“You should eat too,” Hadley urged, cheeks flushed. “You need to finish and take your herbal remedy. And there’s unfinished work. There’s still so much on your plate.”
“Alright.” He smiled again, that quiet, steady kind of smile that never rushed.
After the meal, Hadley watched him take the cup of warm herbal remedy, and then began clearing the table.
She glanced at the time. “I should head out. I’ve got a night shoot.”
Eric stood with her. “I’ll walk you to the elevator.”
He meant the private lift that led straight to the underground parking lot.
At the elevator doors, Hadley reached out to press the button.
“Hadley.” Eric suddenly leaned in and wrapped his arms around her.
Hadley froze for a moment. “Is everything alright?” She was a bit concerned. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“No.” His voice was low, steady, cheek resting against her shoulder. “There’s something I need to say.”
“What is it?” Her voice softened, concern deepening.
Eric leaned on her more than usual. Afraid he might collapse, Hadley instinctively lifted her hands, steadying him by the waist with a gentle yet protective touch.
He turned slightly, his lips brushing her cheek, his voice a whisper near her ear. “Hadley, if I survive this… I’ll make everything right. I won’t let the pain you’ve endured go unanswered.”
“What?” Her eyes widened, startled. “What are you talking about?”
“I can’t say for sure at the moment,” he said gently, shaking his head. “But if I make it through this storm, I promise… that day will come.”
His lips ghosted against her earlobe as he whispered, “I haven’t forgotten a single wound you bore. They’re etched into me… I carry them, always. Hadley, I’m changing.”
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There was no telling when Addy’s condition might take a turn, so every second counted.
By the following afternoon, Eric had arranged for someone to bring Elissa from the island back to Srixby, heading straight for the hospital as soon as she arrived. Phillips had checked the schedule beforehand, making sure Ernest would be busy and not likely to show up at the hospital at that particular time.
Hadley hurried from the film set, managing to get there just a few minutes before Elissa. Before leaving for the hospital, she had a call with Eric.
He reminded her again, “When you see him, take Elissa and go. Don’t stay longer than thirty minutes!”
Hadley gave her word, responding firmly, “Alright. I promise!”
When Elissa appeared at the hospital entrance, Hadley called out right away. “Elissa!”
Upon hearing her friend’s voice, Elissa’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Hadley.”
Gratitude felt too small, and she struggled to say anything more.
“Let’s not waste time with that,” said Hadley, squeezing her hand and leading her down the hallway. “We need to move quickly. I already cleared it with the doctors and nurses.”
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