But now… the warmth in his eyes, the care he showed for Joy—those were just as real and undeniable.
And so was his debt of gratitude to Linda, which he felt bound to repay. After more than ten years, maybe this was the best ending they could hope for.
To part ways quietly… giving each other space, and a chance at peace.
Eric made his way down to the ground floor, but before he could leave, a servant stopped him. “Mr. Scott…”
The servant froze as soon as she saw his reddened eyes. Whatever she’d meant to say slipped from her mind. “What is it?” Eric glanced at her. “Go on.”
“It’s…” The servant pointed nervously toward the kitchen. “You haven’t taken your medicine yet tonight. Where would you like to take it?”
“Alright,” he said with a nod. “Just leave it there. I’ll go take it.”
“O-Okay.”
As she turned to go, the servant couldn’t help glancing back at him, concern flickering in her eyes. Did he and Hadley get into a fight? she wondered. Follow current nov?ls on Find?Novel.net
Eric looked so heartbroken. She half-expected him to ignore his medicine.
Eric had no idea what the servant was thinking, but it didn’t matter.
He had to take the medicine.
Because now wasn’t the time to fall apart.
He had to live. And live well.
Only by staying alive could he begin to make things right.
He could no longer be Hadley’s husband, nor claim the role of Joy’s father, but he could still be there for them. He could be their shield when they needed one.
His phone buzzed. It was a call from Ernest.
Eric stared at the screen for a couple of seconds, then turned the phone face down without answering.
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He reached for the bowl of his usual herbal remedy, tipped it back, and swallowed the contents in one go.
The bitterness instantly hit him, numbing his tongue and piercing his heart.
As Eric stepped out, he saw Phillips waiting at the door.
Eric stepped onto the stairs, only to miss a step and stumble forward.
“Sir!” Phillips reacted fast, catching Eric just before he could hit the ground. “Are you alright?”
He got a good look at Eric’s face. It was drained of all color, and even his lips were frighteningly pale. A wave of panic surged through him.
“Sir!”
“Keep your voice down!” Eric growled through clenched teeth, gripping Phillips’ arm tightly. “Get me in the car now.”
Phillips hesitated, confused and alarmed.
“Okay!” he stammered, quickly helping Eric into the car.
“Drive! Hurry!”
“Yes, sir!”
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