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

Chapter 223 Together All

The Time

Eric's gaze was unwavering, filled with a quiet resolve that left no room for retreat.

He was gambling now-testing the waters, searching for any sign that this woman felt something, for ham

Did Hadley even have a choice? Her clear eyes held his for a moment, unreadable. Then, ever so singly, she

nodded. Rising onto her tiptoes, she whispered against his lips, “Okay”

Her mouth brushed against his-a kiss so soft, so fleeting, it barely fingered before pulling away

But that single touch was all it took. Desire coiled instantly in Eric’s chest.

Before she could step back, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her in, pressing her close. His lips found hers

again-but this time, there was nothing hesitant about it.

Then, his mouth parted against hers.

“Mmm.”

This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a claim. A bite. A warning

Hadley winced, a sharp sting pulling her out of the moment. Her brows furrowed as she whispered, “Eric, that

hurt.”

“Did it?”

Eric's breath was heavy as he pulled back, his hands still cradling her head. His gaze flickered over her face

before settling on her now-swollen lips.

Regret crossed his features.

Lifting a hand, he traced her lips gently, his touch a stark contrast to the roughness of the kiss moments before.

“I'm sorry.”

He had lost control.

His forehead pressed against hers, his palms framing her cheeks. His voice, low and husky, carried both

tenderness and a dangerous edge-much like his own contradictions.

“You kissed me, Hadley. There's no escaping now”

Before she could react, his lips captured hers again

“I gave you a choice once, and you chose to stay.” His voice was low, his breath warm against her skin quiet

promise, a firm command. “There's no chance for regrets now!

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< Chapter 223 Together All The Time

Hadley leaned into him, her fingers tightening around his shirt as she shook her head. “I never planned to

regret it.”

Oh.

Just that one sentence-simple, unadorned-meant more to Eric than any confession, more than a thousand

sweet words or empty reassurances.

His heart, which had plummeted with disappointment earlier, soared.

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A slow smirk curled his lips as his thumb brushed her cheek. “Alright then, since you seem sincere, I'll let you off

the hook for tonight.”

Hadley chuckled. “Thank you, ah-!"

Before she could finish, Eric suddenly lifted her off the floor, her toes barely grazing his feet.

Her eyes widened, but his expression remained serious. “Be serious. I'm talking business.”

“Oh. Of course. Business.” Hadley bit back a laugh, clinging to his shoulders before mimicking his stern

expression.

Eric arched a brow, clearly enjoying this. “Like I said, | gave you the choice to leave, but you chose to stay.” His

voice was steady, sure. “This time, it wasn’tforcing you-it was your decision. Right?”

Hadley exhaled softly, seeing no point in denying it. “Yes.” She nodded.

Eric’s mood shifted, the weight of his frustration lifting just a little. “If you really didn’t want to be here, Hadley,

you wouldn't be.” His voice was lighter now, teasing but certain. “Admit it-being withwasn’t entirely against

your will.”

After all, she had the perfect opportunity to walk away tonight... and yet, she stayed.

But still, he knew-her feelings for him weren't deep enough. Not yet. Not enough to make her choose him

without hesitation. The fact that someone else-just a housemate-could pull her away so easily. That was the part

that stung.

But whatever. A real man didn’t get petty over these things.

“Hadley.”

Instead, he smirked and pulled her close, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. “I'll make you fall for me, Hadley -

more than you already have. More than you're willing to admit.”

His gaze locked onto hers, the usual turbulence in his dark eyes replaced by something rare-conviction. A quiet

certainty that cut through all the unspoken doubts between them.

“Do you trust me?”

For just a fleeting moment, her heart stammered. A warmth she wasn't prepared for.

But Hadley masked it effortlessly, the corners of her lips curving into a smile. “I suppose I'll just have to wait

and see.”

Neither a yes nor a no-a challenge in disguise.

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That night, as distance melted and the walls between them crumbled, the lines of their relationship fell back on

track.

The next day...

Hadley stirred awake, blinking against the soft daylight streaming through the curtains. The clock read almost

eleven.

Carefully, she moved Eric's arm off her waist and slipped out of bed. After a quick shower, she emerged wrapped

in a towel, running a brush through her damp hair in front of the mirror.

Behind her, she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening. Eric had woken up too. Still toweling off his hair,

he walked past her, but then suddenly turned.

