“Nope.” Hadley shook her head with a teasing smile. “If you eat too much now, there’ll be no room left for dinner.”
“Okay.”
From the side, Ernest cast a glance toward Eric, then let out a soft sigh tinged with envy. “You’ve got the kind of life most people can only dream of.”
“Hmm.” Eric nodded with pride, grinning from ear to ear. “That’s right.” With a light pat on Ernest’s shoulder, he added playfully, “No need to get jealous, Ernest. You’ll be getting married soon as well, right?”
The sound of voices drew Hadley’s attention. She glanced up and saw the two men. She smiled softly. “Welcome back, Ernest.”
Ernest gave a small nod, moved closer, and said sincerely, “I appreciate everything you’ve done these past few days. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Ernest.”
“Dad!” Locke instantly came rushing over.
“Daddy!” Joy chimed in, not far behind. “Uncle Ernest.”
Each child was swiftly lifted into the arms of their father.
Watching the joyful scene, Hadley’s eyes curved with a smile. “Ernest, will you be staying for dinner tonight?”
“No, not tonight.” Ernest shook his head, adjusting Locke in his arms. “We’ll be on our way home now.”
He had only come to take Locke back with him.
“Sorry about that. We will have plenty of chances to have dinner together in the future.”
“Of course.” Hadley smiled. “I was only teasing you. The servants have already placed Locke’s things in the car. Have a safe trip home.”
“Thank you.” Ernest smiled and nodded. Then, as if something had just crossed his mind, he turned to her. “By the way, Hadley, do you have some free time one of these days?”
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Hadley blinked, caught off guard. She wasn’t quite sure what he meant. “Is there something you need?”
“Yes.” Ernest glanced briefly at Eric and then lowered his voice. “I’ll call you later about it. Now’s not the right time.”
“Come on!” Eric cut in before Hadley could say anything, curiosity written all over his face. “Just say it now. What is it?”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Ernest said pointedly, clearly enjoying the suspense. “Do you really need to know everything? This is between me and Hadley.”
Eric opened his mouth to reply, but he was too stunned to speak.
“Alright, Ernest,” Hadley said with a small smile, trying to hold back a laugh. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Just as the adults wrapped up their conversation and began to part ways, they realized the two children had somehow wriggled free from their fathers’ arms.
Now, they were huddled together, clearly reluctant to say goodbye.
“Don’t be sad, Joy.” Locke took Joy’s hand. “I’ll be visiting you often.”
“Mm.” Joy pouted, her eyes a little misty. “You must keep that promise, okay?”
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