Chapter 27 Maintain A Distance Between Them

Why bother inviting Hadley?

Did Eric really need to hear Hadley decline him once again, or endure yet another rebuff?

He had no desire to subject himself to that ordeal; self–pity was not in his nature.

Seeing Eric’s decision, Phillips and the twin bodyguards exchanged glances, understanding it was best not to question their employer’s directive.

As the clock struck seven that evening, Hadley spoke softly to the nurse.

“I need to step outside for a bit. I’ll be just out front. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Understood.”

Hadley grabbed her backpack and headed out.

By this time, Eric and his team had already finished their meal. Xander and Theodore had left, with only Phillips remaining, deep in a business call.

Hadley focused straight ahead, ignoring her surroundings, and made her way to the kitchen.

From her backpack, she retrieved a lunchbox containing boiled corn–on–the–cob and hard–boiled eggs.

The eggs were straightforward enough, but the cold corn–on–the–cob required more effort to eat.

She placed it in the microwave and set the timer for three minutes.

Removing the heated food, she exclaimed, “Ah, that’s hot!”

Just then, Eric entered to fetch a glass of water.

He acted as if he hadn’t noticed her and refilled his glass. He was about to leave just as Hadley bit into her

dinner.

Could that really be all she was having for dinner?

It seemed even scantier than her lunch, which had included noodles and vegetables.

Eric’s gaze lingered on her, his expression impassive. “What is wrong with you, Hadley?”

“What?”

Caught off guard by his question, Hadley looked up, only to find Eric already walking out.

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19:16

Left alone, Hadley continued eating, perplexed.

It seemed Eric’s hatred for her extended even to her dietary choices. She was at a loss for words.

Later that night, Hadley remained vigilant at the bedside. Eric, unable to compete with her determination,

resigned himself to the sofa nearby.

Both were too cautious to fall into a deep sleep, snatching only brief moments of rest.

Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the loud beeping of a monitor.

“Beep… Beep…”

Instantly, Hadley leapt from her seat.

She seized Nyla’s hand, concerned. “Nyla, can you hear me? What’s happening?”

from the sofa,

readings, the display for blood oxygen levels was an alarming red, a clear sign

the doctor, now!”

“Right!”

beside the bed as Eric raced out

Nurse!”

moments, the medical team burst

room!” the doctor

to shield the bed, Eric and Hadley were pushed back. They were starting an

outside the curtain, neither

straining to hear the

blockage from the mucus! We need

enough; it’s too

diluting it

“Understood!”

voice emerged. “This isn’t working! The

intently, his hands clenched, his

can handle it!”

wait. She swept

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D

19:16

O

<

“Hadley!”

her back

are you here? This area

“Doctor!”

no time. “I

you intend to…”

things worse here!”

had rushed in behind her, intent

the doctor were too slow to react.

forward, positioning herself

opened wide,

scene unfolding was unexpected. Hadley was attempting to clear Nyla’s airway using her own mouth.

doctor and nurse paused,

lifted her head after clearing the obstruction.

The nurse quickly presented a bin, into which Hadley

inquired, “Is

though she wasn’t

is!” The nurse exclaimed, pointing to the monitor with a

relief washed over the doctor’s face. “With the

please step outside now?”

exhale, Hadley

she felt a gentle tug

down.

had just experienced severe breathing difficulties, was not

open, her awareness returning.

hand, reassuring her. “You’re safe now. Everything’s going to

murmur as tears began to roll down

in Hadley’s eyes as well; she felt a profound

don’t cry. I’m here for you.”

relaxed, and she released her hold.

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A Distance Between Them

turned, letting out a sharp breath. The brief ordeal had left her soaked with wwe. And she felt the urgent need to

to draw back the

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