“Oh, right. | have something for you.”

Before she could respond, he left the room.

Hadley frowned slightly. Where was he going?

Yesterday, in a surge of frustration, Eric had tossed something into the backseat and left it there-forgotten in the

heat of the moment. A few minutes later, Eric returned, holding a small box.

Placing it on the dressing table, he nodded toward her. “Go on-open it.”

“What's this?” Hadley hesitated but set her brush down and lifted the lid.

Inside, nestled in velvet, was a sleek, elegant wristwatch. The design felt strangely familiar. She furrowed her

brows, trying to place where she had seen it before.

Eric smirked knowingly. “Looks familiar?”

Before she could answer, he plucked the watch from the box, gently taking her left wrist and fastening the strap.

“Perfect fit.” His voice was smooth, satisfied. “Your wrist is so slender, and the strap sits just right. The color

complements your skin tone too.”

Hadley frowned, pulling her wrist back slightly. “Eric, this is too expensive.”

“Expensive?” He arched a brow. “It’s just a watch.” Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he

added, “Besides, it's a pair-with mine.”

Realization dawned on her.

That was why it looked familiar-he had the exact sone. Only his was slightly larger-the men’s version.

Eric chuckled. “I didn’t expect it to be ready so soon, but since they had mine as a reference, they basically just

replicated it.”

Indeed, a bespoke timepiece. One of only two in the world.

Suddenly, Hadley felt the weight of the watch on her wrist. It was too much-too extravagant, too valuable.

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21:09

Chapter 223 Together All The Time

she hesitated, fingers brushing over the sleek surface. “Maybe | should just put it away.” Her voice was light, but

there was a tinge of unease. “It's too precious. If | scratch it or worse-lose it, wouldn't that be a shame?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Before she could take it off, Eric caught her hand, holding it firmly in place.

“Scratches can be fixed. And losing it?” He smirked, shaking his head. “That's impossible.” His fingers traced the

strap as he spoke. “Each watch has a unique serial number-like DNA. As long as that number exists, it can

always be found.” His voice dipped lower, coaxing. “So just wear it.”

Lifting her wrist, he brought it close to her ear.

“Listen.” Eric’s smile deepened. “We're wearing the swatch, Hadley. It’s like we're always connected, no

matter where we are.”

Hadley stilled. Her breath caught, her heart skipping a beat.

What a beautiful sentiment!

After tidying up, Hadley and Eric made their way downstairs for breakfast.

Halfway through the meal, Eric’s phone buzzed. Seeing Nyla’s non the screen, he answered immediately,

“Yes, Grandma. Got it. Don’t worry. I've remembered everything.”

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After hanging up, he casually glanced at Hadley’s plate and, as usual, reached over to take the egg yolk she

hadn't eaten.

“We're heading back this afternoon.” He popped the yolk into his mouth, speaking between bites. “Grandma

wants to discuss details about my brother's wedding.”

Hadley simply nodded. “Okay.”

After lunch, they rested for a while before heading out together.

Eric took the wheel, but instead of going straight to Flynn Mansion, he made a detour.

“We'll stop by the hospital first,” he explained. “Grandma’s medication is running low, so | need to pick up her

prescription.”

“Do you want to calong?” Eric asked after parking the car.

Hadley instantly tensed. Joy was also in this hospital. What if they ran into each other?

She rejected the idea immediately, shaking her head.

“No, Ill wait in the car.”

Eric raised an eyebrow but didn’t push “Alright. I'll be quick.”

“Okay”

With that, he shut the car door and hurried inside.

The pharmacy was efficient, and since the medication was already prepared, Eric only had to pick it up. Bag in

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hand, he walked through the bustling hospital lobby. And then-

“Hello!”

A bright, cheerful voice rang out from the crowd.

Eric instinctively turned. There-among the sea of people-was a familiar little face.

“Joy!” She wasn’t alone-Melba was with her.

Before Melba could react, Joy wriggled out of her arms, squirming until she landed on the floor. Then, with tiny

determined steps, she ran straight toward Eric.

“Hello, little one! How are you?” Eric chuckled, crouching down as he scooped her up effortlessly with one arm.

But the usual sparkle in her eyes was missing. Her tiny hands clung to his collar, her little voice soft, almost

dejected. “I'm feeling down today.”

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