“I should go. I need to get Joy.”
“Hadley!” Eric’s hand shot out again, catching her wrist.
“What now?” Hadley’s eyes glinted with frustration.
“You’re hurting me!”
“Sorry!” Eric let go at once.
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I don’t care what you meant.” Hadley’s voice was sharp and direct.
“But you’re right—I am upset. Just go. Stop making things worse.”
She swung her arm forward and stormed off toward the treatment room. Eric felt the urge to run after her and make things right. But the thought of Joy possibly stepping out and seeing him held him back.
There was nothing else he could do but stand down.
He backed away slowly, turned around, and left the clinic without another word.
Later on, Hadley came out carrying Joy, who stayed nestled against her. The child, usually full of chatter, remained silent the entire ride home.
They made their way back to Flynn Mansion.
After pulling up, Hadley lifted Joy from the seat. The girl rested on her shoulder, quietly watching the colorful lights of the mansion’s small playground.
“Sweetheart,” Hadley said gently, catching her gaze.
“Do you want to stop by and have some fun?”
“I don’t want to.” Joy gave a tiny shake of her head and turned away, her lips pressed into a pout.
Hadley figured Joy’s silence had little to do with the playground itself. It was likely her thoughts had wandered back to what happened yesterday.
More than anything, it was likely about the man she’d seen—Eric. Her father.
Recalling how things turned out yesterday, Hadley chose her words carefully this time. She held Joy close and quietly made her way back to Crimson House. They climbed the stairs and entered Joy’s bedroom.
“Feeling tired?” Hadley asked while brushing her fingers across the girl’s cheek.
Your source of stories: galnσvls.
“You woke up early. Let’s take a nap together.”
“Alright,” Joy muttered with a small nod.
Once they were settled under the sheets, Joy tucked herself into the comfort of her mother’s arms.
“Sweetheart,” Hadley whispered, her fingers gently smoothing Joy’s hair.
“Just close your eyes. Sleep will come soon.”
Joy glanced up and whispered, “Mommy…” Her wide eyes stayed open.
Hadley sensed this might be the right moment to say what needed to be said.
“Can’t sleep, sweetheart?” Her voice was warm and steady.
“Would you like to hear a bedtime story?”
“Alright!” Joy beamed, her eyes shining with curiosity that reminded Hadley so much of the little one’s father.
“Tell me the story now, Mommy!”
“In a minute,” Hadley said, lowering herself to plant a kiss on Joy’s forehead. She reached over to the table, picked up her phone, and scrolled through her contacts until she tapped Eric’s name. A few seconds later, the call went through.
“Hey, Hadley?” Eric’s voice came through clearly, even without the speaker on.
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