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

experienced love before.

no idea how love was even supposed to

doesn’t matter right now.”

withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with

“Alright.”

spoke during the short

arrived the dance studio,

“Hadley…”

open the door, Eric gently drew her

soft, reassuring smile.

late.”

fingertips brushed softly through her hair. I’ll

reluctantly, he released her. “You’d better hurry.”

“I will.”

the car, Hadley felt oddly disconnected from herself.

drove off, she stood rooted to the spot, replaying his words

had he meant by finding the right

did he think she wanted to

know what he was talking about?

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

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

or maybe five days at most.

familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings required careful

to detail.

had meticulously prepared everything Joy

had even arranged to take leave

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Give Me Some

morning, Eric had dropped her off at the studio, but as soon as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the back and

“Mommy’s here!”

her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took

settling Joy comfortably into her room and completing all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a nurse to perform

“That’s my girl!”

hair and gave her an

been good about taking your

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

always listen

that

chuckled affectionately and reached into his pocket, producing a brightly

widened with wonder. “Wow, is

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

“Joy will

“Good girl!”

nurse will stay with Joy the entire time. If you notice she’s uncomfortable, let me know immediately.”

much, Dr. Torres.”

just doing

Joy into her arms, Hadley kissed her forehead.

tests stretched throughout

Joy slumped wearily against Hadley, breaking her heart a little

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