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

0.0%

…

12:54

O

<

who’d accept being your backup?”

stiffened. “You know that’s not my

experienced love

idea how love was even

bother. It doesn’t

tie, Hadley withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with

“Alright.”

during the short drive.

studio, Hadley quickly unbuckled

“Hadley…”

open the door, Eric gently

him a soft, reassuring smile.

late.”

brushed softly through her hair. I’ll find the right words

her. “You’d better

“I will.”

the car, Hadley

she stood rooted to the spot, replaying his words in her

by finding the right words?

what exactly did he think she wanted to

he was talking about?

there

Even though it was

three or maybe five days at most.

unlike adults, found comfort in familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings

to detail.

meticulously prepared everything Joy might need,

to take leave from

25.8%

12:54

|||

O

<

Hadley, Give

slipped out the back and took a cab straight to her

“Mommy’s here!”

bolted toward her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took charge of their luggage. Soon

room and completing all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a

“That’s my girl!”

ruffled Joy’s hair and

about taking your medicine,

tiny voice was filled with

listen to Mommy!”

that

pocket, producing a brightly

“Wow, is that candy for Joy?”

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

declared bravely. “Joy will be the bravest!”

“Good girl!”

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

much, Dr. Torres.”

just doing my job.”

forehead. “Let’s be brave together, Joy. It’s test

tests stretched throughout the

the end, Joy slumped wearily against Hadley, breaking her heart a little more with every tired sigh.

do you want for