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

Chapter 222 Kiss Me, Now

What could this possibly imply?

Hadley’s gaze lingered on Eric, trying to decipher if he was suggesting they break up.

A wave of panic washed over her. She said cautiously, “Eric…”

“Leave!”

There was a touch of sorrow in Eric’s eyes as he dismissed her with a tired gesture. “Go, quickly! Leave before I reconsider. Just go!”

Stunned, Hadley froze.

“Go!” Eric’s voice rose sharply, jolting Hadley. Her shoulders shook as she frowned, hesitated briefly, and then turned to leave.

Her footsteps echoed away, and the study door clicked shut behind her. Eric’s expression sharpened as he rose and made his way to the liquor cabinet.

The burn of the strong alcohol felt stark as he swallowed, pondering if anyone remembered what day it was.

It was his birthday–not the public figure Eric Flynn’s, but his, alone.

It seemed no one remembered anymore.

In earlier times, Linda would have stealthily presented him gifts and celebrated with him.

Those days had faded into silence…

Tonight, all he desired was to celebrate his birthday with someone special, but even that modest hope seemed out of reach.

And the very person he cared for, he had sent away.

Hadley was gone, wasn’t she?

It was bound to happen. After all, her staying had always felt forced.

The night was deep and dark outside. Could she possibly be safe?

Eric was filled with regret. Sending her away at such an hour was a mistake; he should have at least waited until morning.

He reached for his phone, intent on calling her.

Unlocking the screen, he hesitated and then shut it off.

Fear crept into his heart…

0.0%

Knock, knock.

at the

door swung

unreadable, he watched her approach. He bit down on his tongue.

indeed

she murmured as she drew nearer, her sigh soft in the quiet

her eyelashes casting delicate shadows as she said gently, “You shouldn’t drink

I’ve made some pasta. Would you like to join me?”

to their entwined arms, and he swallowed the lump forming in

Instead, she had prepared a

resolute. “I actually don’t like

moment, Hadley was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him

persisted, saying, “I prepared everything myself–it’s not like the ones at restaurants. Why

an eyebrow, noncommittal.

toward the door. “I bet you’ll find the pasta I made exceptionally tasty. There’s

Hadley guided him to

two plates of pasta were neatly arranged–one noticeably larger

plate was set before him, while the smaller portion awaited her. She was cautious about her

haven’t had dinner yet?”

slight shook of her

“Tsk.”

a click of his tongue, Eric

meal?”

housemate too stingy to offer you

there to eat,” she

spoon, Hadley then scooped up some broth and brought it towards his lips, coaxing, “Try

lips warily, pausing momentarily before relenting and opening

gentle smile, her eyes sparkling

in his throat and

Kiss Me, Now

of the pasta too.”

a deft motion, she twirled a forkful of pasta. “I’ve

his mouth to accept the forkful.

twinkling with delight. “Good, isn’t

by the

asked, “Where did you pick

from the privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley

in Blathe that had honed her culinary skills.

said. “She taught you valuable

towards her plate. “Let me handle this. You eat too. It’s not as good when it gets

“Alright.”

a quiet spell as they

serving quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant demeanor throughout. “Done

a napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly in

brow furrowed in concern. “Was that enough for you?”

she had prepared; there wasn’t

something else

prepared to rise from her