Eric looked confused by her reaction.

He hesitated and then said, “Of course. She’s your daughter… where else would she be but with you?” He was just her biological father.

Having been absent from Joy’s life for three years, he didn’t feel he had the right to contest custody. Not when Hadley had raised Joy on her own all this time.

“Don’t worry,” Eric said firmly, reassuring her. “I won’t try to take her from you.”

Hadley stared at him, lips slightly parted, momentarily lost for words. It was what any decent person might say, but still, the sincerity in his tone moved her.

“And…” Eric went on. “About Joy, leave the explanation to me. When it’s time for you to move out, I’ll talk to her. I’ll explain everything.”

Hadley was caught off guard. He had even thought that far ahead?

Clearly, he’d spent a lot of time pondering things while he was away.

Truthfully, she had been worrying about how to talk to Joy.

Joy didn’t know the whole story, but in her heart, she had already accepted Eric as her father.

Being apart from him again would be painful.

Hadley nodded. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”

“I’ll send someone over in the next day or two to set up a proper security system at your new place,” Eric said.

“Alright.” Hadley swallowed hard. “That’s fine.” ?

He was thinking about her safety and Joy’s. And for that, Hadley couldn’t let pride or stubbornness get in the way.

With that, there was nothing left to say.

Eric gazed at Hadley reluctantly. There was so much he didn’t want to let go of. But he had no excuse to hang around any longer.

Explore magic at g?lnσν?s．c?

They stood just a breath apart.

He could have reached out, pulled her close, and wrapped her in his arms.

But he didn’t.

There would be no parting embrace.

They were so close, yet so far from each other.

His throat tightened, and his words came out thick with emotion. “I’ll be going now, Hadley… Take care. Good night.”

“You too,” Hadley replied with a faint smile. “Good night.”

Without another word, Eric turned and walked away.

His steps grew faster, as if the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to leave.

In just a few strides, he reached the door, opened it, and stepped out.

A soft click followed as the door shut behind him.

Hadley’s eyes remained fixed on the door even after he was gone. Her vision blurred as tears ran freely down her cheeks, stinging her eyes. “Eric…” Hadley murmured. Ten years of memories surged through her mind in a rush.

Back then, he didn’t love her. He was cold and distant, that much was certain.

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