Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You can’t afford me now

Chapter 846:

Later that day, as the clock neared three, Joy was playing in the park. Hadley approached, catching the sound of her daughter’s giggles drifting through the air.

Over by the swings, Joy’s little friend Tyler perched on one, while Joy, with all her might, shoved it forward from the side.

“Higher, Joy! Push me up!” Tyler urged.

“Okay!” Joy’s cheeks glowed red as she summoned every ounce of energy for a big push. “There!” Then, glancing up, she spotted Hadley.

“Mommy!”

Bursting with delight, she abandoned the swing and raced over, leaping into Hadley’s embrace. Beaming, she gestured toward Tyler. “Mommy, see? I was helping Tyler swing!”

“I saw,” Hadley said, pulling a tissue to dab the sweat from Joy’s brow, and then tweaking her nose with a grin. “You’re incredible, Joy!”

“Hello,” Tyler said, hopping off the swing and standing tall before Hadley. “I pushed Joy too. We take turns. I didn’t tease her or anything.”

Hadley’s expression softened as she ruffled his hair. “I believe you. Joy’s always saying Tyler’s her best friend.”

“Hehe.” Tyler giggled, cheeks pink, grabbing Joy’s hand. “Joy’s my best friend too! Let’s play more, Joy!”

“Yeah!” Joy chirped, waving back at Hadley. “Mommy, I’ll be quick!”

“Go for it,” Hadley replied, her smile masking a twinge of inner pain.

No matter life’s hardships, she’d never let Joy glimpse even a shadow of her struggles. By standing resilient, she ensured her daughter could greet the world with boldness.

Back in Redmarsh, Elissa groped for her keys and unlocked her door.

“Miss Holland’s home!” The housekeeper, hearing the commotion, rushed over, steadying Elissa’s arm and murmuring, “Miss Holland, your husband…”

𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚: 𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸳𝖼𝗈𝗺

“You’re back.” Robin’s voice sounded before the housekeeper could finish.

Elissa tensed at his voice. “You… what are you doing here again?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Robin laughed lightly, rising from the couch. “I’m your husband—do I need an excuse to see my wife?” He closed the distance between them. “Elissa, I messed up before. I’m here to make amends. Come back with me, please?”

“No, absolutely not!” Elissa shook her head, panic flaring as she rejected him outright.

“Elissa,” Robin pressed, his brow furrowing. “I mean it—I’ve seen my mistake. Give me another chance. I won’t mess up again. Believe me.”

He wanted her to believe him?

Elissa scoffed inwardly, a bitter laugh echoing in her mind.

She’d fallen for his apologies too many times over the years until they’d worn thin.

Early on, she’d trusted his remorse, only to watch him chase other women and then come home to raise his hand to her again afterward. Time and again, he’d shattered her faith and battered her spirit. Facing him now, she challenged, “Robin, do you even buy the bullshit you’re peddling?”

“What did you just say?” His gaze hardened, irritation simmering beneath the surface. “I get it, you’re still mad. I won’t fight you on it… but you’re coming home with me today.” He seized her wrist. “Let’s go!”

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