Chapter 1 Send Her Abroad
"Someone help me! I'm being attacked!"
The desperate screams of Linda Harris filled the air, drawing an increasing crowd of onlookers to the scene.
Hadley Pearson was poised at the top of the staircase, her gaze fixed on Linda who lay crumpled below. A look of utter confusion washed over Hadley as she stared down at her own hands, completely bewildered.
Murmuring to herself, Hadley said, "How could this have happened..."
Why did Linda collapse so suddenly?
"What's going on here?"
With today marking the Flynn family's grand banquet, the estate was bustling with guests. Those who heard the commotion quickly encircled Linda, who was sprawled out from her fall down the stairs.
"What's going on? How did she end up falling?"
"Look up there. She..."
Struggling through her pain, Linda managed to lift her head and look up towards where Hadley stood.
It was then that the gathered crowd pieced together the apparent events.
"Hadley pushed Linda!"
"Good heavens! Hadley, regardless of your feelings towards Linda, such harshness is unthinkable! And she's expecting a child!"
"You've crossed the line!"
"No, that's not true..."
As accusations flew, Hadley's complexion blanched, and she vehemently shook her head in denial.
She tried to assert her innocence, insisting she hadn't pushed Linda.
However, her pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Make way!"
A commanding male voice disrupted the gathering, asserting his presence authoritatively.
That voice belonged to Eric Flynn, Hadley's new husband for only a brief period.
"Eric..."
A wave of relief washed over Hadley as she turned to him for support.
Yet, as Eric's eyes met hers, they were sharp and accusing. "You hurt her!"
"I didn't!" Hadley protested, her denial forceful as she shook her head desperately. "I wasn't the one..."
"Then who did?" Eric asked, his disbelief apparent.
His look of disdain and anger was directed squarely at Hadley, his features twisted in revulsion.
"Are you suggesting Linda threw herself down the stairs? You're known to be overbearing. Haven't you been antagonizing her all this time? Must I remind you of all the incidents?" Eric continued.
Hadley remained motionless.
The severity in her husband's voice rendered her speechless.
"Ah..."
Cradling her stomach, Linda leaned on Eric, her voice faint. "Eric, it's so painful. It really hurts!"
"Linda?" Eric's grandmother, Nyla Flynn, approached, alarmed. "What has happened here?" she demanded.
"There's blood!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"Look, she's bleeding!"
Beneath Linda, a crimson stain was expanding steadily.
Clutching at Eric's neck, Linda broke down in tears. "Eric! My baby! Help my baby..."
"Don't worry!"
Eric tried to reassure her, but his face betrayed his own fear as panic set in.
"We need to get to the hospital immediately!"
Swiftly lifting Linda into his arms, Eric's eyes met Hadley's with a harsh, accusing stare.
"If anything happens to the baby, you'll regret it..."
He left the sentence hanging, and then swiftly turned away, carrying Linda towards help.
At that moment, ensuring Linda and her unborn child's safety was his only concern.
Nyla looked at Hadley with a mix of disappointment and disbelief, struggling to find the words. "Hadley, how could you--"
"Nyla..."
Hadley barely started to respond when Nyla turned her back and walked away.
Suddenly, the crowd began to thin out.
Ignored by everyone, Hadley found herself aimlessly returning to her room, lost in a fog of confusion.
She waited anxiously for Eric to return. She hadn't pushed Linda and needed to clear the air with him.
As hours passed into the deep of night, Eric still hadn't come back.
As the first light of dawn crept in, sounds echoed from below.
"Eric!"
Hadley leapt from the sofa and hurried towards the door.
She paused at the top of the stairs, hesitating, as she heard his voice.
"Grandma, I want a divorce!"
Eric's declaration cut through the air, his tone bitter and decisive.
"Get back here!"
Nyla reached out to her grandson, her voice firm and commanding.
"What are you saying? I made a promise to Hadley's grandmother to protect her. You're barely married, and now a divorce? She's just twenty. Do you want to ruin her life?"
"Am I the one ruining her life? Ridiculous!"
Eric's laughter was harsh, his gaze piercing with resentment.
"Grandma, we've lost Linda's baby! Do you hear me? My brother's child is gone! And yet, Hadley is untouched! Tell me, who is truly causing despair here?"
Nyla was left speechless.
"I never wanted to marry her. You pushed me into it!"
Eric's frustration was evident, and he seemed on the verge of losing it over his marital situation.
