Once home, Hadley consumed the bread with just water, setting aside the remainder for later.
She then changed into her dance attire and began her routine. Practice was essential; Hadley couldn’t afford to skip even a day.
Eric didn’t return that night.
Hadley was unfazed. During their brief marriage, his absences had been common.
Back then, she used to inquire, “Where were you last night?”
Whenever she asked, his reaction was a frigid glare and a dismissive tone. “Why does it matter to you? Being my wife doesn’t give you the right to meddle in my affairs! You’ve gotten what you desired. I’ll look after you, and you just stay out of my business!”
Reflecting on those moments, Hadley realized how cheap she had been.
The night went by without a dream.
The following morning, Hadley resumed her apartment hunt.
She sifted through numerous listings and visited multiple apartments. By the end of the day, she had found one she liked.
Right as she was about to call the agent for a viewing, her phone rang. Eric was on the line.
Maintaining her composure, Hadley greeted him with a simple,
“Hello.”
“Where are you?”
His tone was urgent from the start.
“Why aren’t you at Silver Villas?”
What? Hadley was startled. Was he at Silver Villas right now?
Ignoring his question, she asked,
“What do you need?”
“You’re asking this?” Eric’s voice was mocking. “Didn’t Grandma talk to you about the welcome party? And you still need to ask?”
“Oh!” Realization dawned on Hadley.
“Is that tonight?”
“Yes, and you need to come back right now!”
Hadley hurried back to Silver Villas, moving as quickly as she could.
Eric wasn’t in sight.
She headed straight for the bathroom.
Unexpectedly, upon opening the door, she found Eric inside.
Was he in the middle of changing? His upper body was uncovered…
“Hadley!”
Eric’s expression turned stormy immediately, his tone sharp as he hastily grabbed a shirt.
“Sorry!” Hadley apologized and promptly closed the door.
How could she have known he was there? And why was he using the ground floor bathroom anyway?
Behind the closed door, Eric’s anger hadn’t subsided. His gaze reflexively darted to his back… Had she noticed anything?
Shortly after, Eric stepped out, now fully clothed.
He pointed to a large box resting on the coffee table.
“Please change into this.”
Hadley immediately realized it was likely a gown.
Given that the Flynn family was organizing a banquet, they would certainly ensure it was an elegant affair, even if it was solely in her honor.
“Alright.”
She accepted the box with a nod.
Soon, Hadley made her return.
She donned a beige off-shoulder gown that gracefully flowed down to the floor. To complement her attire for the banquet, she had applied makeup, refined her eyebrows, and chosen a subtle lipstick shade. Though not affluent, her profession necessitated maintaining a basic assortment of cosmetics.
Her natural beauty was enhanced by just this modest application of cosmetics, highlighting her classic elegance.
With just a few enhancements, her allure was amplified.
Eric watched her intently, his gaze sharpening.
Her hair was elegantly tied back, accentuating her slender, swan-like neck. She looked ethereal, her beauty almost transcending this world.
Momentarily, Eric was caught off guard.
He had to acknowledge, she truly stood out.
In the past, she had the appearance of a delicate doll.
Now, in her early twenties, she had evolved from her naive youth, flourishing like a fully bloomed rose.
Eric scrutinized her, his eyes tightening.
“Earlier in the bathroom… did you catch a glimpse of something?”
“What?” Hadley responded, her face showing genuine bewilderment. “A glimpse of what?”
His observations of her expression convinced him she was not acting. She had not seen… his back.
Without further discussion, Eric motioned for her to follow.
“Nothing. Let’s go.”
The party was set at Tranquille Sanatorium, located in the southern part of the city, where Nyla was staying.
Nyla’s health conditions made it necessary for her to stay within the sanatorium.
Thankfully, the sanatorium had a private courtyard, featuring a well-kept lawn that was ideal for such small-scale events. They were driven directly to the sanatorium. During the drive, Hadley remained silent, looking out the window thoughtfully.
Eric, seated next to her, experienced an unexplained uneasiness.
Was the silence too profound?
Eric recalled the days when Hadley would chatter endlessly around him, always having something to share. It used to irritate him immensely.
Why had she become so reserved? Clearly, something was off.
Was she plotting something new?
He dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. The divorce papers were signed. Whatever her plans, the separation was sealed.
When they reached the sanatorium, Eric escorted Hadley to meet Nyla. Their timing was less than ideal, as Nyla was in the middle of receiving routine therapy from the doctor.
“Hadley.” Nyla grasped Hadley’s hand warmly.
“The therapy will last about half an hour. Why don’t you catch up with everyone first? It’s been so long since you’ve seen them all.”
“Sure, Nyla,” Hadley responded with a soft smile and a nod.
Yet, Nyla appeared concerned, turning her attention to Eric with specific instructions.
“Please, stay by Hadley’s side and look after her.”
“Grandma…” Eric’s expression clouded with reluctance.
“What?”
A shadow crossed Nyla’s face.
“After all the times I’ve listened to you, can’t you do the same for me now?”
She was referring to the decision made four years earlier, when Eric had decided Hadley should leave, cutting off their communication…
Finding himself at a loss for words, Eric reluctantly agreed.
“Fine.”
“Good.”
Comforted, Nyla squeezed Hadley’s hand encouragingly.
“Now, go with Eric. Don’t hesitate to ask him for help if you need anything.”
“Alright.”
Hadley quietly acknowledged with nods.
As they left the room, Hadley walked closely behind Eric.
They moved from the living room into the courtyard, aware of many eyes tracking their every move.
Hadley could even pick up snippets of their quiet speculation.
“Hey, who is that with Mr. Flynn?”
“Is that Linda?”
“That doesn’t look like Linda; she’s not that tall.”
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