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.

echoed faintly against the disconnect

hand,

had to

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

let out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking was preferable

and stepped off the bus into the

her hand to shield her

no signs of stopping, and without an

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

it did little to shield

her, the hood clinging to her head

the while, pain throbbed in her lower

a hand over it, pushing through the discomfort with fierce

the area of the

firefighters

a traffic officer

road is closed for clearing

understand, but it’s urgent. I promise to

“You’re soaked through.

“From Kingsbridge.”

in astonishment. “You

Hadley answered, clasping her hands in earnest. “It’s urgent, officer. My child’s at home alone,

“What about the father?”

“It’s just me. I’m doing it

hesitated, and then

he replied, gesturing

so much,

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19:13

20 Walked To

he responded, shifting the barrier to

would be a long walk to the courthouse, at least two and

half hours away.

scanning for a taxi ahead. The prospect of

her. Nevertheless, today Hadley was set on ending her marriage

glancing at his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to

still nowhere

had made him wait

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

“Hello.”

voice crackled with exasperation. “Are you messing

there soon.

a derisive

to hear what sort

Hadley’s call

she said, “I’m here! Where

here?” Eric questioned, scanning the

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