"I was willing to accept her if she made you happy. But I can no longer tolerate such a wife now! If this continues, I fear I might do something drastic. I'm losing my grip!"
"Stop this!" Nyla shouted, her voice filled with panic as she clutched Eric's arm tightly.
With the recent loss of her great-grandchild weighing heavily on her, Nyla's expression hardened with determination.
"Fine, you won't have to see her anymore. I'll send her away, overseas, away from all this. Is that acceptable?"
Eric was silent for a beat before nodding in agreement. "If that's what you think is best."
Hadley, overhearing the exchange, turned and hurried back to her room. Once inside, she shut the door and her knees buckled beneath her. Slumping to the floor, tears cascaded down her cheeks.
"Eric, Eric..."
The revelation that he resented their marriage--that it had been against his will--was overwhelming.
Hadley had been unaware, utterly oblivious to the depth of his reluctance.
Having lost her parents young and raised by her grandmother, who herself died in a car crash when Hadley was just fifteen, she was left to navigate the world alone.
Nyla had welcomed Hadley into her home because of her close friendship with Hadley's grandmother.
Nyla cherished her, often playfully asking, "Hadley, will you become my granddaughter-in-law when you're older?"
"Of course," Hadley would always respond.
Thus, Hadley grew up dreaming of marrying Eric and becoming his wife.
She centered her life around Eric, tailoring her education to his interests, dressing to catch his eye, and always staying by his side, warding off any potential rivals.
In her heart, she was already his bride; he was meant to be hers.
Yet, these were merely her own fantasies.
He criticized her as overbearing and expressed his desire not to see her again.
Overwhelmed, Hadley finally broke down in tears.
Knock, knock.
Someone was at the door.
"Hadley, are you awake?" It was Nyla calling through the door.
"Yes, I'm here!"
Rapidly drying her tears, Hadley rose, smoothed her hair, and opened the door.
With a forced smile, she said, "Nyla."
Nyla examined Hadley, noticing her red, swollen eyes--evidence of a night spent crying.
Despite understanding Hadley's distress, Nyla struggled to overlook her recent actions.
Nyla seated herself on the sofa, gesturing for Hadley to sit too. "Sit with me."
"Alright." Hadley braced herself for what was coming; she sensed a change in Nyla's demeanor towards her.
Nyla said, "Remember you once mentioned wanting to study abroad? I'm arranging that for you. You'll leave as soon as possible."
The decision to send Hadley away was clear.
Hadley's gaze dropped, and once more, tears started to fall.
Nyla looked at the girl with pity, her affection for Hadley genuine.
Yet, with Linda still hospitalized, Nyla felt compelled to act in Linda's defense.
Nyla steeled herself, took a deep breath, and said firmly, "You must learn to moderate your behavior. At times, you are overly assertive. It's one thing to be protective, but your jealousy even towards Linda is uncalled for. She's engaged to your brother-in-law!"
Struggling to contain her emotions, Hadley whispered, "I..."
Did Nyla also doubt her sincerity?
"It's time for you to pack."
Nyla rose from her seat, giving Hadley a lingering look.
"Once you've shown some improvement, I'll arrange for someone to bring you back, okay?"
With these words, Nyla walked away.
Hadley quickly got up to walk her out.
Left alone, Hadley felt a hollow emptiness inside her.
Out of nowhere, she was hit by a wave of nausea so intense it made her stomach churn.
Catching her breath, Hadley clasped her hand over her mouth.
Hastily, she made her way to the bathroom.
Chapter 2 Pain To The Max
After relentless waves of nausea that felt like a storm raging inside her, Hadley ended up in the hospital.
"Doctor, what's happening to me?"
She sat nervously in the waiting area while the doctor examined her test results.
Pausing for a moment, the doctor looked at her curiously and inquired, "Are you married?"
There was a pause before Hadley responded affirmatively, "Yes, I am."
"Congratulations," the doctor finally announced. "You're pregnant."
The news momentarily took Hadley's breath away, her eyes widening as she processed the information.
The recent summer heat had been oppressive, causing her to lose her appetite and frequently feel nauseous.
Hadley had assumed it was the heat or perhaps the greasy food.
Now, she questioned, "Is this what morning sickness feels like?"
Had this revelation come before the events of the previous night, it would have been a joyous occasion for Hadley. But now, everything had changed.
Hadley paused, and then voiced her concern to the doctor. "Is there any chance this is a mistake? Could there be an error in the diagnosis?"
