Stopping short, Eric was visibly surprised.
Before him was a woman of considerable height, slightly gaunt yet unmistakably lovely-her expansive, expressive eyes were particularly striking.
While he didn’t immediately recognize her, an unusual sense of familiarity lingered.
Nevertheless, Eric kept his face expressionless. He was uncomfortable with anyone intruding into his personal space.
“What’s your name? How did you enter?”
After a brief pause, Hadley emitted a slight chuckle, realizing he truly didn’t recognize her.
She brought her lips tightly together and whispered, “I’m Hadley.”
“Hadley…”
A reflexive nod from Eric was quickly followed by a jolt of realization.
Had she just introduced herself as Hadley?
That was it.
He suddenly remembered.
Nyla had planned to bring Hadley back. She had even informed him that very morning. Eric had been busy when he took that call, but the detail had escaped his mind amid the day’s hustle.
Eric’s gaze sharpened as he took a closer look at Hadley.
She appeared different. The traces of youthful naivety had vanished, replaced by a composed and mature charm. While echoes of her former self remained, she had unmistakably matured.
Her beauty had indeed deepened.
Eric responded with a faint, indifferent chuckle.
And what of it?
Her enhanced appearance couldn’t mend the flaws that had marred her character.
Her timing for coming back was opportune. There were unresolved matters stretching back nearly four years that demanded closure.
“Stay here for a moment. I’ll return shortly.”
With a cold look, Eric headed to the upper floor.
“Okay.”
Hadley gave a nod and watched as he vanished into the second floor.
Heeding his instruction, she remained motionless, lost in her thoughts. After some time, Eric came back.
He settled onto the sofa and nonchalantly motioned toward the chair opposite him.
“Take a seat.”
“Okay.”
Once seated across from each other, Eric pulled out a folder and laid it before Hadley.
“Review this. If all looks good, go ahead and sign it.”
Hadley glanced at the papers before her.
They spelled out the inevitable-a divorce settlement.
Eric said in a detached tone,
“This should have been finalized four years back.”
“However, Grandma was opposed, and I respected her wishes. But now…”
Hadley raised her eyes to meet his.
“Has she come around to it?”
Eric paused, his expression tightening.
“No, she hasn’t.”
Nyla’s resolve was inevitable. Despite the passing years, she held on to hope. Her intention in bringing Hadley back was a last-ditch effort to reconcile them.
Was reconciliation even a possibility?
He was mentally prepared for this outcome.
“I’ve never cared for you, and you’re well aware of that. This marriage was doomed from the start. Nearly four years have passed. It’s time we put an end to it.”
Hadley remained silent as she listened.
Upon seeing her quiet, Eric’s brow furrowed.
“If you’re not on board, I will need to initiate the divorce proceedings myself. It’s been more than two years since we separated. The court will surely side with me.”
“There’s no need for that,” Hadley cut in softly before he could continue. “I consent to the divorce.”
“You do?” Eric’s reaction was one of surprise.
“Yes,” Hadley replied, nodding again. “I consent.”
Eric was truly taken aback. He had braced for some resistance, recalling Hadley’s once deep feelings for him.
He hadn’t expected such an easy agreement.
Yet, this was undoubtedly favorable news for him.
Recovering from his initial astonishment, Eric quirked an eyebrow.
“Well then, please sign here.”
“Alright.”
He passed the pen to Hadley.
She scrutinized the document carefully before shaking her head in refusal.
“I have no need for the house or the money. I grew up under your grandmother’s care, and I owe much to the Flynn family.”
“Rejecting them?”
Eric chuckled dismissively. “Since you were fifteen, you’ve relied on the Flynn family’s support, right up to this very moment.”
This support had covered everything, from her schooling abroad to her daily expenses.
“How do you intend to manage on your own from now on?”
Hadley’s posture stiffened at his query, a cold sensation creeping into her chest. Her fists clenched in silence, and she offered no rebuttal.
“Could this mean…” Eric squinted, speculating. “You’re refusing any settlement now because you think you might return to seek help if you find yourself struggling later?”
“That will not happen,” Hadley’s expression was resolute as she emphatically denied his suggestion.
“Very well,” Eric responded blandly. “Please sign here.”
“Sure, I’ll sign it.”
With a subtle smile, Hadley clasped the pen firmly and signed her name on the dotted lines of both documents.
Eric finally relaxed.
“I will set up a court date and inform you.”
“Understood.” Hadley nodded, offering no resistance.
He gathered the signed documents and offered Hadley an uncommon, earnest gaze.
“Grandma’s surgery is coming up. We should keep the divorce under wraps until she’s better. She’s always been nice to you. Will you help me maintain this facade?”
Hadley felt a jolt of surprise. He no longer wanted her, yet he needed her cooperation?
“Don’t be concerned,” Eric said with a slight sneer. “After all is settled, you’ll be looked after financially.”
A faint, cold chuckle escaped Hadley’s lips.
She acknowledged with a nod.
“Understood.”
“Great.”
As they concluded their discussion, Eric got to his feet.
“Given the circumstances, we’ll need to interact from time to time. I’ll occupy the master bedroom. You will…”
He paused briefly before saying,
“Select any of the rooms on the ground floor.”
With those instructions, he ascended the staircase.
Hadley remained still, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she watched him disappear.
He expected her to settle into a downstairs room?
Did he not realize those were designated for the house staff? Clearly, he regarded her as nothing more than a housemaid.
With no tears left to shed, Hadley blinked.
Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, she made her way back to the dining area.
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