Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 40 Hadley’s Request

“I was actually quite anxious earlier because Mr. Flynn, who usually attends, didn’t show up-” Lennon said, unable to hide his excitement. “But look at this! My worry was for nothing. Even though Mr. Flynn isn’t here, he’s still thinking about you.”

Really?

Hadley managed a smile, though it felt somewhat absurd.

When she was his wife, Eric barely noticed her. Now, hidden behind a mask, she had somehow caught his eye.

Who would have thought Eric would be captivated by a dancer of all people?

She pondered his potential reaction upon discovering who was behind the mask. Disappointment? Or perhaps

even anger?

Regardless, she was certain it wouldn’t be a welcome surprise.

… It was Monday, Hadley’s typical day off.

She had planned to spend the night with Nyla.

Nyla was happy to have her company and saw no reason to refuse.

Arriving early in the morning, Hadley came with her bag and everything she needed for the day.

Nyla woke up early, surprised to find Hadley already there. “Hadley, you’re here so early? Don’t you young people usually sleep in when you don’t have work to do?”

“I can catch up on sleep any time. Missing one day won’t hurt.”

Sitting beside Nyla, Hadley noticed how well she looked. She had been contemplating this conversation for days and had finally decided to voice her thoughts.

“Nyla.” Hadley gently took her hand. “I need to tell you something. Please promise you won’t get upset or agitated. I’m just sharing my feelings.”

Seeing Hadley’s earnest expression, Nyla responded with a reassuring smile, “Alright, I’m all ears.”

“Okay, I’ll say it then.”

“Go ahead.”

“Nyla,” Hadley began, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m so thankful you took me in all those years ago. If it hadn’t been for you, I likely would have had to stop dancing and look for a different job much earlier-”

19:21

Her voice faltered, but she pressed on.

like my own granddaughter. I’ve always seen you that way,”

emotions, made her request “So, I’m asking

interpreting Hadley’s solemn

serious request.

nodding, she urged, “Alright, tell me what it is. Whatever it is, I will agree.”

Hadley began, gathering her resolve. “Please agree to let Eric and I divorce.”

“What?”

shock. She

understand what you are

voice thick with

truth was undeniable.

my feelings

her, the bathroom door

in the doorway, rooted to the spot upon

voice was slightly trembling as

a shaky voice, Hadley revealed, “He never truly cared

Linda.”

to counter the truth. “So you knew,” Nyla murmured

starting to form in her eyes, “All I want is to find someone who genuinely loves me. I want to experience being truly cared for. Please, grant me

began to well up in Nyla’s eyes as she looked down. “It’s

Nyla’s grandsons both fancied the same woman, a topic often whispered

with Eric

be ridiculed or embroiled in

the best solution.

to their marriage, but it had eventually turned

remorseful watching their marriage

wronged you. How will I face your grandmother when

comes?”

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Hadley’s Request

“Nyla.”

a tissue to

let us divorce?”

a moment, Nyla then inquired, “Is there truly no chance for reconciliation? Didn’t you once have deep feelings for him?”

her own motives, she always adored Hadley and believed they were a good match.

“But him leaving me alone to fend for

four years, Nyla’s expression hardened noticeably, and any

tears dried.

realized Hadley was serious, not merely pretending.