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

Chapter 157 Never Separate Again

“What?”

Eric was startled. The innocence of such a young child asking about something so profound like death caught him off guard.

He observed Joy, clad in a small hospital gown, which reminded him that she was not just any child; she was a patient here. What could her condition be?

The thought of explaining the concept of death to a child so young seemed daunting.

After a brief pause, Eric chose his words carefully. “It’s like traveling to a place that’s very, very far away.”

“Far away?” Joy’s small forehead creased in thought. “Does that mean I can’t see my mom anymore?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Eric responded slowly, regretting the confirmation.

He reflected on how often Joy mentioned her mother, yet never her father. Her attachment to her mom was evident.

“Oh,” Joy muttered, her expression turning somber. “Thanks, I get it now.”

“Joy!” The call came from across the room.

It was the same nurse as before, calling out with urgency. “Joy!”

Joy waved enthusiastically. “She’s calling for me. I have to go now! Bye–bye!”

“Goodbye…”

Eric hadn’t even finished his thought when the little girl had dashed away. He remained crouched down, watching the nurse scoop Joy up and hurry off with her.

A shadow fell over his emotions unexpectedly.

Was it the thought of this brief encounter ending, knowing she might soon be heading to “a faraway place“?

“Joy!” The urgency in Hadley’s voice echoed through the hospital corridor.

Spotting the nurse with Joy in her arms, Hadley moved swiftly toward them, her face etched with concern.

“Mommy…”

“Where did you wander off to?”

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Hadley grabbed Joy and gave her a light pat on the bottom. To her, that was as harsh as a punishment could

get!

“Didn’t I ask you to stay put? Why weren’t you listening? You know you’re supposed to be resting.”

“Waaah…”

her little face crumpled

in tears, Hadley’s resolve melted away–her heart was

moment, it was

Joy noticed her mother’s distress and sobbed even louder.

“Mommy!”

touch her mother’s

Joy

fought to maintain her composure. “Why didn’t you stay in your bed?”

meant.”

“Someone said I was going to die. I wanted to understand what

a beat, her body turning ice cold.

them, the nurse’s face showed discomfort.

I

“Don’t cry, don’t be scared… Joy won’t leave, won’t go to a faraway place and leave

What?

grasp what Joy was trying

me that dying means going to a very faraway place.”

going to a faraway place, but I don’t want to be away from you. You don’t want to be away from me

uncontrollably, pulling

little girl, so innocent yet so aware of her deep

“Joy!”

Joy soothingly. “Don’t cry, my darling. You’re not going anywhere. This time, when I return to Srixby, you’re coming with me. We’ll always

“Really?”

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157 Never Separate Again

eyes shining with hope as she gazed up at her

“Really, Mommy?”

“Yes, my love.”

her eyes, tenderly wiped

Joy in Blathe primarily for her

off the table, staying apart

“Yay!”

instantly, her

Being with Mom is the

mother’s presence was their sanctuary,

Joy, teasing her gently. “You’ve cried enough. Let’s clean up and

“Okay!”

to call Hadley or

broke the

was Marshall on the line, his tone laced with urgency. “Are you still in Blathe? I need your help with something. Denver’s been in an accident, and I can’t make it there. Can you check on

washed over Eric.

An accident? Denver?

voice tightened with worry.

car accident. That’s all I know,” Marshall responded, his voice strained. “Aunt Wilma was too upset to give me any details over the phone. She sounded overwhelmed, unsure how

his decision firm.

in dire straits required no second thoughts.