“Here’s the thing…” Eric explained exactly what had happened. “Do you have any idea what might be causing this?”
The doctor listened closely before answering. “Mr. Scott, try not to worry too much. Miss Pearson was on medication that affects the nerves. Simply put, it caused nerve damage, so symptoms like this aren’t all that surprising.”
Eric tightened his hold on Hadley’s hand and met her eyes. “Is it getting worse?”
“Not really. Even though the medication has stopped, it stays in the system for a while. What you’re seeing now is most likely residual symptoms.”
Eric’s patience wore thin. “You’re saying all this, but what’s the answer? How do we fix it?”
“Well… I’m sorry, Mr. Scott. There’s no quick fix. Nerve damage just takes time to heal—”
“Enough.” Eric cut him off sharply, seeing Hadley’s pale face. He didn’t want the doctor’s words to frighten her even more. “That’s all for now.”
Upon ending the call, he sighed heavily and muttered, “He’s useless. He just keeps saying the same thing over and over.”
Then he looked at Hadley, and his tone softened. “Don’t mind him. He’s always like that.”
Hadley pressed her lips together and nodded slowly. Then she tilted her head and asked in a barely audible voice, “What if… what if I never get better?”
Eric didn’t even pause to think and assured her at once, “That’s not going to happen. You’ll be fine. I’ll be fine too. Everything’s going to be alright. Just think about Joy. We agreed to give her little siblings one day, remember?”
“Pfft…” Hadley burst into laughter, her cheeks warming even through the tears. “Who said I’d have more kids with you?”
Eric smirked. “Who else would it be?”
At the hotel entrance, Ernest sat silently in his car, eyes fixed on the doors with intense focus.
For two days straight, he had returned, hoping for a fleeting chance—just one glimpse of Elissa walking out.
Stay tuned galnov.co
He only wanted to see her—to speak, even if only for a moment.
But she never appeared.
And it wasn’t just Elissa. Savannah, too, hadn’t stepped outside, not even once. With how advanced technology had become, there was no real need to go out. Everything could be handled from inside—leaving Ernest no chance to reach her.
Ernest realized that waiting was pointless. Elissa’s phone was still off, and he had no idea if it was her choice—or Savannah’s idea.
Out of options, he called the hotel and asked to be connected to Elissa’s room.
The ring echoed in his ear, his heartbeat racing with nervous anticipation.
“Hello?” Elissa answered, her voice cautious. “Who’s this?”
Ernest paused, then spoke softly. “Elissa… it’s me.”
On the other end, Elissa froze. “Ernest? How did you manage to get through?”
It was the hotel’s internal line—not something just anyone could access. But then again, this was Ernest. Nothing ever seemed beyond his reach. So really, she wasn’t surprised.
.
.
.