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

Chapter 246 How Could You Do Something So…

“Ever since I opened my eyes, you’ve treated me like I don’t matter at all!” Eric’s frustration surged, his voice shaking with hurt. “If you don’t like looking after me so much, you’re free to go! I’d rather be alone than force you to stay against your will!”

With visible effort, he gestured toward the door. “Leave now if you want!”

A deep scowl shadowed his face.

Hadley’s eyebrows drew together softly. Aware she’d been distant, she couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge it openly–especially now, when the slightest conflict could cause things between them to fall apart completely.

Quietly, she perched on the edge of his bed and gently took his hand.

Eric tensed immediately, attempting to pull away from her touch.

“Hey, don’t stay angry,” she whispered, clasping his hand more firmly.

“I really didn’t think it would upset you this badly–it was a miscalculation on my part. Honestly, I was afraid you’d wake up alone if I stepped out too long, so I called the housekeeper on my way back and had her prepare it. But if it truly matters to you, I’ll personally cook for you every day from now on, alright?”

Was she genuinely serious?

Eric eyed her skeptically.

Though Hadley was clearly making an effort to soothe him, a lingering sense of detachment still emanat

her.

True affection couldn’t be faked–actions always spoke louder than mere comforting words.

Yet, telling her again to leave was something Eric couldn’t bear to repeat.

Swallowing his irritation, Eric simply stared quietly at her.

m

“Stop being upset, okay?” Hadley coaxed gently, scooping a spoonful of pear. “It’s honestly delicious. Will you let me feed you?”

“Fine…”

Eric grudgingly allowed her to feed him, taking careful bites.

After successfully finishing the dessert, Hadley cleared the dishes away before beginning to organize her things

around the room.

From the bed, Eric silently observed every move she made, unwilling or perhaps unable to look elsewhere.

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When Hadley finally finished tidying up, she picked up her phone and curled up comfortably on the small sofa.

a video app and immersed herself in a

but the sound of her laughter drifting over to him

unmistakable.

the woman lounging across from

down her phone, Hadley asked patiently, “What is

empty space next to him decisively. “Come lie down over

over here. Your bed might be larger, but you’re hurt

returned her attention to her phone screen, laughing

amused her.

unable to bear her aloofness any

jaw, and got up from the bed, determinedly heading straight toward the

phone–only to find Eric, tightly bandaged and pale, looming

on earth are you-?”

a moment, she was speechless, stunned to see him upright. “Have you

lost your mind?”

he shouldn’t have even been sitting up, let alone standing here before

insist on ignoring me,

Eric reached down and swiftly

said I want

“Eric!”

in Hadley’s eyes. Instinctively, she began twisting to break free. “Put me down immediately!”

lost

Your wounds! You’ll hurt

scoffed defiantly, carrying her toward the bed despite his complexion turning ghostly pale and sweat beginning to bead

Hadley gasped aloud when he laid her down abruptly. “Eric, wait–let me

her protests by

lips slid across her face,

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“Eric!”

cold shiver. Was he serious about

his own

against him, trying to resist without worsening his injuries. “Eric, stop–please,

hurting yourself!”

I

arm locked firmly around her waist, Eric’s other hand

to make you truly see me? To finally acknowledge I’m right here? You don’t know how much it drives

“I- Mmm-”

kissing her deeply once more.

purposefully down to her neck, deftly undoing the buttons of her

he doing?

him, eyes

voice became muffled

severely hurt, and besides, they were in a hospital room. Anyone could come in at any second!

was she supposed

his injuries, Eric’s physical strength overwhelmingly surpassed her

drew back her knee and thrust it forward with

“Ugh!”

squarely in his injured abdomen, causing him to release