“Locke!” Joy dashed forward and clasped his hand. “Aunt Elissa has something to do today, so you’ll have to hang out with me instead.”

A wave of disappointment washed over Locke because he had hoped to see Elissa. Still, Joy’s cheerful smile and gentle touch chased away his gloomy mood.

“Okay,” he chirped.

“Come on, Locke! Let’s go!”

Their hands intertwined, the sight of the children side by side eased Hadley’s worries.

Night crept in as Hadley later left for the hospital, bringing a warm meal from the family’s own kitchen.

Upon stepping into the hospital room, Hadley noticed Elissa’s eyes fluttering open.

“Did I disturb your rest?” Hadley halted, placing the insulated food bag on the nearby table.

“No.” Elissa shook her head gently. “I couldn’t sleep anyway. I was just lying here with my eyes closed.”

“You seem a lot better today.”

A hint of relief flickered across Hadley’s face as she studied Elissa.

“With those expensive injections, I think I’d be worried if I didn’t feel better,” Elissa said, a weak smile appearing.

While arranging the table, Hadley added, “I brought you dinner. Would you like to try some?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Without hesitation, Hadley went over to help her sit up, carefully sliding a pillow behind Elissa’s back.

At that moment, the raised voice of a nurse echoed from the hallway. “Sorry, this is a VIP room. Only family members are allowed to visit!”

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“Move aside! I’m a VIP here, too!” Linda called out, forcing her way forward. Hearing Linda’s arrival, Hadley grew tense. Elissa, who had started to look healthier, suddenly became pale again.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Hadley rested a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of this. She won’t be able to disturb you while I’m here.”

“Hadley…” Reaching out, Elissa caught her hand. “It’s all right, Hadley. Let her in. I can face whatever happens.”

“Don’t be silly,” Hadley replied firmly. “You’ve almost suffered a miscarriage, and you need your rest. The last thing you need is another ordeal like what happened earlier.”

Meanwhile, voices grew louder outside the room.

Without another word, Hadley moved to the door and stepped into the hallway. Looking uneasy, the nurse glanced at Hadley. “Miss Pearson, what should we do about this?”

Hadley lowered her voice. “Thank you, but I’ll manage things from here.”

“Very well.” The nurse gave a quick nod and moved away.

Linda’s scowl deepened as she caught sight of Hadley blocking the entrance. “Let me inside! Get out of my way!”

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