Chapter 48

Chapter 48:

Caught off guard, Eric tensed. His footing faltered, and before he could regain his balance, he lurched forward.

There was no time to react. His lips met hers—warm, soft, and completely unintentional.

As their lips briefly met, the softness was unexpectedly profound. Almost immediately, Hadley was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions, her eyes flashing with shock.

She reacted instinctively, pushing Eric away with force, using both her hands and feet. “Let go of me! What are you doing? Get off!”

“Hadley, what’s going on here?” Eric asked, visibly annoyed. “Do you really think I was trying to hold you romantically? You were asleep, and I was simply trying to help. The kiss was an accident. I lost my balance!”

“Back off!” Hadley shouted, her voice trembling with anger.

“Calm down, alright? I’m letting you go!” Eric stepped back immediately, but his gaze shifted to her arms. Seeing the cuts and blood, concern flashed across his face.

He reached out instinctively, touching her arm gently. “Did these wounds happen when you were defending yourself? Are you hurt? Why didn’t you mention these at the station?”

Hadley’s emotions surged, and she suddenly clutched her head, letting out a piercing scream. “I said back off! Stay away from me!”

Eric was taken aback, his thoughts racing. He quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back. “Okay, okay! I was just trying to help, but clearly, it didn’t work out.”

Hadley closed her eyes tightly, screaming again, shaking her head as if trying to block out his voice.

“Hadley!” Eric called out, frustration seeping into his tone. He slapped his hand against the car in frustration. “Settle down! Look at me!”

The force of his slap made the car vibrate. Hadley went still, then slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing that Eric had maintained his distance, she started to relax.

She gripped her backpack tightly and whispered, “Move back a few steps, please.”

𝘽𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝖌ⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀．𝖼𝗈𝗺

This gave her enough space to exit the vehicle.

Eric, his frustration still evident, nodded and stepped back.

Hadley pressed her lips together, bowed her head, and quickly climbed out of the car, walking away briskly.

Watching her retreat, Eric couldn’t help but scoff. “What is she thinking? Does she really believe I was going to do something to her?” How ridiculous! Shaking his head, he trailed after her.

“Hadley.”

Upon entering the living room, he called out again.

Hadley paused but didn’t turn around. “What is it?”

Eric’s laugh was cold, tinged with contempt. “Really, Hadley, your behavior earlier. Did you actually think I was about to make a move on you?”

Hadley’s gaze dropped to the floor, her silence filling the room.

He took that as confirmation.

His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Unbelievable! I wasn’t interested in you four years ago, and now you think I suddenly am?”

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