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

Chapter 106 Smile For Him

Since Denver stubbornly refused to go to the hospital, Hadley had no choice but to stop by the pharmacy, pick up some medicine, and tend to his injuries herself.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked, still uneasy. “If you hurt something internally, it could be serious.”

“I’m fine,” Denver said to her with a grin–though with the bandage on the corner of his mouth, the expression looked more ridiculous than reassuring. He hesitated for a beat before adding, “I couldng beat Eric in a fight…. Does that make me useless?”

Hadley blinked, momentarily thrown off. Then–she laughed. Hard. “What kind of ridiculous logic is that?” she

teased, shaking her head. “Since when is fighting the measure of a great man?”

So… that wasn’t it?

Denver pressed his lips together, barely suppressing a chuckle. “Relax, I was just messing with you. No need to get philosophical.”

Hadley let out a soft sigh, but the weight in her chest remained. “I… I think I said too much back there without proper thinking. Denver, I…”

“I know-” Denver cut in before she could finish. “I know you don’t actually like me. And that’s okay–I never let myself believe otherwise.”

He met her gaze with quiet understanding, as if he had already made peace with the truth long before this

moment.

“But I do owe you an apology,” he continued. “I acted without your permission. That wasn’t my call to make. I hope you’re not upset.”

Upset? How could she be?

Hadley wasn’t the kind of person who accepted someone’s help only to turn around and blame them for it. That wasn’t who she was.

She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “I’m not mad. I just…”

How was she supposed to explain something she barely understood herself?

“It’s alright.” Denver caught the hesitation in her voice but didn’t push. Instead, he added softly and with rare honesty, “I won’t pretend I did it just for you. I had my own reasons, too.”

Hadley blinked, momentarily thrown by his candor.

“Denver…” Her voice softened, almost hesitant. “I told you before… we’re not right for each other.”

“I remember you said that.” He spoke with a small smile, but there was curiosity in his eyes. “What I don’t understand is–why, exactly, are we not right for each other?”

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Wasn’t it obvious?

Hadley knew the answer all too well. Her tangled past. The weight of her mistakes. A failed marriage that still cast shadows. No powerful last name to protect her…

the thoughts flickering across her

her

Marcus Jordan.

basketball legend Michael Jordan–his

brought him up. Because Marcus had fallen for Larsa Pippen. His father’s friend’s ex–wife. A woman sixteen

media wildfire when it surfaced–tabloids, speculation, endless chatter. Even now, people still

the idea of being a ‘perfect match‘ dictate their choices. So why should we?”

opened her mouth, but the words tangled before they

isn’t what determines if they should

tone was calm, free of expectation or demand. “But just so you know–1 helped you tonight because I wanted to. Not because I expect

if he did… wouldn’t that make him no different from

breath, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn’t usually one for long speeches, but this one? He meant every

my help, Hadley, and I’m happy to help you. Don’t push it away just because of

He was so frustratingly clear–headed,

to

sound cruel, but I’m not Larsa. And this?” Her voice was quieter now, more measured. “This isn’t some grand, romantic story. Any effort you put into me will go

at least I’ll know I tried.” His gaze was unwavering, steady with conviction. “If I don’t even h courage to fight for the girl I

the

with a slow, knowing smirk, he raised an eyebrow. “Besides… who’s to say how this story

her way to the hospital–the same one where she’d

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Smile For

medication before.

Colleen, which meant he was already somewhat familiar with her condition. He’d always been patient,

as he saw her, he asked, “Are

“No.”

with Duran rather unexpectedly, she had barely

studied her for a moment before motioning toward the

in her lap. The thoughts

my symptoms have eased. As long as I’m not faced with aggression, my reactions aren’t as severe. But sometimes… it still feels

“Go on.”

“Alright.”

you’re describing, it sounds like you’re making progress.

a brief pause, he added, “Have you considered therapy? It could help. Maybe even lead to

recovery.”

Therapy?

Psychological treatment–an expense she couldn’t even begin to

forced an easy smile. “That won’t be necessary, but I appreciate it, doctor.”

her gaze, unconvinced but not pushy. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to

me.”

very much, doctor. I appreciate it.”

outside, the midday sun bore down on her, and she lifted a

back layers of the past- digging up wounds she had

refused to open. Not now. Not