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.

the study door again.

up as the door swung open–it was Hadley! She hadn’t left?

her approach. He bit down on his tongue. Pain

indeed reality.

drew nearer, her sigh soft in

her eyelashes casting delicate shadows

made some pasta. Would you like

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

left. Instead, she had

her next words were resolute.

was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him seemed an

myself–it’s not like the ones at restaurants. Why not try

merely raised an eyebrow,

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

Hadley guided him

dining table, two plates of pasta were neatly

awaited her.

furrowed. “You haven’t had dinner

with a slight shook of her

“Tsk.”

a click of his tongue,

meal?”

housemate too stingy to

didn’t go there to eat,” she

a fork and spoon, Hadley then scooped up some broth and brought it towards his lips, coaxing,

eyed the spoon at his lips warily, pausing momentarily before relenting and opening his

gentle smile, her eyes sparkling as she asked, “Do you like

a tickle in his throat and

Kiss Me,

the pasta

she twirled a forkful of pasta. “I’ve really outdone myself

his mouth to

Hadley’s grin widened, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Good, isn’t it?”

nodded, impressed by the pasta’s perfect texture.

he asked, “Where did

from the privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley

Blathe that had honed her culinary skills. Yet, she replied cheerily, “Oh, my grandmother taught me when I was

said. “She taught you

hand, gesturing towards her plate. “Let me handle this. You eat too. It’s not as

“Alright.”

a quiet spell as they both focused on their meals.

serving quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant demeanor throughout. “Done eating?” Hadley

napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly

“Was that enough for you?”

all she had prepared; there wasn’t any

something else

hand, prepared to