let’s move forward,” she urged.


    “Maybe there’s a way out ahead. The phone might catch a signal… or someone might pass by. Staying here isn’t helping.”


    “Okay.” His voice was a thin whisper, but he understood. Waiting was no longer an option.


    “Come on. Let’s get you up.” Hadley braced herself, supporting his weight as he slowly pushed himself upright.


    Eric nced at her, his brows knitting when he saw her shirt soaked through.


    “I’m fine,” she said quickly, catching the worry in his eyes. She wiped the rain from her face and forced a small smile.


    “It’s summer. I won’t catch a cold. Lean on me.”


    “Okay…” His reply was weak, his strength fading fast.


    Step by step, they moved forward. The ground ahead was open and level—easier to tread.


    “Eric, hang on.” Hadley stopped, keeping him steady.


    “There might be a signal here. Let me check.”


    She fumbled for her phone, hope flickering—then dying. The signal bar was still empty. Not a single line.


    Her heart sank. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, swallowing the despair.


    Then, suddenly, the arm around her waist went ck and slid away.


    “Eric?” Her pulse spiked as his full weight sagged into her.


    “Eric! Stay with me!”


    Panic gripped her. She fought to hold him up, breathing fast.


    “Hadley…” His voice brushed her ear, barely there, his breath warm against her cheek.


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    “I can’t… anymore…” He couldn’t take another step.


    “I’m sorry.”


    Hadley’sshes trembled, her chest aching.


    “Why are you apologizing? This isn’t your fault.”


    But she couldn’t keep dragging him forward. They had to stop.


    “Eric, wait a second…”


    Her eyes darted across the rain-slick ground, searching for a ce—anywhere—he could rest. But then—


    His body gave outpletely, copsing hard onto the earth.


    “Eric!” Hadley cried, toote to catch him.


    “Ugh!” His back hit the ground, and the trap bit deeper into the wound.


    “Eric!” She dropped to her knees beside him.


    His face twisted in agony, features drawn tight with pain. Tears stung Hadley’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks.


    “Eric, get up!” She slid her hands beneath his shoulders, trying to lift him.


    One look at his left shoulder made Hadley’s stomach drop. The flesh was torn open, and the towel was soaked through with blood.


    “Eric…” She tore her gaze away, unable to bear it, and pulled him closer instead. Her lips quivered as she whispered his name again and again.


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