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.

faintly against the

in hand, grappling with

message was unmistakable–she had to make

Hadley realized her only option

help but let out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking was preferable

the bus into

to shield her face, but it

of stopping, and without an umbrella,

pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, hoping it would offer some protection

little to

her, the hood clinging

the while, pain throbbed in

a hand over it, pushing through the discomfort with fierce

thirty–minute slog, Hadley reached the

firefighters amidst debris, and a line of

traffic officer

is closed for

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

“You’re soaked through. Where did you

“From Kingsbridge.”

forehead in astonishment.

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

“What about the father?”

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

officer hesitated, and

he replied, gesturing her

you so

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19:13

20 Walked To The

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

for directions. It would be a

half hours away.

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

was set on ending her marriage

his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to

was still nowhere

him wait for

frustration, Eric spun his phone in his palm before decisively pressing the screen

“Hello.”

Eric’s voice crackled with exasperation.

be there soon. Just a little

a derisive

sort of excuse Hadley would concoct this

Hadley’s

she said, “I’m here! Where are

you actually here?” Eric questioned, scanning the surroundings through

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