“A week ago?”
Hadley’s vision blurred, but as she gazed into Eric’s eyes, her mind began to clear, the haze of denial slowly dissipating. The truth crashed over her like a relentless wave, sharp and unforgiving.
A mournful cry tore from Hadley’s lips as she clutched Eric’s shirt, her trembling fingers seeking solace. Tears streamed down her face as she gazed into his eyes, truly seeing him through the fog of her grief. “Eric, Elissa… she has been found!” she sobbed, her voice breaking under the weight of her sorrow.
Eric nodded silently, his hands tenderly framing her face, grounding her in the moment.
“She was lying there, her body swollen, her face… unrecognizable!” Hadley’s words dissolved into bitter sobs, her anguish spilling over.
Eric made no move to quiet her tears. He understood that suppressing her pain would only deepen her wounds. Allowing her to grieve freely was the kindest path forward.
“It’s my fault—I caused this… oh!” Hadley gasped, her hand flying to her chest as a sharp, twisting pain gripped her heart.
“Hadley!” Eric’s face blanched with fear. In one fluid motion, he lifted her into his arms and settled her gently on the bed. “I’m calling the doctor!”
As he moved to rise, he found himself anchored—Hadley’s arms were wrapped tightly around his neck.
“Don’t go. Please, don’t leave me alone!” Her voice trembled with soft, fractured sobs. “Please, stay with me. Don’t leave my side.”
“Alright,” Eric said without a moment’s pause, his resolve steadfast. He drew her close, pressing gentle kisses into her hair. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here with you.”
That evening, a disquieting call reached Linda from the immigration office, informing her that her departure from the country had been barred. “I understand,” Linda replied, her tone cool and unruffled as she hung up.
Her expression remained serene, almost indifferent, as though the news had barely stirred her. They had unraveled the truth, she realized. They knew she was the mastermind behind this intricate scheme. Clearly, they had no intention of letting her slip through their grasp, not even leaving her the smallest chance to flee.
A faint, icy smile curled Linda’s lips. “Very well,” she whispered to herself. “If that is how it must be, we’ll all go down together.”
The next morning, Hadley awoke, her spirit still heavy from a restless night. Eric remained by her side as she picked at her breakfast, her appetite fragile. Without his gentle coaxing, she might not have eaten at all.
“Tamara will take you to see my grandma later,” Eric said, his voice soft and reassuring.
The night before, Nyla had called, longing to spend time with Hadley at the sanatorium where she was recovering after hearing of the recent tragedy. Eric fussed over her with tender care, adding, “If she asks you to stay for lunch, indulge her. If you leave early, then come straight to my office.”
“Okay,” Hadley murmured, her voice faint and listless.
.
.
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