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?”

know that’s not

never experienced love before.

he had no idea how love was even supposed to

It doesn’t matter right now.”

her hands decisively, clearly finished with the

“Alright.”

spoke during the short

the dance studio, Hadley

“Hadley…”

door, Eric gently drew her

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

late.”

little longer for me.” Eric’s fingertips brushed softly through her hair. I’ll find the right words for you–I promise.”

he released her. “You’d better

“I will.”

Hadley felt oddly disconnected from

rooted to the

meant by finding the right words?

exactly did he think she wanted to

what he

his intentions, but there wasn’t

about to go back to the hospital. Even though it was a routine admission with basic tests and treatments, the hospital stay would

would be three or maybe five days at most.

found comfort in familiar things, so

to detail.

straight days, she and Melba had meticulously prepared

had even arranged to take leave from

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Hadley, Give Me

inside, Hadley slipped out the back and took a cab straight to

“Mommy’s here!”

took charge of their luggage. Soon after,

completing all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a

“That’s my girl!”

and gave her

been good about taking

enthusiastically, cuddling closer to Hadley. Her tiny voice was filled with

always listen to

is that

pocket, producing a brightly wrapped candy. “Guess what I’ve

widened with wonder. “Wow, is that candy for

earn it by being brave during today’s tests. Today’s

bravely. “Joy will

“Good girl!”

Hadley, Colden reassured her. “The nurse will stay with Joy the

much, Dr.

I’m just

forehead. “Let’s be

throughout the entire

wearily against Hadley, breaking her

sweetheart? What do you want for