Outside the window, the streets changed—Jewel Avenue coming into view. The Hayes residence was far behind them. He gave a bitter tug at the corner of his mouth, eyes turning glassy.

“Hadley… I’m done.”

“Don’t say that.” Her voice softened.

“What’s done is done. But we’ll figure something out.”

Brady let out a breath, saying nothing. But inside, he already knew. There wasn’t much left to hope for. Still, it hurt too much to admit it.

He had waited so long, worked so hard to earn Colleen’s parents’ approval, and just like that, Noreen had torn it all apart with a few words. She wrecked everything. What did he do to deserve it? Was it his fault he was born into the wrong bloodline?

At Jewel Avenue, Hadley pointed toward the entrance to the gated community.

“You can drop us off there.”

Eric frowned.

“We’re still a ways from your door. Let me take you all the way in.”

“No need.” She shook her head.

“You don’t live here and they don’t recognize your car. They’ll ask for registration at the gate. It’s a hassle. We’re close enough anyway.”

She turned to Brady.

“Careful getting out.”

“Okay.” He nodded and followed her lead, stepping out of the car.

Hadley circled around to support him, then gave Eric a quick wave.

“We’re heading in.”

And just like that, she walked off with Brady at her side.

Eric stared after them, speechless. Was that it? No goodbye? Not even a simple thank you after everything?

Stay tuned galnov.co

“Hmph.” He scoffed.

“Unbelievable.” He watched her disappear around the corner, muttering under his breath, “No manners at all.”

Only when the two were out of sight did he finally get back in the car.

As they walked, Brady glanced down at her.

“Hadley… you and Eric—?”

“Don’t overthink it.” She shook her head, sounding tired.

“There’s nothing between us. Let’s get your forehead cleaned up and treated first. That’s what matters.”

“Oh.” Still a little out of it, Brady just nodded and kept moving.

Eric returned to Olisvale Bay. It was late by then. He took a shower and got into bed. Before turning off the lights, he noticed several missed calls on his screen—all from Megan.

She must have called while he was at the sanatorium. And she’d tried again afterward? He hadn’t noticed, hadn’t heard a thing. He had no idea.

He lifted a finger to call her back, then paused. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea. It was late, after all. She was probably asleep by now. No point waking her. Whatever it was, it could wait.

He flipped the phone facedown, turned off the lights, and lay back against the pillow.

In the middle of the night, Eric jolted awake—eyes wide open, heart racing, torn from sleep by something he couldn’t name.

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