His hands shook above the screen. Still, he pressed on.

“Hadley, I feel awful. My head’s been pounding nonstop. You remember, don’t you? The surgery we talked about… You were the one meant to choose the day. If you read this, wait for me in Velacca. I’m already on my way. Please—just wait.”

Two hours later, a flight was scheduled to depart for Velacca. The journey from Srixby to Velacca took just under two hours.

“Phillips!” Eric called out sharply.

“Right on it, sir!” Phillips responded promptly, springing into action.

Eric gave a curt nod and made his way toward the VIP lounge. Yet, his face was a mask of discomfort. After a few steps, he pressed his fingers to his temples, wincing as he shook his head slightly.

“Headache?” Megan, trailing closely behind, noticed his distress and reached out to steady him.

“Don’t touch me!” Eric recoiled, his voice sharp as he sidestepped her.

Megan froze, her hand hovering awkwardly in the air. Frustration flared within her. “I wasn’t trying to touch you!” she snapped. “Have you seen yourself? You look like you’re about to keel over!”

She hesitated, then softened her tone. “You really shouldn’t be traveling in this state—”

“You’re insufferable,” Eric cut her off, his head throbbing relentlessly. “Can you just leave me be?”

Megan’s words caught in her throat, hurt replacing her irritation. “Fine! Do whatever you want! Why should I care?”

With a frustrated toss of her hands, she turned to walk away. But after a few steps, she glanced back at the stubborn figure striding off without a backward glance.

Megan’s heart clenched as she watched Eric disappear. “Such a grouch,” she muttered under her breath.

Deep down, she was genuinely worried. But since he was so determined, she could only wish him well. She whispered to herself, “Just… take care of yourself, alright? Come back safe. Bring her home. Please be okay.”

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With that, she turned and left.

Two hours later, Hadley touched down at Velacca International Airport. She had a nearly six-hour layover to navigate. Seeking a brief respite, she booked a room at the airport hotel.

Once inside, she set her luggage down, pulled her phone from her bag, and powered it on. The screen flickered to life, revealing a cascade of missed calls and unread messages. The most recent one caught her eye.

“Hadley, I’m boarding now. I’ll be in Velacca soon. Wait for me.”

Hadley’s breath caught in her throat. Eric had followed her here?

Gripping her phone, Hadley closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. Why was he doing this? What was left to say even if they met? It would only be the same tired words, rehashed endlessly. She was done repeating them.

But Eric was on his way, and she still had six hours to wait. After a moment’s reflection, Hadley decided rest could wait. She slung her bag over her shoulder, grabbed her suitcase, and left the room.

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