“That’s true.” Eric nodded in acknowledgment, his smile gradually fading. “He possesses every legitimate reason to be furious. From the moment I agreed to help Elissa, I understood it was only a matter of time before he discovered my betrayal.”
Yet he had never anticipated the discovery would happen so quickly. He had genuinely believed that Elissa’s visit today would proceed without complications.
Eric released a heavy sigh. “Who could have possibly foreseen Addy’s sudden medical collapse?”
Hadley experienced the same helplessness. She mentally revisited the traumatic situation and sighed. “When we departed, Addy appeared perfectly fine. We even observed the nurse pushing the medical treatment cart inside his room, and then suddenly…” She had been tantalizingly close to departing successfully with Elissa.
“There’s absolutely nothing we could have done to prevent it…” Eric offered gentle comfort.
Hadley asked with growing anxiety, “What if Ernest refuses to forgive you?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Eric’s smile became wry and utterly helpless. He harbored the same worried concerns.
He released another weary sigh. “Whether he chooses to forgive me or not, I deserve whatever consequences follow. I have deeply wronged him, but he will always remain the person I respect most profoundly. That fundamental truth will never change.”
He squeezed Hadley’s trembling hand and offered reassurance. “So please don’t worry yourself—Ernest and I won’t truly turn against each other.”
But Hadley found herself unable to suppress her mounting worry. After all, Eric would undoubtedly maintain his respect for Ernest indefinitely, but nobody possessed insight into what Ernest was thinking.
Even if they avoided turning against each other, Hadley feared that they might transform into distant strangers, which would prove equally devastating to her.
Hadley’s heart churned with unease, and she believed that everything was her fault—all of this destruction had occurred because of her actions.
“Let’s go.” Eric guided her toward the waiting car. “I’ll drive you back to the filming set. Otherwise, Lisa might explode with anger again.”
? ν?
The car traveled to the filming location and came to a halt at the main entrance.
Eric escorted Hadley to the cast lounge. “Go ahead inside. I’ll remain here and watch you enter safely before I depart.”
“Okay.” Hadley nodded with understanding, turning to walk toward the entrance.
After taking several hesitant steps, she suddenly spun around, calling out urgently to Eric.
“What’s wrong?” Eric raised an eyebrow with concern, studying her with obvious confusion.
Hadley glanced at the bruises on Eric’s face, and her voice faltered.
“What is it?” Eric asked gently. “Take your time. Say it when you’re ready.”
“It’s just… last time…” Hadley began, her cheeks slightly flushed. “You asked me last time if there would still be another chance for us after your surgery—when you came out safe…”
Eric stiffened. He hadn’t expected her to bring that up now. He swallowed hard, his heart thudding against his ribs. “Yeah… I did. So… what’s your answer?”
.
.
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