“Eat,” Eric said simply, popping the tart crust into his mouth without hesitation. His eyes drifted shut for a moment, as if savoring more than just the flavor. He was remembering—those quiet mornings they once shared.
Back then, Hadley always ate the filling first, leaving the crust for last.
He’d thought it was just a quirky habit.
Now, he knew better. Just like their daughter, she never liked the crust. It was such a small, ordinary thing. But that tiny detail pierced him, a dull ache spreading through his chest.
“You’re not Joy,” he said quietly, his voice a thread of emotion. “You don’t need to follow any rules… no need to eat what you don’t want. If you ever don’t want something… I’ll take it for you.”
Still chewing, he gently slid another tart toward her. “One won’t be enough. Go on.”
Hadley froze. Her throat tightened, emotion surging up so suddenly she could barely breathe.
She shut her eyes, willing back the sting behind them.
Without a word, she picked up the tart, took a spoonful of the custard filling, and forced it down.
But the heaviness lingered. It sat deep in her chest.
Eric lowered his head, watching her through the veil of everything he wanted to say but couldn’t.
He was sorry—so deeply sorry—for not being there when she was pregnant and needed him.
Hadley stepped out of the car after having her snacks, and Eric quietly followed her up to the door.
Just as she reached for the handle, she paused and turned.
“By the way…” she said, her voice steady but unreadable. “There’s something I want to ask you.”
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Eric didn’t miss a beat. “Sure. What is it?”
“Do you happen to know…” She hesitated, her brows drawing together. “How are things going with Ernest’s wedding plans?”
“Well…” Eric’s expression shifted. “With her condition, Ernest wants to keep things low-key. Something simple.”
“Even if it’s simple, they’ll still cover the essentials, right? The ceremony, the guests?” Hadley pressed on.
“I guess so,” Eric replied slowly. “But I haven’t really asked for the full details.”
“Could you?” she asked gently. “Find out, I mean. I’d really like to know… if that’s alright.”
“Absolutely.” Eric’s response came without the slightest pause, his head moving in a decisive nod. “I’ll reach out to Ernest and find out.”
“Don’t mention that I…” Hadley’s words tumbled forward before she could stop them.
“I understand completely.” Eric’s smile broke through her concern, his voice gentle as he interrupted. “I’m asking purely out of curiosity, and your name won’t come up in our conversation. That’s exactly what you were going to tell me, wasn’t it?”
“Precisely.” Hadley’s hesitation lingered for a heartbeat before she nodded, relief washing over her features.
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.
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