?Chapter 2952:
Hadley took a seat beside the bed, with Eric and Ernest standing nearby.
“N.” Hadley gave N’s hand a gentle squeeze, a small smile on her lips. “Everything’s alright now. Get some good rest. There’ll be two more checkups tomorrow.”
N’s brow knitted as soon as she heard this.
“Grandma.” Eric couldn’t hold back and chimed in. “Don’t start fussing. You really need to listen to the doctor.”
“What?”
N’s eyes grew wide. “You really want me to…”
Eric raised an eyebrow and said, “If you keep skipping your checkups or only go when you feel like it, how can you expect the doctors to help?”
N was fuming, saying, “How can you talk to me like that?”
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“What did I say?” Eric’s jaw jutted forward, stubborn as ever. “If you… if you ever—don’t expect me to just forgive you!”
He could not bring himself to mention the bad things that could happen to N.
Though his tone had been sharp, his meaning was clear.
N’s anger faded, her eyes softening as they glistened faintly with tears.
She gave a resigned shake of her head. “Alright, I get it, I’ll listen, I promise. Isn’t that good enough?”
Eric grinned. “You said it yourself. Don’t go back on your word.”
“Yeah, yeah, I hear you! You’re so persistent!”
Their bickering filled the room.
Hadley and Ernest shared a look and exchanged faint smiles. Moments like this made Eric’spany feel like a true blessing.
“Ernest, Eric.” Hadley spoke up. “I’ll stay with N tonight. You two should head home and get some rest.”
“Alright.” Ernest nodded. “Thank you for doing this.”
“It’s no trouble.”
Hadley’s lips curved gently as she gave her head a light shake. She stayed behind with nothing much to do except keep Npany.
“Grandma, Hadley, we’re heading out now,” Ernest said and left the room first.
“Hadley.”
Eric’s gaze lingered on Hadley, unable to hide the longing in his eyes.
There was so much he still wanted to say to her. But it just so happened that N fell ill at this time. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything more in the hospital room.
“I’ll head out, then…”
“Okay.”
“Don’t worry about Joy,” Eric babbled. “I’ll make sure to look after her. I’ll let her video call you tonight.”
“Okay,” Hadley responded and nodded.
She caught the longing in his eyes and instantly knew what he wanted to say.
Still, she nudged him. “You should get going. Wrap up what you need at the office ande home early. If Joy can’t see me tonight, make sure you’re with her.”
“I know.”
Eric dropped his gaze and gave a silent nod.
“I’ll talk to youter, then.”
He turned and left, ncing back every few steps.
As he stepped out, he let out a deep sigh, then finally decided to go.
Only after they had disappeared down the hall did Hadley shut the door.
She saw right away how hard it was for Eric to leave.
It felt like there were still so many things left unsaid. Did they really have to do it right now?
No, no need to rush. After all these years, would a few days really make a difference now?
Hadley turned around and headed back inside.
Eric stayed true to his word.
That evening, he and Joy called Hadley for a video chat.
Joy frowned and said, “Great-Grandma isn’t feeling well. She needs plenty of rest and has to do what the doctor says.”
“Yes.” Hadley gave a warm smile and nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell her, Joy. She’ll know you’re looking out for her.”
“Okay. Mom, I really miss you. Goodnight, Mom.”
“Goodnight, Joy.”
On the screen, Joy’s eyelids started drooping as she let out a wide yawn—she was obviously tired.
“Let Joy get some sleep.”
“Alright,” Eric replied. “I’ll hang up now. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
After setting her phone aside, Hadley heard N’s voice.
“Hadley?”
“N.” Hadley moved quickly into the room, heading to the bed. “Are you awake?”
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