Chapter 670

Chapter 670:

That wasn’t the reason at all.

It hardly mattered to Hadley whether or not he loved her. But she couldn’t openly admit that.

Looking at him incredulously, Hadley replied, “Why are you turning this around on me? Isn’t the uncertainty yours to figure out? Proposing marriage right now is impulsive and unfair. Do you really see me as someone who’d accept being your backup?”

Eric stiffened. “You know that’s not my intention, it’s just…”

He’d never experienced love before.

Truthfully, he had no idea how love was even supposed to feel.

“Don’t bother. It doesn’t matter right now.”

After adjusting Eric’s tie, Hadley withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with the conversation. “It’s getting late—take me to the dance troupe.”

“Alright.”

Neither spoke during the short drive.

Once they arrived at the dance studio, Hadley quickly unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Hadley…”

Before she could open the door, Eric gently drew her into an embrace. Holding her backpack tightly, Hadley offered him a soft, reassuring smile. “If you don’t let go now, I’ll really be late.”

“Hadley, just wait a little longer for me.” Eric’s fingertips brushed softly through her hair. “I’ll find the right words for you—I promise.”

Then, reluctantly, he released her. “You’d better hurry.”

𝗟α𝗍𝖊𝓼𝓉 ςhαρ𝖙𝖊𝗋𝖘 g𝒶l𝗇𝓸v𝖾𝗅𝗌．ⅽ𝗈𝗆

“I will.”

Stepping out of the car, Hadley felt oddly disconnected from herself. Even after Eric drove off, she stood rooted to the spot, replaying his words in her mind.

What had he meant by finding the right words?

And what exactly did he think she wanted to hear?

Did he even know what he was talking about?

Hadley felt utterly confused by his intentions, but there wasn’t time to dwell on such things now.

Her focus needed to shift quickly—Joy was about to go back to the hospital. Even though it was a routine admission with basic tests and treatments, the hospital stay would last several days.

Likely, it would be three or maybe five days at most.

Children, unlike adults, found comfort in familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings required careful attention to detail.

For two straight days, she and Melba had meticulously prepared everything Joy might need, including her favorite little blanket. Hadley had even arranged to take leave from the dance troupe.

That morning, Eric had dropped her off at the studio, but as soon as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the back and took a cab straight to her apartment, where Melba and Joy were waiting.

“Mommy’s here!”

Joy bolted toward her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took charge of their luggage. Soon after, the trio departed for the hospital.

After settling Joy comfortably into her room and completing all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a nurse to perform an initial examination.

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