Without waiting for his response, Hadley pivoted and began her decisive retreat.
“Hadley!” Panic seized Eric as his hand shot out to capture her wrist in a desperate grip.
“Ugh!” Hadley immediately frowned, her entire body language screaming rejection.
“I’m sorry…” Eric released her instantly, his movements jerky with distress. “I never intended to upset you… Have you been seeing your therapist? Has your condition improved at all?”
Hadley massaged the tender spot where his fingers had pressed against her skin.
“My health remains outside your sphere of concern,” she replied with arctic coldness. “Your worry is neither wanted nor warranted. Nothing about my life requires your involvement anymore.”
“I’m not attempting to meddle in your affairs, but Zane represents a terrible choice for your future… His former wife has returned to the country. Can’t you recognize the pattern?”
This entire emergency is nothing more than a calculated manipulation from his ex-wife!”
“You…” Rage boiled within Hadley at his cruel insinuation. “What kind of mother would exploit her daughter as a pawn? You’re just being ridiculous now.”
“Hadley, your innocence blinds you to harsh realities…”
Without warning, Hadley’s attention snapped toward the courtyard as a familiar silhouette caught her eye.
She raised her eyes and delivered a cutting sideways look in Eric’s direction.
“You’re utterly incapable of breaking your destructive patterns, aren’t you?”
Eric froze. What had Hadley just said about him?
“Want me to spell it out for you?” Hadley’s lips curled in disdain as her gaze followed Megan, who was busy accosting guests in the courtyard. “You’re a cheater through and through! You did it to me, and now you’re doing it all over again with your new girlfriend!”
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New girlfriend…
Eric’s throat tightened. “Megan isn’t…”
“What do you think I am?” Hadley let out a chuckle, then slowly shook her head. “How many times have I made it clear? Stay out of my life! I’m not the kind of woman who clings to past relationships. I don’t need your pity, or your concern—not even a little.”
Just then, Megan looked over. She must have spotted Eric.
Stretching one arm high, she stood on her toes and waved at him, flashing a bright, cheerful smile. Even though her voice didn’t carry over, the way her lips moved made it clear that she was calling out, “Eric! Eric!” Then, she began running toward them.
Hadley shot him a sideways glance. “Looks like your girlfriend is on her way here. Am I free to go now?” She added with a slight smirk, “Considering her fiery temper, she’s probably going to lash out at me the moment she gets here. Why should I stay for that?”
Eric was at a loss for words. He opened his mouth several times, trying to speak. He wanted to make it clear that Megan wasn’t his girlfriend. But Hadley didn’t look the slightest bit interested in whatever he had to say.
Eventually, he stepped aside, giving her space to leave. “Yes… you can go.”
.
.
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