Chapter 343

Chapter 343:

Every stitch held meaning. No high-end material could compare to something made with that kind of care.

“I’m so glad you like it.”

Hadley’s smile widened, warmth filling her eyes.

Seeing him appreciate her gift, not just wear it out of politeness, lifted her mood more than she could have ever expected.

“Here’s your pasta!” the server announced, placing the dishes down with a flourish.

Hadley snatched her fork, too eager to wait another moment.

“Hold your horses!” Denver halted her just as she was about to dive in. He flashed a grin and lifted his phone. “Let me snap a quick pic first.”

He opened his camera app, captured a few shots, and then said, “Alright, dig in!”

Meanwhile, Marshall scrolled through his phone, chuckling softly.

“This guy…”

“What’s tickling your funny bone?” Eric asked.

Marshall waved him off dismissively. “Doesn’t matter. You’re better off not knowing.”

Rolling his eyes, Eric stood up and made his way to the bathroom. Once inside, he pulled out his phone, opened his Instagram, and scrolled through his feed. His gaze landed on Denver’s latest post.

“Dinner.”

Just a single word, accompanied by a photo of the meal.

In the corner, two faint silhouettes were evident. The taller one was unmistakably Denver, while the petite figure next to him had to be Hadley.

And sure enough, among the likes, Hadley’s name topped the list. Suddenly, Eric glanced away, switched off his phone, and shoved it back into his pocket.

Marshall had already warned him. Why was he still torturing himself like this?

And why did it gnaw at him so deeply? Perhaps, in time, it wouldn’t.

Enlisting Barrie’s mother to speak on Hadley’s behalf to Blanche went about as well as a lead balloon.

Barrie conveyed the news to Denver. “Sorry. It didn’t pan out. My mom gave it her all, but Ms. Nicolson just wouldn’t budge.”

She had already made an exception once for Barrie’s mother, but Hadley had stumbled.

“I understand, thanks anyway,” Denver said.

The weight of disappointment settled in like a heavy fog.

If he felt let down, how must Hadley be faring?

In truth, Hadley was managing better than he had anticipated. She’d been sad initially, of course. But moping wouldn’t change a thing. Over her four years in Blathe, she had weathered many storms. Wallowing in sorrow wasn’t her style anymore. Even if she regretted it, life had to move forward.

“I’m sorry, Hadley,” Denver said, chastising himself for not being able to help.

“Don’t say that,” Hadley replied with a calm smile. “It was my misstep. Why should you apologize to me? I take responsibility for my own actions.”

She couldn’t lay the blame on anyone else.

Denver hesitated. “What are your plans now?”

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