“Of course.”

Hadley tucked a stray curl behind Joy’s ear, her voice like honey. “Let’s go get you into your beautiful gown, my little twin.”

“Yay!” Joy squealed, her excitement bubbling over as she twirled in place.

As they’d promised each other, mother and daughter dressed to match—two glimmering reflections of joy and love. When they stood before the mirror, the image was almost surreal: Hadley, graceful and composed; Joy, radiant and bursting with glee.

But in the corner of the room, Eric watched quietly, his gaze lingering on Hadley. She was smiling, laughing even—but her eyes didn’t match the rest. He didn’t say anything—not yet. Joy’s laughter still filled the space, and he wasn’t about to dim it.

It wasn’t until they returned to Olisvale Bay, after Joy had been tucked away under Melba’s care, that Eric finally sought her out.

Inside their bedroom, Hadley had already slipped out of her gown and was just ending a phone call.

The screen dimmed as she set the phone down—and that was when Eric walked in.

“Hadley.” He crossed the room in a few easy strides, reaching for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Why the serious look? Is it because of Linda?” A pause. Then, he asked, “Did she say something after I left?”

Hadley hesitated, but only for a moment. His intuition was spot on—and there didn’t seem to be any point in pretending otherwise.

“She said my good days are numbered,” she replied, her voice even but tinged with unease. “Any idea what she meant by that?”

Eric blinked, clearly caught off guard. “She said that?”

His brows drew together in a frown as he shook his head. “Don’t let that kind of talk rattle you. She’s leaving for Aradimen soon, remember?”

“She’s really going?” Hadley asked, watching his expression carefully. “She agreed to the treatment?”

“Yeah,” he said. “She wants to walk again, doesn’t she?” For original chapters go to Find1Novel.net

Hadley’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicious. “She told you that? Did you two talk today?”

“No, not at all.” He flashed her a grin. “Ernest told me. I swear.”

Before she could say anything else, he gently tugged her into his arms. “Come on, what are you thinking? I’ve been glued to you and Joy all day—when would I have had time for secret chats with Linda?”

Hadley tilted her head, quickly replaying the events of the day—and grudgingly realizing he was right. “You jealous little thing!”

She couldn’t even stand the thought of him exchanging a few words with another woman. But Eric was grinning now, thoroughly enjoying this jealous little streak of hers.

He wrapped his arms tighter around her, nuzzling her temple as he whispered with a wicked smile, “So… is your period over yet?”

Hadley did not bother to respond.

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