"When did you last have your period?"
Upon thinking back, Hadley's expression changed as she made the connection. "I'm... a week late."
The doctor gestured expansively as he handed over the test results.
"Here's your answer," he said, pushing the document towards her. "See for yourself. The blood test is quite clear. You're definitely pregnant."
Hadley's eyes were drawn to the bolded words "early pregnancy" showed on the report, underscored by the doctor's signature.
She took a deep breath, picked up the report, and softly said, "Thank you, doctor."
Leaving the hospital, the harsh rays of the summer sun prompted tears to gather in her eyes.
With her eyes closed, Hadley whispered to herself, "What am I going to do?"
Her marriage to Eric was still new, barely two months old, and their physical relationship had been limited--quick and infrequent.
Hadley had previously thought that Eric simply wasn't interested in being intimate, and frankly, she didn't much enjoy their encounters; they were just too painful.
Now, the painful truth hit her.
It wasn't the intimacy he was averse to. It was her.
The rare occasions they had been intimate were probably just to fulfill Nyla's wish to produce a Flynn heir.
Now, Hadley found herself pregnant at the most unfortunate moment.
"What should I do?" Hadley pondered once more.
Was it right to keep the baby?
At only twenty, the gravity of such a decision overwhelmed Hadley. She felt too inexperienced to handle it on her own.
She decided she must speak with Eric.
He was, after all, the father.
Currently, Eric was at the hospital where Linda was recovering from her miscarriage, having set up a makeshift office in her room.
When Hadley tried to enter, she was halted by Eric's security, Xander and Theodore Todd. "Mrs. Flynn, you must stop here. You're not allowed inside."
Confused, Hadley blinked and asked, "Why?"
"The order comes directly from Mr. Flynn," they replied.
Eric's orders?
Did he think she would harm Linda again, or was he concerned Linda might be distressed by her presence?
Hadley bowed her head, feeling a mix of defeat and desperation, yet a trace of resolve lingered.
Hadley pleaded, "I don't need to enter. Just let him know I must speak with him. It's urgent."
The two bodyguards looked at each other. "We'll relay your message."
Theodore went inside to inform Eric of her request.
Eric dismissed the request coldly once Theodore delivered it. "I won't meet with her," he instructed. "Make sure she doesn't come near this room and disturb Linda."
"Understood, Mr. Flynn," Theodore responded before returning to deliver the news to Hadley.
Upon hearing the stern rejection, Hadley's face lost all its color, and her hands began to shake uncontrollably.
"Mrs. Flynn, it's best you leave now. Miss Harris might awaken any moment, and it would be problematic if she saw you here."
"I'm going now."
Hadley's lip quivered as she bit down hard, drawing blood, though she hardly noticed.
Exiting the hospital, Hadley paused abruptly, rooted to the spot.
She couldn't just walk away!
Tomorrow, she was scheduled to fly overseas, to a place where everything would be strange and unfamiliar, leaving her even more isolated.
Determined, Hadley chose to stay by the entrance, hoping to intercept Eric as he left the hospital.
As the hours ticked by, her legs grew stiff with cold. Darkness fell, and a sudden downpour drenched the evening.
Hadley began to fear that Eric might spend the night in the hospital, but then he appeared.
The soft illumination from the streetlights enhanced Eric's striking appearance as he walked out.
"Eric!" Hadley called out, dashing towards him.
Eric's expression turned into a deep scowl. "Stop her!"
"At once, sir!"
Hadley was halted halfway by the guards, her path to Eric blocked.
"I need to speak with you--it's urgent!" Hadley yelled, her voice laced with desperation.
Eric continued forward, ignoring her plea.
As his car pulled up, he entered without a backward glance.
"Eric! Please, just listen!" Hadley's voice broke with despair and disbelief as she called after the departing car.
Eric disregarded her completely, shutting the car door and commanding the driver, "Let's go."
As the vehicle began to move, Hadley's expression turned to one of shock and desperation.
"Eric!" Hadley yelled, mustering every ounce of her strength to break free from Xander and sprint after the car.
"Eric, please! Stop the car!"
Tears mingled with her cries as she pursued the car relentlessly.
The cold air burned her lungs, yet she continued.
However, the car accelerated, quickly distancing itself from her. Just as she neared the hospital gate, Hadley's foot caught, and she tumbled to the pavement.
"Ah..."
The pain elicited a sharp cry from Hadley.
