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-”

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Her voice faltered, but she pressed on.

like my own granddaughter. I’ve always seen you that way,” Nyla admitted, her voice

back emotions, made her request “So, I’m asking you, please look after me one more time.”

momentarily, interpreting Hadley’s solemn demeanor as an

serious request.

urged, “Alright, tell me what it is. Whatever

Hadley began, gathering her resolve.

“What?”

face was a mask of shock. She couldn’t grasp what she

you

Hadley confirmed, her voice thick with emotion. “I once deeply loved

was undeniable.

my feelings have

door

spot upon catching the tail end

slightly trembling as she held Hadley’s hand

Hadley revealed, “He never truly cared for me. His heart always

Linda.”

the truth. “So you knew,” Nyla murmured under her breath.

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

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

secret in Srixby that Nyla’s grandsons both fancied the same woman,

with Eric for reasons of her own.

to be ridiculed or embroiled in scandal. Finding

best solution.

to their marriage, but it had eventually turned

Nyla felt remorseful watching

back tears, she said, “I’m so sorry, I’ve wronged you. How will I face your grandmother when

comes?”

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Hadley’s Request

“Nyla.”

to

let

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

own motives, she always adored Hadley and believed they were a

but then added resolutely, “But him leaving me alone to fend for myself in Blathe for four years changed everything. My feelings for him have

those four years, Nyla’s expression hardened

tears dried.

Hadley was serious, not merely pretending.