He turned toward Eric, who looked rooted to the spot, and let out a short laugh.

“She went out with him and he drove her back, and you’re still standing here like nothing matters?”

Eric gave a dry, crooked smile.

“Ernest, I know what you’re trying to say.”

Although Eric couldn’t remember the past, he had seen enough to realize that Ernest wished for him to make peace with Hadley.

It wasn’t only Ernest; Nyla wanted the same outcome.

“But still…”

Eric’s eyes shifted, and silence weighed on him before he gave a slow shake of his head.

“She despises me.” He stopped, repeating with more force, “She truly despises me.”

“So what if she does?” Ernest’s brows knitted, and he shot Eric a cold glare. His voice dropped.

“You treated her terribly before. Now you’re bothered that she refuses to forgive you? Where’s the fairness in that?”

“That isn’t what I’m saying.” Eric kept shaking his head, his tone strained.

“What I mean is…”

After gathering his thoughts, he finally asked, “When Hadley and I parted ways, it was her choice, wasn’t it? That’s the future she wanted?”

“Yes.” Ernest gave a reluctant nod before snapping, “But don’t forget—it was because you were awful to her.”

“I know.” Eric’s lips pulled into a pained smile, and he offered no excuses.

He lifted his eyes and stared into the distance.

Hadley’s slim figure moved ahead of him, and something unreadable flickered in his gaze.

When he finally spoke, his tone carried quiet defeat.

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“If this is what she truly wanted… then I suppose the least I can do is honor it.”

Honor it? Ernest blinked, caught off guard that Eric would even say such a thing.

“Besides,” Eric’s words grew heavier with helplessness, “I failed to hold on to her when I could actually remember her. What power do I have to change things now?”

The memory of her muffled cries struck him. Even with the desire to stay by her side, what sense was there in making her suffer again?

“Fine.” Ernest shook his head with resignation.

“Do as you please, but don’t turn to me when regret comes knocking.”

Eric hesitated.

That couldn’t be true… right? He was no child anymore. Still, when his eyes drifted back to the figure walking ahead, a sharp sting pierced through his chest.

Later that evening, once dinner at the main house was finished, Eric walked Hadley and Joy back to Crimson House. After tucking Joy into bed, he came downstairs quietly.

“Is Joy asleep now?”

Because he was present, she left their father-daughter bond undisturbed.

“She is.” Eric gave a small nod and smiled faintly.

“I should get going.”

“Okay.” Hadley stepped outside with him.

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