Eric’s voice cracked, thick with emotion, barely recognizable. “It’s beautiful… truly beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Hadley replied, stepping closer, the sweater held gently in her hands.

“Hadley!” Eric tensed, instinctively stepping back, afraid of crossing an unseen line.

“Don’t worry,” Hadley said softly, shaking her head with a faint smile. “I’m alright.”

He didn’t reach for her, and she didn’t expect him to.

She merely held the sweater up to him, measuring its fit with a careful eye.

“Okay…” Eric stood frozen, dazed, his posture rigid as Hadley worked.

“Let me see,” Hadley murmured, her voice a quiet melody as she aligned the sweater against him, checking the shoulders, the sleeves, the length with meticulous care.

She looked up, her eyes red and swollen, yet a warm smile bloomed across her face. “It’s perfect… just right. Wear it when the chill sets in.”

“Okay!”

Eric’s voice broke as he clutched the sweater to his chest, his arms folding around it protectively. Silent, he looked like a child holding back tears, his heart laid bare.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “I’ll wear it someday.”

This sweater, woven by Hadley’s own hands, was more than just fabric; it was her final gift, the last thread of their shared past—a memory to carry forward into the endless cold days ahead.

Eric folded the sweater with care, smoothed it out, and then placed it neatly into a bag.

His eyes were filled with deep longing as they lingered on Hadley.

Softly, he said, “Just… don’t forget to see the doctor.”

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“Yes.” Startled by his concern, Hadley gave a small nod. “I will.”

“Which doctor are you seeing?” Eric asked, reluctant to let go without being reassured. The words came out tinged with worry. “Do you want me to help you find someone?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Hadley shook her head. “I’ve been seeing Dr. Perkins. He’s excellent. Elissa is also his patient.”

“Dr. Perkins…” Eric repeated, his brows drawn together in thought. “If Ernest also trusts him with Elissa, then he must be reliable. By the way…” After a pause, he steered the conversation in a different direction. “Have you decided where you’re moving yet? Is everything arranged?” It would take him no time to handle everything for her, but he knew she wouldn’t accept the help.

“I’ve got it covered,” Hadley replied with a nod. “I’ve told Brady to get the villa on Jewel Avenue ready.”

Of course, she already had everything figured out, Eric thought with a wry smile.

“The house on Jewel Avenue is a good choice.”

He looked at her seriously. “I’m not trying to find a reason to stay involved in your life, but even though my siblings are under control for now, people with bad intentions always find a way. For your safety and Joy’s, would you be okay with Tamara and the others continuing to protect you?”

Hadley blinked in surprise. “You… you’re letting Joy stay with me?” She had weighed the possibility before. Now that Joy had reconnected with Eric and he had become her legal guardian, she knew things could get complicated. She’d been bracing herself for a battle. But hearing him say this, it seemed he’d never even considered making things hard for her.

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. Chapters first released on find[?]ovel.net

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