“Linda’s a woman. That fact alone changes everything. Also, you can’t compare her to Elissa… Elissa is so kind and sweet while Linda… she’s a cruel one.”

“I get it. I do.” Ernest let out a long breath.

“This isn’t me trying to change your mind. I’m saying all this for your sake just as much as his.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“You’ve had a hard ten years, Hadley. But life isn’t endless. We only get so many decades. Don’t stay stuck. Keep going, keep hoping. And if Eric owes you, then let him spend the rest of his days making it up to you. He will.”

“With a heavier tone, he added, “But if he ends up marrying Megan… you won’t be able to undo that.”

Hadley gave no response, her gaze distant. Ernest reached for the paper bag resting near her and peeked inside.

“Look at this. He even made sure you had an extra ice pack.” Then, glancing back at Hadley, he added gently, “He forgets a lot of things… but not how to take care of you.”

Hadley’s body tensed, and her eyes began to well up with a sting she didn’t bother hiding.

The following morning, Eric woke up and went downstairs, making his way to the living room.

“You’re up?” From the dining room, Megan appeared with her sleeves rolled up and a cheerful look on her face.

“Morning! Did you sleep all right?”

“Yeah,” Eric said, a bit surprised to see her.

“What brings you here this early?”

She gave a small shrug and puffed out her cheeks.

“Had no choice. If I didn’t show up now, I probably wouldn’t see you at all today.” In a quieter tone, she added, “We finally had lunch together yesterday… but then you disappeared halfway through.”

Upon hearing that, Eric’s expression shifted into something more apologetic.

Keep reading at gαlηovels?c〇m

“About that… I didn’t mean to leave like that. Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Megan said, though her smile dimmed just a touch.

“Come on. Breakfast is already set.”

“Alright.”

Together, they headed toward the dining room. Once they sat, Megan slid a plate toward him.

“Give these a try. Pancakes—hot off the pan. And the coffee? I brewed it myself.” Her smile returned, warm and hopeful.

Eric kept his gaze on her, a slight crease forming on his forehead. She had gone out of her way.

“You got here really early, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“That’s a lot of effort,” Eric said, shaking his head.

“You don’t have to do all this yourself. The staff could’ve handled it.”

Megan simply smiled and gave a small shake of her head.

“I don’t mind. I enjoy making food for you.”

No words came from Eric.

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