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

Chapter 233 Hadley, Give

Me Some Time

Hadley’s laughter bubbled up quietly after hearing Eric’s words.

“Something amusing about what I just said?” Eric frowned, baffled by her unexpected reaction.

“Nope.”

She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back the laughter that danced in her eyes. “Mr. Flynn, you’ve just unintentionally confessed who truly holds your heart.”

Eric’s confusion only deepened. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Well…” Hadley exhaled softly, wondering if he truly couldn’t see it himself.

Fine, she’d spell it out clearly.

With deliberate frankness, she said, “You’re always fulfilling Linda’s every wish, giving her the very best. By your own logic, that’ll mean the person you actually love is—”

“Hadley!” Eric snapped, cutting her off abruptly, his expression clouding over.

Ignoring the sharp interruption, Hadley tilted her head gently. “Does hearing the truth irritate you that much?”

Reaching up slowly, she straightened his tie.

It had become slightly crooked in his haste earlier.

“Mr. Flynn, just because you can’t marry the person you truly desire doesn’t mean marriage should become your consolation prize.”

She finished tidying his tie, fingers carefully releasing the silk.

Eric looked downward briefly before gripping her hand firmly. “Could you take this seriously for a second? Linda has nothing to do with what’s between us. Why do you keep mentioning her?”

So, she wasn’t even allowed to say Linda’s name now?

Hadley’s smile lost its playful edge, growing serious. “Alright, let me say this plainly–I won’t marry you.”

“What’s your reason?” Eric’s gaze sharpened suspiciously. “Because you assume I don’t love you?”

That wasn’t the reason at all.

It hardly mattered to Hadley whether or not he loved her. But she couldn’t openly admit that.

Looking at him incredulously, Hadley replied, “Why are you turning this around on me? Isn’t the uncertainty yours to figure out? Proposing marriage right now is impulsive and unfair. Do you really see me as someone

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who’d accept being your backup?”

that’s not my

experienced love

how love was even supposed to feel.

It doesn’t matter right now.”

withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with the

“Alright.”

spoke during the short

the dance studio, Hadley quickly

“Hadley…”

open the door, Eric gently drew her

backpack tightly, Hadley offered him a soft, reassuring smile. “If you don’t let go now,

late.”

brushed softly through her

released her.

“I will.”

Hadley felt oddly disconnected from

drove off, she stood rooted to the

he meant by finding the

think she

what he

by his intentions, but there wasn’t time to dwell on such things now.

the hospital. Even though it was a routine admission with basic tests and

it would be three or maybe five

in familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings

to detail.

and Melba had meticulously prepared everything Joy

take leave from

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Hadley, Give

as soon as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the back and took a cab straight to her apartment, where Melba and Joy

“Mommy’s here!”

took charge of their luggage. Soon

settling Joy comfortably into her room and completing all necessary forms, Colden entered

“That’s my girl!”

Joy’s hair and gave her an approving

taking your medicine, right?”

answered enthusiastically, cuddling closer to Hadley. Her tiny

always listen to Mommy!”

that

chuckled affectionately and reached into his pocket, producing a brightly wrapped candy. “Guess what I’ve got

wonder. “Wow, is

during today’s tests. Today’s schedule was tough–blood

problem!” Joy declared bravely. “Joy will

“Good girl!”

reassured her. “The nurse will stay with Joy the

you so much, Dr. Torres.”

just

into her arms, Hadley kissed her forehead. “Let’s be brave

throughout

her heart a little more

What do