“Is that right?” Eric’s chuckle accompanied a raised eyebrow. “Then she demonstrates excellent judgment! I retract my previous statements. I owe her an apology! She genuinely is an outstanding screenwriter!”
“Haha…” Hadley found his dramatic reversal thoroughly entertaining. “You’re genuinely this elated?”
“Naturally, I’m thrilled to receive recognition!”
“Of course, you deserve this happiness.”
Gazing into her star-bright eyes, Eric found himself reaching up to tenderly tousle her hair.
“You should experience this joy daily…” He teased her gently. “Happy yet still weeping?”
“I was simply overwhelmed with happiness!”
“You’re alternating between tears and laughter like a little child.”
Moisture still clung to the corners of Hadley’s eyes. Eric leaned down carefully, employing his fingertips to delicately brush the tears away.
Hadley spoke quickly in warning. “I’m wearing eye makeup today!”
“I realize that,” Eric murmured gently, “I’m exercising caution… I won’t disturb it.”
“Really, I’m fine…”
“There, finished.” Eric ceased his movements, though his hand remained cradling her chin.
Their gazes locked for a heartbeat before both hastily averted their eyes.
Hadley shifted her face away, compressing her lips into wordless silence.
Eric remained equally mute. His pulse accelerated without warning. He had merely dried her tears. What reason existed for such nervousness?
“Well…” Eric’s throat clearing shattered the quiet. “We should return.”
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“Alright,” Hadley responded softly.
The pair proceeded side by side through the main entrance and descended the stone steps. By chance, they encountered a familiar face. Ayla appeared before them. Today, Ayla stood unaccompanied, her agent Abigail notably absent.
Hadley cast a glance in her direction before instinctively seeking Eric’s face, though he appeared utterly oblivious to Ayla’s existence. Upon noticing Hadley’s scrutiny, Eric’s fingers explored his face with bewilderment. “Why are you studying me like that? Does the rash still show?”
“Good grief.” Hadley’s laughter bubbled up as she shook her head. Whether he genuinely hadn’t noticed Ayla remained uncertain, but she chose to leave the matter alone.
The truth was, Eric and Ayla had never shared any meaningful connection. Hadley compressed her lips thoughtfully. “The rash hasn’t completely disappeared. Are you continuing with the ointment?”
“Naturally, I am.”
The pair continued their conversation with easy laughter, preparing to walk past Ayla. Hadley maintained her forward focus, though she sensed Ayla’s burning stare boring into her.
“Hadley!”
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