At the venue, Lennon guided her to the stage.
“Get to know the stage well and prepare thoroughly for your performance. This is significant, and I expect nothing less than your best.”
“Understood, Mr. Lewis.”
Hadley approached her preparations with diligence, meticulously checking the choreography and confirming the musical arrangements for the performance.
Over the coming days, she knew rigorous practice was crucial to ensure a flawless execution.
As the rehearsal concluded, evening had already begun to fall.
Instead of returning to Silver Villas, Hadley had another mission-Nyla had requested she visit Ernest. With a full schedule the following day, tonight was her only opportunity.
She purchased a bouquet of yellow calla lilies, chosen for their representation of respect.
Visiting Ernest was something she wanted to do, despite her previous reservations about the Flynn family’s reception of her-they still viewed her as the one responsible for the death of Ernest and Linda’s child.
Reflecting on her initial encounters with the Flynn family, Hadley recalled that Ernest had been in good health, a stark contrast to his current condition.
Ernest’s demeanor had always been more refined than Eric’s, reminiscent of the noble characters from her favorite novels. Being a few years older, Ernest had always seemed like a loving brother to Hadley. His kindness had made her feel as though she truly belonged, offering a sibling’s affection she had never known.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Hadley navigated to the ward she remembered. However, Ernest was no longer there.
Left with no other option, she dialed Nyla’s number.
“Nyla, has Ernest been moved from this hospital? I can’t seem to find him.”
“What?” Nyla sounded surprised. “Are you there by yourself? Where’s Eric?”
Mindful of Nyla’s upcoming surgery, Hadley upheld her commitment. “Eric’s tied up, but I’m fine on my own.”
Nyla let out a weary sigh. “Fine, here’s what you need to know. Ernest is still at the hospital. They’ve added a new wing, and he’s currently there. Head towards the rear of the building.”
It turned out Ernest had been relocated to the new VIP section.
“Got it, I’m on my way there now.”
After ending the call, Hadley headed towards the new wing.
Upon entering the hospital room, the sharp scent of disinfectant hung heavily in the air.
Approaching the bed, Hadley observed the resting man and quickly felt a lump form in her throat. She tenderly grasped his hand, tears starting to stream down her cheeks.
“Ernest, it’s Hadley. I’m here to visit you.”
The man on the bed did not react to Hadley’s presence. Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep.
Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley’s mind. She struggled to come to terms with the reality, even after all this time. It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate.
Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in a coma. Chances were, he would never wake up.
The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared, carrying a basin of water. Upon noticing Hadley’s tear-streaked face, the caregiver nodded courteously.
“Hello.”
“Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?”
“No, I’m actually here to shave him,” the caregiver replied.
Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noting the thick stubble that shaded his jaw. “I’ll take care of that. I know how to do it.”
During Ernest’s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him. At that time, Nyla was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preoccupied with work, and Linda was expecting…
Thus, Hadley had become the primary caregiver within the Flynn family. Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members. He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Gratefully accepting the towel, Hadley dampened it and used it to warm Ernest’s face. She then spread shaving cream over his face and began the careful process of shaving him.
Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn’t notice Linda enter the room. Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in astonishment.
“Hadley, is that really you?”
Her expression turned into a frown. “What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?”
Looking up, Hadley responded, “I came to visit Ernest… and as you can see, I’m shaving him.”
Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I can see what you’re doing.”
“And why bother asking, then?” Hadley retorted sharply.
“You…”
A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked.
With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine, you’ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn’t necessary.”
“Is that so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady eye contact.
“You just got here, and now you’re already sending me away? What’s troubling you, Linda? Feeling guilty about something?”
Linda’s expression darkened. “What are you suggesting?”
“What am I suggesting?” Hadley’s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so there’s no need to keep up the act.” Her eyes then flicked to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you truly deserve Ernest?”
Linda looked bewildered. “What exactly are you implying?”
Hadley scoffed. “All these years, don’t you feel any remorse when you see Ernest?”
“I’m lost at your meaning!”
Visibly enraged, Linda gestured towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no place here!”
At the ward’s entrance, Eric was conversing with Nyla on his phone. Upon learning that Hadley had visited the hospital to see Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric, urging him to ensure Hadley’s safety.
“Eric, please… It’s quite isolated there, and it’s getting late. Hadley is alone…”
“I’m aware, Grandma.”
Eric exhaled deeply and massaged his forehead. “I’ve already arrived.” Visiting his brother had been on his agenda for the evening as well.
“Don’t worry. She’ll be home safe under my watch, okay?”
“Thank you.”
As Eric continued his conversation, he approached the ward’s door, pushing it open to witness the unfolding drama.
Linda was gesturing emphatically towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no place here!”
Hadley was just beside the bed when Eric saw her.
His face immediately hardened, his gaze sharp and intense. “Hadley, what have you done to upset Linda?”
“Eric!”
Tears welled up in Linda’s eyes.
“I’ve got this.”
He moved swiftly to Linda’s side.
“Make her go away!” Linda grasped his arm, her voice desperate. “I can’t stand having her here! Make her leave!”
Seeing Linda so upset, Eric wasted no time. “Of course!”
He turned to Hadley, anger evident in his expression. “Did you not hear her? Get out now!”
Hadley released a soft, sardonic chuckle. She set the razor aside, dried her hands, and began to make her exit.
“Hold on!”
Eric, moved by Linda’s distress, felt compelled to defend her. He picked up a bouquet of yellow calla lilies from a nearby table. “Are these from you?”
Hadley confirmed with a nod. “Yes.”
“Remove them!” Eric dismissed her with a flick of his hand.
What? Was she now forbidden from even leaving flowers for Ernest?
“Why are you still here?”
Noticing Hadley’s reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching the flowers and thrusting them into her arms.
His tone was harsh and piercing as he hissed, “Do you think Ernest would appreciate it? Had it not been for your actions, his child would be celebrating a third birthday now!” His gaze pierced hers, freezing her in place.
“How can you show your face here?”
Linda suddenly turned away, her shoulders trembling as though she might cry. “Eric, please, that’s enough! I can’t take this!”
Startled by Linda’s distress, Eric redirected his frustration towards Hadley. “Aren’t you leaving yet?”
Hadley, gripping the bouquet tightly, felt rooted to the spot. What could she possibly say or do?
“Alright, I’m leaving.”
She turned sharply and left without looking back.
“Linda.” After Hadley exited, Eric approached Linda, offering support. “There’s no need to cry. She’s gone now, and I’ll make sure the staff doesn’t let her back in.”
“Okay…” Linda’s voice was choked with tears.
Hadley stood at the bus stop closest to the hospital, stunned.
The buses stopped running at eight?
Now what was she supposed to do?
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