Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 20

Chapter 20 Walked To The

Courthouse

The call went unanswered, leaving Hadley hanging.

Worry etched her face as she speculated that Eric was likely caught up in a work–related lunch or meeting.

What were her options?

All she could do was wait.

As the minutes ticked away, it was suddenly two–thirty. Only thirty minutes remained until her appointment

with Eric.

Her phone buzzed abruptly–it was Eric.

“Hello?” she answered quickly, her voice edged with stress.

“You were trying to get in touch?” Eric’s voice carried a lightness, perhaps from the anticipation of finally resolving their ties. Apologizing for his earlier unavailability, he said, “Got tied up, sorry.”

Then he quickly changed the subject. “Are you at the courthouse already? Just wait there, I’m on my way.”

Interrupting him, a rush of guilt in her tone, Hadley exclaimed, “Eric!”

Hadley stammered, “I’m really sorry, but I can’t make it today… Can we reschedule for tomorrow? Just one day delay. I promise I’ll be there, on time!”

Eric was silent initially.

Then, with a cutting laugh, he let his irritation show. “You’re still playing games, Hadley? How long do you intend to keep this up?”

“It’s not like that…”

His tone became biting, dismissing her explanation. “From day one, my feelings about you haven’t changed, Hadley. Wake up.

“I truly can’t make it,” Hadley insisted, feeling the futility of the conversation. “Something’s come up. I’m stuck, really stuck, not far from Kingsbridge. It’s a mess here, and it’s not just me caught in it.”

What was she doing in Kingsbridge anyways? It sounded like just another excuse.

“Really? That’s just perfect,” Eric scoffed, disbelieving every word from Hadley.

He was unmoved by her predicament. “I’m not interested in where you’re stuck. You’d better be on your way. even if it means crawling here. We’re finalizing this divorce today, no more delays!”

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Chapter 20 Walked To The Courthouse

With those harsh words, Eric ended the call.

Hadley’s voice echoed faintly

in hand,

unmistakable–she had to make it, no matter

roads blocked and no movement in sight, Hadley realized her only option was to set out

out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking was preferable

the bus into the cold embrace

raised her hand to shield her face,

of stopping, and without an umbrella, Hadley was at

but walk? Teeth clenched in determination, Hadley pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head,

did little

the hood clinging to her head like a soaked

pain throbbed

it, pushing through the discomfort with fierce

thirty–minute slog, Hadley reached the

blockades, firefighters amidst debris, and a

traffic officer called

road is closed

it’s urgent. I promise to keep out of the

over. “You’re soaked through. Where

“From Kingsbridge.”

eyebrows climbed his forehead in astonishment. “You walked that

earnest. “It’s urgent, officer. My child’s at home alone, and

“What about the father?”

her eyelashes fluttered as she responded, “It’s just me. I’m doing it

hesitated, and then

go through,” he replied, gesturing her

you so much,

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19:13

20 Walked To

shifting the barrier to

then checked her phone for directions. It would be a long walk to the

half hours away.

her walk, eyes scanning for a

today Hadley was set on

his car, glancing at his watch repeatedly. The

was still

had made him wait for two

spun his phone in his palm before

“Hello.”

voice crackled with exasperation. “Are you

sorry,” Hadley replied. “I’ll be there soon. Just a little

a derisive laugh. “Alright, I’ll

to hear what sort

and finally Hadley’s call

said, “I’m here! Where are

actually here?” Eric questioned, scanning the

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