?Chapter 2866:


    “I know! I know what you’re trying to say! You don’t have to say another word!”


    She knew now. He had never loved anyone else. He had never loved Linda.


    Hadley nodded again and again, her heart a storm of bitterness and grief.


    “I believe you! I believe you!” Yet she hadn’t always believed him.


    Or rather… she hadn’t dared to.


    Even though he had treated her so well—unusually well—not just her, but Joy too.


    And yet, every time Linda appeared, her trust would falter. In those moments, everything he had done for her, for Joy, would vanish from her heart. She would cast it aside.


    And because she cared… she feared losing it all.


    So, she chose to want nothing at all.


    Her heart throbbed painfully, as though invisible ws were raking across it, leaving it raw and bleeding.


    “Eric.” Tilting her face to the rain, she let the downpour wash over her, mingling with her tears.


    Only now did she understand where his pain trulyy… and what was breaking.


    “I believe you. I believe every word,” she whispered, brushing his face with trembling fingers.


    Eric’s heavy eyes met hers briefly. His lips moved, dry and pale, shaping a single word: “Thirsty…”


    Thirsty?


    Her heart lurched, panic flooding her veins.


    Thirst at a time like this—no, that wasn’t good. His body was dehydrating, failing fast.


    “Oh—yes,” she stammered, fumbling.


    “You’re thirsty? I have water!”


    Forcing herself to stay calm, she tore open her backpack and yanked out a bottle. She twisted the cap free with her teeth and brought it to his lips.


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    “Eric, here. Drink some.”


    “Mm…” His faint murmur barely rose above the rain, but though the water touched his lips, he made no effort to drink.


    “Eric?” Her stomach turned to ice as she peered down at him. His eyelids were already sinking closed.


    “Eric! Drink! You said you were thirsty!” Her voice quivered as she cupped his jaw, coaxing.


    “Come on, drink for me.” She tilted the bottle, but his lips stayed sealed. The water dribbled uselessly.


    “You said you were thirsty!”


    Desperation sharpened her tone. Her eyes burned as she clenched the bottle and took a deep gulp. Then, cradling his face, she pressed her lips to his, trying to pass the water into his mouth.


    But it was no use.


    He didn’t swallow. The water spilled from the corners of his mouth.


    And then—his weight sagged fully against her. His eyes shutpletely.


    “Eric?” Her pulse thundered.


    “Don’t sleep! Do you hear me? Don’t!”


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