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?”

stiffened. “You know that’s not my intention,

experienced love

no idea how love was even

doesn’t matter

Eric’s tie, Hadley withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with the

“Alright.”

the short

dance studio, Hadley quickly unbuckled her

“Hadley…”

she could open the door, Eric gently drew her

Hadley offered him a soft, reassuring smile. “If you don’t

late.”

brushed softly through her hair. I’ll find the

released her.

“I will.”

out of the car, Hadley felt

she stood rooted to the spot, replaying his

by finding

exactly did he think

he know what he was talking about?

his intentions, but there wasn’t time to dwell

it was a routine admission with basic tests and

be three or maybe five days at most.

familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings required careful

to detail.

Melba had meticulously prepared everything Joy might need, including her favorite little blanket.

to take leave from the

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Hadley, Give Me

as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the back and took

“Mommy’s here!”

bolted toward her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took charge of their luggage. Soon after, the trio departed for

necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a nurse to perform an

“That’s my girl!”

hair and

been good about taking your medicine,

to Hadley. Her tiny voice was filled with pride, melting everyone’s

always listen

is that

affectionately and reached into his pocket, producing a brightly wrapped

wonder. “Wow, is that candy for Joy?”

smiling gently. “But you’ll have to earn it by being brave during today’s tests. Today’s schedule was tough–blood draws and scans, things even adults dreaded, let

declared bravely. “Joy

“Good girl!”

toward Hadley, Colden reassured her. “The nurse will stay with Joy the entire time. If you notice she’s uncomfortable, let me know immediately.”

so much, Dr.

welcome. I’m just doing

her arms, Hadley kissed her forehead. “Let’s be brave together, Joy. It’s

throughout the

Joy slumped wearily against Hadley, breaking her heart a little more

hungry, sweetheart? What do you want