?Chapter 2996:


    The morning activities had stretched far longer than intended, throwing the entire schedule into delightful chaos.


    “This ispletely your fault,” Hadley protested, hurriedly pulling fresh clothes over her still-sensitive skin. She’d adamantly refused the idea of showering together this morning, yet his persistence had melted every resistance.


    “Guilty as charged.” Eric’s response carried that infuriatingly satisfied grin she knew too well.


    His appreciative eyes tracked her movements as she practically glowed with renewed vitality. Her flushed skin held that telltale radiance of a woman thoroughly loved.


    People always imed rtionships needed tending like precious gardens.


    This one was a rare bloom, demanding both patience and devotion to flourish.


    “Finally dressed. Let’s go before we waste the entire day,” Hadley announced while smoothing her outfit onest time, heading determinedly for the door.


    “We need food first,” Eric intercepted gently. “Then we can wander the city.”


    “God, yes,” Hadley agreed, pressing a hand to her growling stomach.


    Their passionate morning hadpletely eliminated any opportunity for something as ordinary as breakfast.


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    Without any detours, they headed straight toward a neighborhood cafe.


    The remarkable establishment had been serving locals for over a century, its weathered stone walls nestled perfectly within the ancient city’s embrace.


    Timing worked in their favor—the hectic breakfast crowd had already dispersed while the lunch rush hadn’t yet materialized, leaving the atmospheric cafe blissfully peaceful.


    The quiet ambiance provided ideal conditions for enjoying an unhurriedte-morning meal together.


    With practiced gantry, Eric drew out Hadley’s chair before presenting her with the well-worn menu. “Their signature pastry remains absolutely unrivaled. What catches your interest today?”


    “Let me see…” Hadley’s eyes carefully studied the menu selections. “I’d love to sample both the cheese and pea varieties. Two small portions, one of each please.”


    “And for drinks—coffee, shall we have them iced?”


    “Yes.”


    Having sessfully ced their selections with the server, Hadley collected her handbag and gracefully stood. “I’m heading to thedies’ room.”


    “Alright,” Eric replied warmly, recliningfortably against his chair while anticipating both Hadley’s return and their arriving meal.


    He pulled out his mobile and essed a particr message thread.


    The exchange was with Cristian.


    “Have you made it there yet?”


    “Yes,nded early this morning.”


    “Perfect. Swing by this evening then.”


    “Will do.”


    As he set his phone down, Eric’s attention shifted to a figure waiting just before him. Her stillness suggested she had been there longer than he had noticed.


    Before him stood a young woman with a remarkably pretty face.


    Perhaps she needed something from him?


    “Greetings!” The woman eagerly spoke before Eric could voice his inquiry.


    Her English carried a distinct foreign ent, though her words remained easily intelligible.


    “Hello.” Eric offered a cordial nod in acknowledgment.


    “Oh wonderful, you can understand me!” The woman’s face brightened considerably upon hearing his response. “I thought my English was rusty…”


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