That evening, after finishing her work, Hadley arrived at Lion Bay. As soon as she stepped in, she saw Ernest coming down the stairs with a tray in hand.
“Ernest.” Her gaze landed on the untouched food.
“She said she isn’t hungry.” Ernest let out a quiet sigh. “I’m not sure if it’s the pregnancy or if she’s just angry with me.”
“Should I go check on her?”
He nodded. “Alright.”
Hadley passed him and made her way upstairs.
Inside the room, Elissa sat against the headboard, facing the window. She looked like she was watching the garden, though her expression was distant.
“Elissa.” Hadley approached and sat down beside her.
At the sound of her friend’s voice, Elissa turned. She managed a faint smile. “Weren’t you at work? It’s late. Why come all the way here?”
“I wanted to see you,” Hadley said with a sigh. “And you don’t have to smile if you don’t feel like it.”
As soon as she said it, the smile vanished from Elissa’s lips. She nodded.
“Alright.”
“Ernest told me you haven’t eaten anything.”
“I just don’t feel like it.” Elissa shook her head. “I’m not putting on a hunger strike or anything. I really can’t bring myself to eat.”
Hadley nodded slowly. “I get it…”
She knew the feeling. When grief was heavy enough, all other senses turned dull.
“Elissa.” She reached for her hand, her voice soft. “I didn’t just come to see you. I wanted to say—don’t give up. Don’t let this break you.”
Elissa let out a tired chuckle. “I’m not trying to give up. I just…”
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“Listen.” Hadley leaned in, lowering her voice. “I’m working on a plan to help you.”
Elissa blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
She stared at Hadley, confused—but then something clicked.
Hadley met her eyes and gave a firm nod. “Exactly what you’re thinking. I’ll help you.”
Elissa’s eyes widened. Her gaze darted toward the door. She squeezed Hadley’s hand. “How? How can you help me?” Then her expression shifted. “No. Don’t. Ernest isn’t someone you can go up against. You’ll get hurt. This won’t work.”
“It’s not me,” Hadley whispered, cutting her off. She then mouthed a name. “Eric.”
Elissa froze. She understood the word on Hadley’s lips. “Him?”
“Yes. Him.”
Hearing it confirmed, Elissa sat in stunned silence.
If it was Eric… then maybe—just maybe—he stood a chance against Ernest. But then doubt crept in. They were brothers. And Eric had always been loyal. He’d never gone against Ernest before.
Still, the way Hadley spoke—so sure, so steady—Elissa could only believe that she had somehow truly convinced Eric to take her side.
“Hadley…” Elissa clasped her hands, her voice tight with emotion. “Thank you… really, thank you.”
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