From the car, Theodore looked back and murmured to Eric, "Sir, she fell."
Did she?
Eric casually checked the rearview mirror and saw Hadley lying on the wet ground, drenched and helpless. His expression briefly showed concern.
However, he quickly dismissed the sentiment. "She's tough. She'll recover. Drive faster. Let's ensure she doesn't follow us and complicate things further."
"Understood, sir."
Accelerating, the vehicle quickly vanished into the distance. Helplessly, Hadley watched as it disappeard, the spark in her eyes dimming.
Struggling to rise, Hadley noticed her arms and palms were scraped and bleeding, the blood diluting in the rainwater.
The pain she felt was sharp, almost soul-deep.
Tears mixed with the rain as Hadley shut her eyes, overwhelmed by the moment.
Later at Silver Villas, completely spent both physically and emotionally, Hadley collapsed onto her sofa still in her damp attire, too exhausted to change or shower.
What options did she have left? Who could help her now?
A sudden memory prompted her to grab her phone. She bypassed her contacts, dialing a number she remembered well.
As she hit the call button, a surge of hope briefly animated her.
The phone rang, and she held her breath in tense anticipation.
"Hello?" A female voice answered.
Immediately, the flicker of hope in Hadley's eyes faded.
"Hello, who is this? Speak up!" The woman on the line warned, "If you don't respond, I'm hanging up."
Shortly after, the line went dead.
Her expression hardened, Hadley clutched her phone tightly as tears streamed down her face. She realized the call had been a mistake. Frustrated, she threw the phone aside and buried her face in a pillow, her cries muffled.
The night dragged on in a blur of anguish.
She wasn't sure when she fell asleep, but she was jolted awake by the incessant ringing of the doorbell, each ring sharper than the last.
Possibly tired of waiting, the person stormed in as the door burst open.
Eric entered, irritation evident on his otherwise striking features.
Chapter 3 Asking For Money From Him
Upon seeing Hadley on the couch, Eric's expression grew sharp with annoyance. "Why wasn't the door answered?"
Silently, Hadley muttered to herself, "I lacked the strength to even get up," but she left her thoughts unspoken, simply shaking her head in response.
Hadley was acutely aware that any attempt to explain herself would merely be seen as an excuse by Eric.
To someone who harbors disdain for you, even the act of breathing could seem like a fault.
Overwhelmed by an uncomfortable feeling, Hadley went directly to the heart of the matter. "What brings you here?"
She thought he wanted nothing to do with her.
"Do you actually think I came here willingly?"
With a sneer, Eric made no effort to mask his contempt as he glanced coldly at Hadley. "Grandma sent me to escort you to the airport."
That was how things stood.
Hadley asked herself bitterly, "Why did I even harbor any hope?"
"Is your luggage upstairs?"
The impatience in Eric's voice was unmistakable. Spending even a moment with Hadley was clearly something he found almost unbearable.
Hadley nodded, but then quickly added, "It's upstairs, but I haven't finished packing yet..."
She had planned to finish packing the previous night, but overwhelming fatigue and sickness had caused her to fall asleep prematurely.
"What?"
A shadow crossed Eric's face as his irritation flared. "You've had all day and still haven't managed to pack your bags?"
He fixed a stern gaze on Hadley, who appeared bewildered and unresponsive. Eric guessed bitterly. "Is she trying to delay her departure?"
"Don't just stand there; get moving and finish your packing!"
"Alright," Hadley responded with a vacant nod, turning to ascend the stairs swiftly.
Making her way up, Hadley felt each step caused her to break out in a cold sweat. She sensed that something was amiss. Hesitantly, she touched her forehead.
It was unmistakably hot, her breathing labored as if each breath scorched her lungs.
Clearly, she was running a fever.
The fever was probably a result of being soaked in the rain yesterday.
Hadley's initial reaction was to search for some cold medicine in her room. Just as she was about to take one, she hesitated.
Remembering her pregnancy, she knew she couldn't take the medicine.
Although she hadn't decided whether to keep the baby, she felt a responsibility to protect it while it was still part of her.
"Ugh..."
A wave of nausea hit Hadley hard, causing her to groan.
She clutched her outh and hurried to the bathroom, where she retched into the toilet until she felt completely empty.
Afterward, se turned on the tap, rinsed her mouth, and splashed her face with cold water to soothe her burning skin.
"Hadley!"
Eric's voice, deep and slightly raspy, echoed with a note of exasperation.
