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!”

0.0%

19:13

O

Chapter 20 Walked To The Courthouse

With those harsh words, Eric ended the call.

Hadley’s voice echoed faintly against the

phone in hand, grappling

had to make it, no matter

the roads blocked and no movement in sight, Hadley realized

out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking was

the

shield her face, but it was

signs of stopping, and without an umbrella,

Hadley pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, hoping

it did little to

hood

throbbed

it, pushing

reached the area of

scene was chaotic: police blockades, firefighters amidst debris, and a

traffic officer called out

closed for

promise to keep out of

looked her over. “You’re soaked through. Where did you trek

“From Kingsbridge.”

climbed his forehead in astonishment. “You walked that

urgent, officer. My child’s

“What about the father?”

fluttered as she responded, “It’s

and then

he replied,

you so

21.2%

19:13

20 Walked

to

It would be a long walk to the courthouse,

half hours away.

jaw, she continued her walk, eyes scanning for a taxi ahead. The prospect of

her. Nevertheless, today Hadley was set

his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to

was still nowhere

had made him wait for

phone in his palm before decisively pressing the screen to dial her

“Hello.”

with exasperation. “Are

there

a

was eager to hear what sort of excuse Hadley would

passed, and finally Hadley’s call broke the

said, “I’m here! Where are

here?” Eric questioned, scanning

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255