Though summer had arrived, the mountain nights still held a distinct chill. Hadley hugged herself, curling up slightly against the cold.

Eric removed his jacket and moved to drape it over her shoulders.

“No…” Hadley began to refuse.

“Put it on.” Eric frowned.

“Don’t you think of me as a friend?”

A friend? He called himself her friend—really?

Hadley was startled for a moment, then smiled softly, shook her head, and said, “Of course not.”

No? She denied it outright—Eric was stunned by her bluntness. It was infuriating.

“Then…” Hadley held up his jacket.

“Should I give this back to you?”

“No need!” Eric snapped, clearly irritated.

“I’m not that petty. Just wear it.” He got up and took a few steps away.

Was he upset? Hadley could sense it, but it was true—they weren’t really friends. She looked away and said nothing.

She leaned back on the bench, drowsiness slowly pulling her under.

Gradually, dawn’s faint light crept over the horizon. Hadley’s head drooped, jerking her awake. A warm hand gently cupped her cheek. It was Eric.

The moment their eyes met, he pulled his hand back.

“You looked like you were about to fall.” Still bitter from earlier, his tone turned sharp.

“Why are you glaring at me? If I hadn’t stepped in, you’d be face-first on the ground!”

“I see.” Hadley forced a smile.

“Thanks.”

Eric scoffed.

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“Fine. I’ll accept that.”

Hadley fell into silence. In that moment, he was exactly the Mr. Flynn she remembered.

Eric let go of her hand, muttering, “What’s taking Phillips so long?”

“He won’t be that quick,” Hadley replied calmly.

“It’s only been a few hours.” This place was remote—no plane could land here directly and there were no trains at this hour. Driving would take time.

Just then, a faint sound echoed nearby.

“What was that?” Eric froze, listening.

“Nothing…” Hadley shook her head.

“I didn’t hear anything.”

The sound came again.

“There is something!” Eric perked up and looked at her.

“What, already going—”

As the noise echoed once more, Eric finally caught it. His eyes widened as they dropped to her stomach.

“You…?”

Hadley blushed.

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