Impatient from waiting, he had come upstairs to check on her progress.
Noticing she still wasn't ready, he demanded, "Hadley, what's taking so long? Get out here!"
"On my way," replied Hadley, dabbing her fce with a towel. She emerged from the bathroom, her complexion ashen, her voice a faint murmur.
"Eric," she whispered. "Might I request to leave a day later?"
Her health was so precarious that she worried about becoming sick on the flight.
Should she fall ill on the plane, she would be entirely alone, without assistance.
"Why for?" Eric asked, his expression clouding with suspicion.
"What's your scheme now? Yesterday,you tried to see Linda at the hospital, and I had to stop you. Are you attempting something else today?"
Did he truly have such a low opinion of her?
"It's not what you think..." Hadley replied, her eyes widening with the effort to restrain her tears.
"I feel very sick. I need to consult a doctor..."
"Enough of this!" Eric interjected sharply, not allowing her to explain further.
He examinedher face briefly before a slight smirk appeared. "Feigning illness again? You expect me to believe that?"
His voice took on a cold edge. "Even if you are sick, how serious could it be? Linda has just lost a chil and is still in the hospital, while you're here, perfectly upright! You'll cope. It's not the end of the world!"
Hadley reeled from his words, her face a picture of astonishment. "I..."
Eric paid her no mind, moving swiftly to the closet to retrieve the already packed suitcase.
"Leave whatever isn't packed. Just buy what you need when ou get there! It's all coming from my family's funds anyway. I can't afford to linger here with you."
With that, he grabbed the suitcase and stormed downstairs.
Hadley's lip quivered as pain grpped her heart. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, which she smeared away with the back of her hand.
She might as well leave.
Whether here or somewhere foreign, did it really matter?
Isolated, unloved--her plight seemed invisible to others, her existence negligible.
At the airport, Eric was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his assistnt, Phillips Brown, took care of the check-in process and walked Hadley to the security checkpoint.
"Have a safe trip, ma'am," Phillips said as he handed her the passport and boarding pass. "lease call Mrs. Flynn upon your landing. Your living expenses will be forwarded to you each month."
Hadley responded with a subdued nod, "I understand. Thank you."
She then proceeded through the boarding gate.
......
A month had passed. Now, deep into the night in an apartment in downtown Blathe, Hadley washunched over in bed, too terrified to turn on any lights or make noise.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The sound of forceful knocking jolted the door. Outside, her fat, middle-aged landlord shouted,"Senorita! Are you there? Your rent is overdue! I know you're inside! Respond!"
Hadley pressed her hands over her ears, squeezed her eyes shut, and shook her head, silently wishing thelandlord would just go away.
After enduring the quiet for a while, it seemed the landlord finally gave up. "Thinking you can avoidpaying by hiding? Oh, sweetheart, that's just naive! Are you really not there?"
He continued muttering to himself, "It's getting late. I hope she's safe."
The pounding at the door eventually ceased, and the sound of the landlord's footsteps slowly faded away.
Hadley took her hands away from her ears, breathing out a lengthy sigh of relief.
She had managed to avoid the landlord today, but the question of what to do tomorrow lingered in hermind.
Gently pulling her phone from beneath her pillow, Hadley scrolled through her contacts to find Nyla'snumber.
It had been nearly a month since she arrived in Blathe, yet the living expenses she was promised had notbeen sent. She had been trying to reach Nyla for days now, but all her calls had gone unanswered.
She inhaled deeply and pressed the call button once more.
Still, no one answered.
Feeling more isolated, Hadley wondered who else she could turn to.
Eric was her only option left.
With a moment's hesitation, she found Eric's number, dialed, and the call connected.
"Hello."
The familiar deep and slightly hoarse voice of Eric answered.
Nerves made Hadley's mouth dry. "I... it's me."
"What do you want?" Eric asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Surprised by his harsh tone, Hadley stuttered, "I tried to reach Nyla, but her number seems to bedisconnected."
Eric responded coldly, "Why do you need Grandma? You just left, and you're already trying to pull herback into your problems?"
"No..." Hadley quickly clarified. "That's not it..."
Eric didn't let her finish. "Don't bother trying to contact Grandma. I've changed her number to keep youfrom disturbing her."
Hadley stood speechless, tears starting to form in her eyes.
She knew Eric couldn't stand her, but wasn't her leaving the country enough?
Did he really have to cut her off from Nyla too?
Nyla had always shown her kindness, and she cherished their bond.
