During recent months, Nyla’s condition had only declined further. There was hardly any color left in her cheeks. Fatigue clung to her, and confusion flickered in her gaze from time to time.

“Nyla.” Settling into the chair beside the old woman, Hadley offered a gentle smile. “I came to see you. My filming just finished.”

“You did well.” Nyla’s smile appeared, faint but warm. Approval shone in her eyes.

Her attention drifted to the space at Hadley’s back. “Are you by yourself? Did he not come?”

That question was about Eric.

Inside Nyla’s heart, she still believed Hadley and Eric were together.

Across the room, Kira’s eyes caught hers, a quiet sign that Nyla’s memory was once again slipping.

Right away, Hadley understood and decided not to clarify anything, hoping to keep Nyla from any unnecessary worry. “Eric has been working late these days. Next time, when his schedule clears up, we’ll come to see you together.”

Nyla released a weary sigh, her face clouded by disappointment. “He never pays attention to you. He’ll see what he lost. He’ll regret it—you just wait.”

The words left Hadley feeling hollow inside.

For Nyla, it was as if she and Eric were still newly married. In those days, it wasn’t simply neglect—he seemed not to notice her at all.

While she mulled this over, a sudden movement drew her eyes. Nyla’s head drooped forward.

“Nyla?” A quiet concern filled Hadley’s voice.

“She’s fallen asleep,” whispered Kira. “This is pretty common these days.”

A nod from Kira prompted a caregiver to bring over a blanket, which she gently arranged over Nyla’s shoulders. “She needs her rest.”

“Alright.” Hadley rose to her feet, ready to go. Kira kept her company as they walked toward the exit.

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While making their way down the hall, Hadley spoke up. “Has Ernest had a packed schedule lately?”

She had hoped to stop by and see Ernest since they hadn’t seen each other in months.

“Maybe another time,” replied Kira, catching on immediately. “Mr. Flynn left for Ontmond two days ago. Still hasn’t come back.”

Hadley froze. That was Elissa’s hometown, and Linda now lived there as well. Still, she guessed that Ernest was likely on a work trip.

She decided not to ask any more questions. “Kira, would you mind telling me when he returns?”

“Absolutely.”

“Thanks, I’ll be heading out.”

“Safe travels.”

Once Hadley left the sanatorium, she made her way back to Jewel Avenue. There, Joy had already woken up and was sitting at the table with Colleen, eating her meal.

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