After the hospital visit, Eric dropped Hadley off at the set before heading to the office.

By one o’clock, Hadley finally got a break for lunch.

When she picked up her phone, she saw several missed calls and a long list of messages.

“Oh no!” She pressed a hand to her forehead and quickly dialed back. “Colleen! I’m so sorry—I was filming all morning. I didn’t see your calls.”

“It’s alright. I figured you were busy.”

“I saw the message. You actually came to the studio? Where are you now?”

“I’m outside. I think your bodyguards are here—they’re not letting me in.”

“Wait right there!” Hadley said quickly. “I’ll come get you.” She turned and ran for the gate.

From a distance, she spotted a slender, familiar figure waiting by the entrance. Tears sprang to her eyes. That silhouette—graceful and composed—belonged to the one person who had pulled her out of her darkest days in Blathe.

“Colleen!”

The woman turned at once, her face breaking into a warm, radiant smile. Just like the very first time they met.

“Miss Pearson!” The two bodyguards stepped in, trying to block her path.

“She’s my friend!”

Hadley brushed past them, lifting the hem of her costume as she rushed toward the gate.

“Colleen!” This content belongs to f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?.net

She opened her arms and pulled her into a tight hug.

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Colleen let out a soft laugh, a bright smile spreading across her face. “Are you really that happy to see me?”

“Of course I am.” Hadley laughed and stepped back. “Honestly, I thought you’d stay in Blathe after graduation. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Colleen looped an arm around Hadley’s shoulders.

“So, what brings you here today?” Hadley asked.

“I had some time off. That’s all.”

“Have you eaten?” Hadley asked again.

“It’s already late—of course I have. I grabbed something nearby.”

“Was it good?”

“It was fine,” Colleen replied with a grin. “To be honest, I haven’t had Srixby food in years. Even the simplest dishes taste amazing now—just because I’m home.”

Hadley smiled. “Next time, I’ll take you to Winterley. The food there’s really good—very traditional.”

“Deal!”

They walked back inside together, chatting as they headed to Hadley’s dressing room.

Once there, Hadley handed her a drink. “Iced Americano. Your favorite.”

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