"Anything else?" Eric's voice was losing patience. "We sent you abroad to become more self-reliant, notto continue relying on us like you've done all your life. I'm going to hang up now!"
"Wait, please!" Hadley interjected quickly, desperation clear in her voice. "It's regarding the livingexpenses... they haven't been sent yet."
Chapter She Had No Right To Give Up
"Really?"
Eric's smile was cold, dripping with scorn.
"So, this is about money, isn't it? Not even a month has passed. What's the hurry?Rest assured, you'll receive your due. Just be patient. Surely, you don't think we'd let you go hungry?"
He pause briefly, his tone becoming terse. "Avoid calling me unless it's urgent. I'll get in touch if there's any need."
With those final words, the conversation abruptly ceased.
Clasping the phone tightly, Hadley's shock was evident.
To such an extent, Eric despised her.
"Absurd."
With a frail chuckle, adley's face turned ashen. Requesting money from him had left her feeling profoundly demeaned.
In silece, she lifted her hand to her unchanged stomach, closed her eyes, and allowed tears to escape quietly.
...
Eight months had passed.
Hadley was sleeping peacefully in her modest room, her pregnant belly prominently displayed.
The arrival of her child was approaching. Despite the doctor's recommendation for an earl hospitalization due to the baby's backside position, Hadley merely smiled and remained silent.
Her pockets were empty.
Eight months earlier, following that call with Eric, he had spewed nothing but cruelty.
Yet, the financial support he promised never materialized.
Hadley had drainedher savings. With no way to afford her apartment anymore, she ended up in a run-down neighborhood.
She never reached out to him for financial help again.
The thought of being labeled a parasite was unbearable.
After moving, Hadley managed to secure some part-time work, balancing it with her studies.
Her earnings were limited, but through careful budgeting, she made enough to sustain herself.
As she drifted in sleep, the night erupted with cries of alarm.
"Fire!"
The shout pierced the air.
"Escape!"
Roused abruptly, Hadley leaped from her bed ad threw open her door to a scene of utter chaos. Smoke engulfed the corridor as flames danced violently.
Her complexion drained of color in an instant.
"Hadley!"
Her neighbor, a fellow student, was frantic with worry as he caught sight of her.
"Why haven't you fled? It's a fire! Get out now!"
"Right, got it!"
In a rush, Hadley spun around to snatch her backpack.
She moved to venture deeper into her apartment, but her neighbor' firm grip stopped her. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you heading back in? Leave immediately!"
"I must!"
Hadley's frustration was clear as she stamped her foot.
Inside, her savings lay--every single peny she had painstakingly gathered for her baby's future needs: hospital bills, diapers, and baby formula.
"I need to retrieve it!"
Hadley moed to step further, but at that moment, a flaming beam from the ceiling crashed down in front of her.
"Ah!"
Hadley instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding injury.
The way forward was now obstructed by debris.
"Hadley! Escape now!"
"No!"
With a desperate shke of her head, she couldn't consider leaving. Breaking away, she made a reckless dash into the danger.
"Ah!"
A fierce blast of wind propelled the fire clser to her. Turning swiftly, Hadley felt the flames lick at her lower back, eliciting a sharp wince of pain.
"Hadley!"
Her neighbor reached out and yanked her to safety. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." Hadley dismissed hi concern with a shake of her head, even as coughs wracked her body, spurred by the engulfing smoke.
"Let's go, now!"
Clutching her arm, her neighbor pleaded, "You can't return inside!"
"But..."
"Consider yur child! The smoke alone could kill you both! If you go back, it might cost both your lives. Escape now!"
Led almost forcibly by her neighbor, Hadley managed to flee from the blaze.
At that moment, the flames had already seared Hadley's back, and she had failed to retrieve er savings. Powerless, she watched as her modest home was consumed by fire, crumbling to mere ashes.
What was she to do next?
"Ah!"
A sudden, intense pain struck her, causing Hadley to grasp her abdomen tightly.
"What's the matter? Are you okay?"
A crowd formed around Hadley.
"She's having her baby!"
"Someone call for an ambulance! We need to get her to a hospital now!"
...
"Ah!"
"Stay strong!"
In haste, Hadley was transported to the hospital and poitioned on a delivery table. She withstood a harrowing and dangerous labor for more than ten hours.
Eventually, she delivered her child.
A nursetenderly placed the newborn in her arms, and tears welled up in Hadley's eyes as she beamed with joy.
