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

Chapter 40 Hadley's Request "I was actually quite anxious earlier because Mr. Flynn, who usually attends, didn't show up-" Lennon said, unable to hide his excitement. "But look at this! My worry was for nothing. Even though Mr. Flynn isn't here, he's still thinking about you." Really? Hadley managed a smile, though it felt somewhat absurd.

When she was his wife, Eric barely noticed her. Now, hidden behind a mask, she had somehow caught his eye.

Who would have thought Eric would be captivated by a dancer of all people? She pondered his potential reaction upon discovering who was behind the mask. Disappointment? Or perhaps even anger? Regardless, she was certain it wouldn't be a welcsurprise.

... It was Monday, Hadley's typical day off.

She had planned to spend the night with Nyla.

Nyla was happy to have her company and saw no reason to refuse.

Arriving early in the morning, Hadley cwith her bag and everything she needed for the day.

Nyla woke up early, surprised to find Hadley already there. "Hadley, you're here so early? Don't you young people usually sleep in when you don't have work to do?" "I can catch up on sleep any time. Missing one day won't hurt." Sitting beside Nyla, Hadley noticed how well she looked. She had been contemplating this conversation for days and had finally decided to voice her thoughts.

"Nyla." Hadley gently took her hand. "I need to tell you something. Please promise you won't get upset or agitated. I'm just sharing my feelings." Seeing Hadley's earnest expression, Nyla responded with a reassuring smile, "Alright, I'm all ears." "Okay, I'll say it then." "Go ahead." "Nyla," Hadley began, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm so thankful you tookin all those years ago. If it hadn't been for you, I likely would have had to stop dancing and look for a different job much earlier-" 19:21 Her voice faltered, but she pressed on.

"Your grandmother was my best friend, and to me, you are like my own granddaughter. I've always seen you that way," Nyla admitted, her voice thick with emotion.

"You've always looked out forand cared for me" Hadley, fighting back emotions, made her request "So, I'm asking you, please look afterone more time." "What?" Nyla was taken aback momentarily, interpreting Hadley's solemn demeanor as an indication of a serious request.

Quickly nodding, she urged, "Alright, tellwhat it is. Whatever it is, I will agree." "I appreciate that, thank you," Hadley began, gathering her resolve. "Please agree to let Eric and I divorce." "What?" Nyla's face was a mask of shock. She couldn't grasp what she was hearing "Do you understand what you are asking?" Nyla pressed.

"I do, yes," Hadley confirmed, her voice thick with emotion. "I once deeply loved Eric-" That truth was undeniable.

"But now, my feelings have changed." Behind her, the bathroom door was slightly ajar.

tall figure paused in the doorway, rooted to the spot upon catching the tail end of the conversation. "Hadley..." Nyla's voice was slightly trembling as she held Hadley's hand tighter.

nuing with a shaky voice, Hadley revealed, "He never truly cared for me. His heart always belonged to Linda." Nyla was speechless, unable to counter the truth. "So you knew," Nyla murmured under her breath. Hadley continued softly, tears starting to form in her eyes, “All I want is to find someone who genuinely loves me. I want to experience being truly cared for. Please, grantthis chance to real happiness." Tears began to well up in Nyla's eyes as she looked down. "It's my fault." 'It was a well-known secret in Srixby that Nyla's grandsons both fancied the swoman, a topic often whispered about.

Nyla had always favored pairing Hadley with Eric for reasons of her own.

She didn't want the Flynn family to be ridiculed or embroiled in scandal. Finding Eric a different partner seemed the best solution.

Ultimately, Nyla's efforts led to their marriage, but it had eventually turned sour.

Now an older woman, Nyla felt remorseful watching their marriage crumble into resentment.

Choking back tears, she said, "I'm so sorry, I've wronged you. How will I face your grandmother when my tcomes?" 27.3% 19:21 111 O < Chapter 40 Hadley's Request "Nyla." Hadley offered a tissue to dry her tears.

"So, will you let us divorce?" Pausing for a moment, Nyla then inquired, "Is there truly no chance for reconciliation? Didn't you once have deep feelings for him?" While Nyla had her own motives, she always adored Hadley and believed they were a good match.

"Yes, I once cared for him deeply," Hadley acknowledged, but then added resolutely, "But him leavingalone to fend for myself in Blathe for four years changed everything. My feelings for him have completely vanished." Upon hearing Hadley's mention of those four years, Nyla's expression hardened noticeably, and any lingering tears dried.

She realized Hadley was serious, not merely pretending.

"Alright, if you've made your mind..." Nyla took a deep breath and nodded, glancing toward the bathroom. "Eric, were you listening?" Startled, Hadley looked up. Eric was here as well? She turned and saw Eric stepping out of the bathroom, approaching them.

He had spent the night and was taking a shower before he changed and got back to work when Hadley arrived.

Surely, he had overheard everything.

Eric approached, addressing his grandmother as he drew closer.

Meanwhile, Hadley, troubled, kept her gaze lowered, her forehead creased with concern.

Nyla reached out, gently touching Hadley's hand. "Now that Eric is here, Now that I must ask you once more. Did you sincerely mean everything you just said?" "Yes," Hadley responded firmly, without any hesitation.

Eric's expression darkened at her confirmation, a tight feeling emerging in his chest.

Nyla exhaled heavily.

"In light of this, Eric, I consent to the divorce." Caught off guard, Eric struggled to process the swift resolution.

Hadley expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Nyla." Nyla then looked towards Eric. "What about you, Eric? You achieved what you desired. Why remain silent?" Managing a strained smile, Eric replied, "Thank you, Grandma."

"There's no need for thanks," Nyla responded briskly. "I did this not for you but because Hadley requested it. You owe her your gratitude." 62.3% 19:21 Hadley, dismissing the need for any thanks, smiled at Eric and said, "This is beneficial for us both, so there's no need for thanks." Her smile was radiant, filled with genuine happiness and relief.

m Eric, observing her joy, felt a pang of confusion. Was her happiness genuine or had he misunderstood their situation all along? "But just remember," Nyla added, shifting the tone slightly.

"The divorce won't happen as quick as you might hope."