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

Chapter 84 Rosebud Lips

“Nyla…”

Hadley’s face was blank, devoid of any emotion. She slowly shook her head. “I’m done with Eric.”

Nyla froze, a chill running through her.

She’d heard those words before.

The last time, Hadley had come to the sanatorium, saying the same thing–pleading for Nyla to support her decision to divorce.

Back then, Nyla had thought Hadley was holding back, burdened by things she couldn’t voice.

“Are you scared, Hadley?” Nyla asked softly. “Scared he’ll slip back into his old habits? That he’ll push you away again?”

She exhaled a soft, steady breath before adding, “It won’t happen. This time’s different. It’s not me asking for it–Eric’s the one making the choice. You know how he is. Once he’s set on something, nothing can sway him. If he promises something, you can count on him to follow through.”

Hadley believed that with every part of her.

When his brother had the accident, Eric had been there, unwavering by his hospital bed, swearing that from then on, Linda would be his responsibility.

And he had kept that vow, without fail.

But even so, Hadley couldn’t bring herself to agree. “That’s not my concern.”

“Then what is?”

Hadley managed a small, bitter smile. She’d already said this before, so all she could do was repeat herself again. “I just… I don’t love him anymore.”

Nyla was speechless, caught off guard for a moment.

If Hadley had only said it once or twice, Nyla might have written it off as pride or the fear of being hurt again.

But this time, there was no denying it.

Eric had made his position clear–he was retracting the divorce. If Hadley still cared for him, she’d have jumped at the chance to fix things, not shut him out completely.

“You…” Nyla hesitated, her words hanging in the air. “Hadley, are you really sure?”

“Yeah,” Hadley said, nodding firmly. “I’m sure.”

“How can you say that?” Nyla’s voice trembled with confusion. “You’ve loved him since you were fifteen.”

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Chapter 84 Rosebud Lips

Back then, all she ever talked about was Eric. The whole Flynn family knew how much she adored him.

Hadley replied, a wistful smile crossing her face as she shook her head. “But Nyla, even the most intense love… it fades during those

tightened, caught off

voice was steady, almost detached. “Looking back, I’m not even sure I ever loved

stumbled out, her

always talked about how

face drained

trace of love she’d

deeply, pressing her lips together as if searching for the right words. “Divorce is the only option for me. It’s the only choice

Nyla realized there was really no more room for

her shoulders slumping in resignation. “I

motion, she reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of Hadley’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. I may have

blinked, caught off guard, her gaze

playfully pinching Hadley’s cheek. “I meant it. I want you to have a good

her throat, her nose tingling with

silly girl. What’s there to thank

quietly. “Why don’t you head to the kitchen? See if breakfast

walked toward the kitchen.

hardening with resolve, and her voice

Eric stepped into the room. He had been

Hadley. But she’d only agreed to speak

or bad, the outcome was his to

at her grandson. “Did

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face remained unreadable, betraying no hint of

“Then it’s time

clenched into fists, his gaze sharp and

grandson. “What do you mean you can’t? We agreed on this! You heard Hadley–she doesn’t want any part of it! You of all people should know that forced love never works!”

against his

turned out. Was it ever truly

the mood shifting with a coldness that lingered.

a pleading grip. “Please,

didn’t reach his eyes. “Grandma, why are you so

to hurt the woman he desired?

with a relieved breath. “Hadley’s a fine woman. The more I get to know her,

the smallest of smiles. “She

was served, but while Eric came to the table, Nyla stayed away.

you seen Nyla?” Hadley asked, pushing a plate toward

out a chair and settled in, taking a slow sip of his coffee. “She wasn’t feeling well, so she went back upstairs.

of doubt crossed

seemed fine just moments ago. Perhaps she was still feeling the effects of her recovery, or

Eric, unsure of

“Um…”

she could speak, Eric reached across the table

“What?”