The night crept on.
Outside, under the quiet stars, Hadley finally drifted into sleep. Her head slumped to the side, her body tipping precariously on the edge of the lounge chair.
Eric moved without thinking.
In a heartbeat, he crossed the balcony and caught her just in time, steadying her before she could fall. Carefully, he stooped down and gathered her in his arms.
He carried her back inside and laid her down on the bed with reverence, pulling the blanket over her. Then, slowly, he leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss between her brows.
The next morning, Eric woke to find Hadley nestled in his arms, her breathing deep and even. He lay still for a moment, watching her sleep. Then, carefully, he shifted her to the side and slipped out of bed without waking her.
She’d fallen asleep so late the night before, and now, with no call time dragging her to set, she could finally rest properly.
After a quick shower, Eric stepped out of the bathroom just in time to hear a string of soft, stifled sneezes from the bed. Updates are released by fι?dnοvel.net
His brow furrowed instantly. He crossed the room in a few strides. “Are you alright?”
He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand gently pressing against her forehead. It didn’t feel too warm—thankfully. Still, he reached into the nightstand, pulled out a digital thermometer, and took her temperature.
“I’m fine…” Hadley mumbled, waving a hand weakly in protest.
The reading confirmed it—no fever.
Eric exhaled, tension loosening just a little. But her pale face and the way she sniffled with every breath told a different story.
She must have caught a chill sitting out on the balcony last night. Even in a Srixby summer, the surrounding gardens of Olisvale Bay held onto the night’s cool air a little too well.
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“Don’t move,” Eric said gently, tucking the blanket snugly around her. He grabbed a box of tissues and placed it beside her within easy reach. “Stay in bed. I’ll go get you something for the cold.”
Without waiting for a reply, he stood and headed for the medicine cabinet. Eric scanned the instructions on the medicine box, his brow knitting deeper with each word. “This can’t be taken on an empty stomach,” he muttered. “You need to eat something first.”
He looked up at Hadley. “What do you feel like for breakfast?”
Hadley gave him a look, clearly irked. “I’ll be fine.” With a frown, she reached for the medicine. “I’ll just take it now. It’s fine—it won’t kill me.”
Eric caught her wrist before she could pop the pills. “What kind of nonsense is this?”
Hadley’s frustration flared. “What’s the big deal? I’m sick, and at least I have medicine. Whether I eat or not doesn’t matter.”
He stared at her, stunned into silence for a second—and then he asked quietly, “Hadley… when you were in Blathe… did you not have any medicine when you were sick?”
Her breath hitched. She hadn’t meant to mention those difficult days. It had just slipped out. Now, she was cornered by her own words.
.
.
.