“Is that what you mean?”
His bluntness startled her, but she could only nod, muttering, “Yes…”
Ellis gave a slight nod of his own.
“That’s understandable,” he said calmly.
“However…”
Locking his gaze firmly on Hadley, he said, “I felt something from the very first moment I saw you.”
After a short pause, his voice grew more certain.
“For me, it was love at first sight.”
The weight of those words struck her hard, leaving Hadley unsettled and unguarded.
Leaning in closer, Ellis let a faint smile touch his eyes.
“Hadley, I mean every word. Would you at least think about giving me a chance?”
He added, “If you allow me time, I’ll prove not only how well I can care for you, but that my family will embrace you too. And though I wear a badge as a police officer and the job doesn’t exactly pay well, my family’s situation is comfortable enough. I can promise you one thing—marriage to me will never leave you living less than you do now.”
“No.” Even after hearing him out, Hadley stood firm.
“Mr. Gomez, you shouldn’t waste your time on me.”
Her words weren’t an excuse.
Life stretched long ahead of her, but after the tangled years with Eric, she had no desire to step into another relationship, not anytime soon.
For now, her focus belonged elsewhere—raising Joy, caring for Nyla, waiting for news of Elissa, and seeing Linda brought to justice.
Romance simply had no place in her life.
A weary smile crossed Hadley’s face.
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“I’m already drowning in responsibilities. To be honest, I won’t even have the time to talk with you properly… let alone go out with you. I can’t even offer you the basics of friendship.”
She reached for her bag and straightened up.
“Thank you for your kindness, and your so-called ‘love at first sight.’ But I have to refuse.”
With those words, she moved to leave.
“Hold on…” Ellis’s voice cut through just as Hadley was pushing back her chair.
“You…” Ellis clasped his hands together, his tone suddenly grave.
“Are you looking into Elissa Holland’s case?”
The question caught Hadley off guard, and her face shifted as her eyes flew wide open.
Her voice came out dry and unsteady.
“What are you trying to say?”
“What I’m saying is…” Ellis motioned for her to take her seat again.
“Investigations are what I do best. And from what I’ve heard, Elissa’s body has already been declared found, so the police closed the case.”
Quiet filled the space between them.
.
.
.