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.

0.0%

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?”

sofa, alarmed.

fixated on the monitor. Though neither could fully interpret the readings, the display for blood oxygen levels was an alarming red, a clear sign of distress that

doctor, now!”

“Right!”

button beside the bed as Eric raced out

Nurse!”

medical team burst into

us room!” the doctor instructed.

to shield the bed, Eric and Hadley were pushed back. They were starting an urgent procedure, one not suitable for

outside the curtain, neither felt compelled to depart.

straining to hear the medical team’s

from the mucus! We need to clear

isn’t strong enough; it’s too dense!”

it

“Understood!”

“This isn’t

clenched,

can handle it!”

She

20.5%

D

19:16

O

<

“Hadley!”

hand to pull her back

area is

“Doctor!”

Hadley wasted no time. “I can

intend

make things

had rushed in behind her, intent on intervening.

and the doctor were too

positioning herself over

eyes opened wide, struck

was attempting to clear Nyla’s

and nurse paused, momentarily

astonishment, Hadley lifted her head after

The nurse quickly presented a bin, into which Hadley

the exertion, she inquired,

felt the blockage had been removed, though she wasn’t certain of the outcome.

the monitor with a smile. “Look, her oxygen levels are improving”

relief washed over the doctor’s face. “With the airway cleared,

please

exhale,

to turn away, she felt a gentle tug at her hand.

Hadley looked down. It was

just experienced severe breathing difficulties, was not fully conscious yet. Her eyes

open, her awareness

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

only a soft murmur as tears began

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

I’m here

hand relaxed, and she released her hold.

44.0%

O

111

O

A

her soaked with wwe. And she felt the urgent need to clean

draw back the curtain, someone else

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

Comments ()

0/255