NovelFastChapter 1143: It constricted like a vice, one breath away from bursting open.
He had done this. He had encouraged it-encouraged Denver to step in.
He had wanted to see Hadley happy and cherished. So why did it feel like his heart was about to break? Early that morning, Hadley was packing a bag for Joy, preparing her for the day ahead.
The night before, Melba had taken a call from Eric-he'd said he was coming to take Joy out today.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtErnest must've passed the message along.
Knowing Eric was coming to pick her up, Joy woke up on her own, no prompting needed.
She trailed Hadley like a little shadow after getting ready.
"Mom, when's Eric coming?" Hadley smiled and pointed to the clock on the wall. "He'll be here at eight." At 7:55, the doorbell rang.
"I'll go get the door!" Joy dashed off, practically buzzing with excitement. She flung the door open with a laugh. "It's Eric! Haha!" "Good morning, Joy." Eric crouched down, arms outstretched, and scooped her up.
As he straightened, he saw Hadley approaching with a neatly packed bag.
She handed it over calmly. "This has everything Joy might need-her water bottle, wet wipes... I also included a note about the foods she likes and dislikes, plus a few of her habits." Eric slung the bag over his shoulder and nodded. "Got it. I'll take care of her." As he looked at Hadley, he couldn't help noticing how bright and composed she seemed. Clearly, she'd been doing well lately.
Hadley didn't say much else. She brushed her fingers against Joy's cheek.
"Say goodbye to Mommy." Check what's new on g@lPerched on Eric's shoulder, Joy waved happily. "Bye-bye, Mommy!" "Be a good girl and behave, okay?" Hadley waved from the doorway with a gentle smile. "Have fun and be safe.” "Okay!" As Eric held Joy, a wave of emotion washed over him.
Hadley wasn't avoiding him—she was warm, polite, even gracious. But everything she did was solely for Joy.
It was clear that she really didn't care about him anymore.
He could still see her, talk to her-but he was no longer part of her life.
So near, yet so far.
A quiet ache settled in his chest.
Back in the apartment, Hadley headed to the balcony She rolled up her sleeves and started on the laundry.
She also planned to bake a blueberry cheesecake-Joy's favoritefar When she returned. Lately, Hadley really had been in a good place. Her mood had lifted, and it showed.
Just yesterday, she had received word from Josue. In two weeks doy would be admitted to the hospital and wait for the surgery to happen. Brady had already booked the room. Once the surgery was over...
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