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.

and to me, you are like my own granddaughter. I’ve always seen you that way,” Nyla admitted, her voice thick

me” Hadley, fighting back emotions, made her request “So, I’m asking you, please look after me one

Nyla was taken aback momentarily, interpreting Hadley’s solemn

serious request.

nodding, she urged, “Alright, tell me what it is.

her resolve. “Please agree to let Eric

“What?”

of shock. She

you understand what you are asking?” Nyla pressed.

voice thick with emotion. “I once deeply loved

truth was undeniable.

my feelings

bathroom door was

spot upon catching the

as she held Hadley’s

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

Linda.”

was speechless, unable to counter the truth. “So you knew,” Nyla murmured under

want is to find someone who genuinely loves me. I want to experience being truly cared for. Please, grant me

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

well–known secret in Srixby that Nyla’s grandsons both fancied the same woman, a topic often whispered about.

favored pairing Hadley with Eric for reasons of

family to be ridiculed or

best

to their marriage, but it had eventually

woman, Nyla felt remorseful watching their marriage crumble into resentment.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve wronged you. How will I face your grandmother when my time

comes?”

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19:21

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40 Hadley’s

“Nyla.”

a tissue to

let us

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

motives, she always adored Hadley

once cared for him deeply,” Hadley acknowledged, but then added resolutely, “But him leaving me alone to fend for myself in

of those four years, Nyla’s expression hardened noticeably, and any lingering

tears dried.

was serious, not merely pretending.