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.

echoed faintly against the

phone in hand, grappling

was unmistakable–she had to make it, no

Hadley realized her only option was to set out on

but let out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking

her bag and stepped off the bus into the cold embrace of

her hand to shield her face, but it was

rain showed no signs of stopping, and without an umbrella, Hadley was

clenched in determination, Hadley pulled the hood of her

it did little to shield

drenched her, the hood clinging to her

the while, pain throbbed in her lower

placed a hand over it, pushing through the discomfort with

reached the area of

chaotic: police blockades, firefighters amidst debris, and a line

there!” a traffic officer called

is closed for clearing

a strained smile and responded, “I understand, but it’s urgent. I promise to keep out of the way and not cause any trouble.

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

“From Kingsbridge.”

his forehead in

Hadley answered, clasping her hands in earnest. “It’s urgent, officer.

“What about the father?”

responded, “It’s just me. I’m

hesitated, and then

through,” he replied,

so much,

21.2%

19:13

20 Walked To The

it quick,” he responded, shifting the barrier to allow her passage before

directions. It would be a

half hours away.

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

was set on ending her marriage

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

was still

made him wait for two

spun his phone in his palm before decisively pressing the

“Hello.”

voice crackled with exasperation. “Are you messing

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

a derisive laugh. “Alright, I’ll

what sort of excuse Hadley

passed, and finally Hadley’s call broke the

heavily, she said, “I’m here! Where

actually here?” Eric questioned, scanning the surroundings through

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

Comments ()

0/255