As soon as Hadley stepped out, Eric’s phone buzzed in his pocket. Hoping it was Ernest, he checked the screen, but it turned out to be nothing more than a spam message.

After a second’s thought, Eric decided to call Ernest himself.

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“Hi, Eric.” Ernest answered quickly, his tone quiet.

“Ernest,” Eric said, keeping his voice low, stealing a look at Joy. “How are things over there? Has Linda woken up yet? Any problems?”

“No.”

Ernest stared at Linda, who still hadn’t regained consciousness, and shook his head.

“What’s going on?” Eric’s brow tightened, concern etched across his face.

“Something doesn’t feel right. What did the doctor say?”

A strange heaviness settled in his chest, twisting into worry he could not quite name. Something in the air warned him that trouble lingered nearby. This update is available on Find?Novel.net

“They don’t have a definite answer,” answered Ernest, his tone low and steady. “I plan to stay here tonight.”

“Okay.” Eric massaged his forehead. “Let me know the moment something happens.”

“I will.”

Once he ended the call, the bathroom door opened. Hadley stepped out and shot him a suspicious look. “Who was that on the phone?”

Something about Eric’s behavior seemed off tonight.

He seemed preoccupied. Was her mind just playing tricks on her, or was he really hiding something from her?

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“It’s Ernest,” Eric replied, briefly surprised by the question.

When he noticed her skepticism, he offered the phone with a small smile. “You can check for yourself.”

He tapped the screen to bring up the recent calls.

She looked over the list. The last call, which barely lasted a minute, was indeed with Ernest.

“I see.” She pressed her lips together and fell silent. Maybe she really had been imagining it all.

Morning light crept through the curtains.

Eric opened his eyes just as Hadley began to stir beside him.

“Why not try to rest a bit more?” he asked.

Hadley let out a yawn. “I’m already up. Elissa and Colleen will be here soon.”

“Is that happening today?” Eric asked, realization dawning on his face. Hadley had told him earlier that both women would be her bridesmaids for the wedding. Of course, she would handle the dresses for them.

“Yes.” She nodded and moved toward the bathroom. “We’re meeting at the bridal shop this morning.”

“Could you use your own bathroom today?” Before closing the door, she called back.

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