Here was her child...
Her own family...
She wasn't alone in the world any longer.
Then, overwhelmed by the outrage of the moment, she let her eyes fall shut and lost consciousness.
......
One afternoon, Hadley held her infant close, her gaze fixed silently downward.
A nurse, empathetic in her demeanor, was nearby, observing Hadley. She had come to discuss he outstanding hospital bills. Hadley had managed to pay a fraction, yet it was far from sufficient.
Silently, Hadley lowered her head, at a loss for words.
She felt utterly defeated, with nothing left to offer.
The nurse, movd by compassion and noting Hadley's youth, assumed she had been abandoned by an uncaring partner.
"Isn't there someone in your family, or perhaps friends, who could assit you? Call them," the nurse gently suggested, and then moved away, careful not to press too firmly.
Hadley's eyes began to brim with tears.
Family? Friends? She had no one...
Yet now she was a mother and could not ignore her obligations, as if she were irresponsible.
Rummaging through her bag, she retrieved her phone.
She called Eric.
The phone echoed unanswered rings.
At last, the call was picked up.
"Eric..."
"Hello?"
It was Linda's voice that responded, smooth and slightly mocking.
"Is this Hadley? Do you need Eric? He's unavailabe at the moment. But feel free to talk to me," Linda continued, her voice carrying a hint of provocation.
Could Linda truly offer assistance?
Didn't Linda harbor resentment toward her?
At this point, however, Hadley had no room for such concerns.
Options were non-existent for her.
With a swallowed pride, Hadey hesitated, and then said, "I was wondering if he might... possibly help with some financial support?"
She framed her request carefully, not as charity but as a loan.
"Please, I promise to repay it as soon as possible!"
"Understood," Linda responded, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I'll pass on the message. Bye."
"Thank..."
Hadley's words of gratitude were cut short as the line went dead.
Clutching her phone, she felt a knot of anxiety tighten within her.
Could Eric possibly extend the financial help? Perhaps for Nyla's sake, or given their unresolved divorce... He would help, right?
Yet, as days passed by, no help arrived for Hadley.
Two days later, there she was, standing outside the hospital, cradling her baby and a bag.
Eviction had come due to unpaid bills.
She looked up, squinting against the harsh winter sun, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Don't cry, Hadley."
Her lip quivered as she bit down hard.
"Why should you cry? You're a mother now. You've got a child to care for! No time for tears!"
Nevertheless, she found herself poor, her previous home lost to the fire, with no place left to go.
Two weeks had passed.
Hurrying down the sidewalk, Hadley held her baby close.
"Thief! Stop that woman!"
"Seize her!"
Footsteps thundered behind her.
Realization dawned on her; escape was impossible.
Tripping over, Hadley fell forward, twisting instinctively to protect her baby from the impact.
"Caught you!" exclaimed a store clerk, securing her before she could rise.
"Where are you headed in such a hurry? What did you steal? Hand it over!" demanded the clerk, forcefully pulling her bag and emptying its contents on the ground.
"Is this baby formula and diapers? You took these?"
"See this? She's carrying an infant!"
Hadley closed her eyes tightly, overcome with shame. She wished she could just vanish. She'd lost it all. Her dignity was shattered beyond repair.
Yet, as she clutched her baby tighter, she realized surrender wasn't an option. She had no right to give up.
Chapter 5 Take Her Back
Time had swiftly flown by; it had been three years...
At Srixby International Airport.
As she navigated her way through the terminal, Hadley's appearance was noticeably vibrant. Her gaze was alert, her eyes serene with an unwavering peacefulness that belied her age.
She soon noticed Sebastian Mitchell, the Flynn family's driver, holding up a sign bearing her name.
Approaching him with a reserved smile, Hadley said, "Sebastian."
Upon observing Hadley, a flicker of astonishment crossed Sebastian's features. "Are you really Mrs. Hadley Flynn?"
"That's me," Hadley replied, her smile softening.
The transformations in her over the years were not lost on her; she had slimmed down and even shot up a bit, thanks to a late growth spurt.
"You've undergone quite the transformation."
Sebastian's initial shock gave way to a warm grin. "You look even lovelier than you did before."
"Your flattery is generous, Sebastian."
"Let's head out."
Following their brief conversation, Sebastian escorted Hadley from the airport. "The vehicle's parked right up front. Mrs. Nyla Flynn has been eagerly anticipating your arrival and has mentioned you several times over the past few days."
