?Chapter 2878:
“Eric.” Hadley’s voice softened, her gaze lingering on him.
“Back in the mountains—”
“I know.” Eric cut in quickly, his voice low, almost unsteady. He forced a faint smile.
“I know everything…”
Hadley blinked, caught off guard.
“You… know?”
What did he mean? She hadn’t said anything yet.
“Yes.” Eric nodded firmly, his eyes unwavering, though his fingers gripped the sheets a little too tightly.
“I know you did all that because I’m Joy’s biological father. I was like family to you.”
Hadley’sshes trembled slightly.
No… it wasn’t just that.
“I won’t misunderstand,” Eric continued, his gaze fixed on her pale, makeup-free face. A faint, self-deprecating smile curved his lips.
“I’ve done so much to hurt you in the past… I’m sorry.”
Hadley stared at him, lips parted, momentarily speechless.
“Ha…” A low, bitter chuckle escaped him.
“I won’t do that anymore. I… I’ve let go.”
He paused, as though wrestling with something deep within.
Then he added, “From now on, I’ll be good to you—as family. And a good father to Joy.”
Hadley sat in silence, her mind going nk for a heartbeat.
He had… let go.
“Hadley?” Eric noticed her distant gaze and frowned.
“You don’t believe me?”
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His urgency was unmistakable.
“Do you think I’m just retreating to advance? Please, believe me. This time, I really—”
“I believe you,” Hadley cut him off gently, meeting his anxious eyes with quietposure.
Then, shifting the moment, she murmured, “Let’s eat.” She scooped some soup over the rice and mixed it lightly.
“This is how you like it…”
It wasn’t ideal for his stomach, and normally she would never allow it.
“Just for today.”
“Okay…”
Hadley fed him spoonful by spoonful. Eric cooperated withoutint, asionally shing her a small, almost boyish smile as if to lighten the mood.
She said nothing, only sighed inwardly.
His words kept echoing in her mind.
“I’ve let go.”
Her head felt heavy, her chest tight.
“Hadley?” Eric called softly.
“Yes?”
.
.
.