Hadley proceeded to the car and settled inside.
As they drove away, it dawned on her that only Sebastian had come to meet her; Eric was notably absent...
Soon, they arrived at Tranquille Sanatorium.
Nyla was dealing with a serious heart issue and was due for an impending surgical procedure.
It was this grave health concern that necessitated Hadley's return after three years. The surgery carried significant risks, and Nyla was bracing for all possibilities...
Her wish, before undergoing surgery, was to reunite with Hadley.
Upon reaching Nyla's room, Nyla's anxious voice could be heard questioning, "Is she here yet? What's taking them so long?"
Knock, knock.
Advancing towards the door, Sebastian knocked lightly.
"Come in!"
He then moved aside, making way for Hadley. "Please, Mrs. Flynn, go ahead."
"Thank you."
Hadley gave a nod and gently pushed the door open.
"Hadley?"
Peering from her bed, Nyla tried to make out the figure at the doorway. The resemblance was there, but uncertainty lingered.
"Nyla."
With swift steps, Hadley approached.
"Is it truly you, Hadley?" Nyla extended her hand with a burst of joy. "Come closer, my dear. Let's have a proper look at you."
Submissively, Hadley grasped Nyla's hand, permitting a close inspection.
"Excellent, just excellent."
Emotion surged within Nyla; her eyes began to tear up and her voice wavered. "You've grown up into such a stunning young woman."
Three years ago, Hadley had departed with a youthful, rounded face. But now, her appearance had changed dramatically.
"Eric insisted on your independence, forbidding me from reaching out. It appears independence truly molds a person, doesn't it?"
At these words, Hadley halted, her smile broadening as she agreed. "Indeed, you're absolutely correct."
Nyla's pride grew as she observed Hadley's composure, softly patting her hand while exhaling a tender sigh.
"The years have truly transformed you, haven't they?"
Hadley hesitated, and then said in a hushed tone, "I was reckless back then. I'm sorry for the worries I caused you."
With a deep sigh, Nyla responded, "You were indeed a bit spoiled, and that's on me. My overindulgence might have led to those errors."
Hadley chose to remain silent, simply pressing her lips tightly together.
Running her fingers through Hadley's hair, Nyla sighed again. "Look at you now, so different. Please understand why I was so stern; it was all out of love. Going forward, be a good girl. You will always be my dearest granddaughter-in-law, understand?"
"I do."
Hadley nodded, her fingers clenched in her lap.
They continued their conversation for a bit longer until Nyla, clearly fatigued, indicated her need for rest.
"I'll let you go now. You've just arrived today. Have the driver take you back to rest."
"Okay."
Leaving the sanatorium behind, Sebastian drove Hadley back to Silver Villas, where she resided with Eric after they got married.
"Get some rest. I'm off."
"Much appreciated, Sebastian."
Hadley paused at the threshold of Silver Villas, inhaling deeply before she nudged the door open and crossed the threshold.
Her fingers shook slightly as she turned the handle.
Given a choice, she would never have returned to this house.
Choices, however, were luxury she couldn't afford now. Wealth was not in her cards.
She had only just come back to Srixby and was yet to secure her own place.
Consider staying in a hotel?
That was out of the question.
Her finances were so strained she would prefer sleeping outdoors rather than squandering money on hotel bills.
Residing in Silver Villas meant tolerating Eric, who obviously detested her.
Yet, fear was no longer part of her vocabulary.
She had faced more than enough judgment over the years. By now, she had learned to weather the worst of it.
Entering the foyer, she placed her suitcase to one side.
Hadley extracted her toiletries and a clean outfit to change into later, opting to keep the rest of her belongings in her suitcase.
Her stay was intended to be brief. Just enough days to secure a permanent spot of her own--no reason to fully unpack.
In the downstairs guest bathroom, Hadley quickly showered, rinsing off the travel grime and fatigue.
As evening fell, there was still no sign of Eric.
Glancing into the kitchen, she noted its apparent disuse. Ingredients were sparse. After rummaging around, she located an almost expired package of noodles and some eggs in the refrigerator.
She set a pot of water on the stove to boil and began to prepare her meal.
The dish was simple: noodles topped with a poached egg, devoid of any meat and vegetables.
Breathing in the aroma, Hadley murmured, "It smells good."
For her, even a humble meal like this was a luxury.
Just as she prepared to eat, a noise from the foyer caught her attention.
She stiffened. It was him--Eric had come home.
&6&
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