Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here The man on the bed did not react to Hadley’s presence. Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep. Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley’s mind… She struggled to come to terms with the reality, even after all this time. It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate. Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in a coma. Chances were, he would never wake up. The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared. With a basin of water in hand, the caregiver noticed Hadley’s tear–streaked face and nodded courteously. “Hello.” “Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?” “No, I’m actually here to shave him,” he replied. Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noticing the thick stubble that shaded his jaw blue. “I’ll take care of that. I know how to do it.” During Ernest’s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him. At that time, Nyla was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preoccupied with work, and Linda was expecting… Thus, Hadley had become the primary caregiver within the Flynn family. Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members. He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel. “Here you go.” “Thank you.” Gratefully accepting it, Hadley dampened the towel and used it to warm Ernest’s face. She then spread shaving cream over his face and started the careful process of shaving him. Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn’t notice Linda enter the room. Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in astonishment. Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here “Hadley, is that really you?” Her expression turned into a frown. “What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?” Looking up, Hadley responded, “I came to visit Ernest… and as you can see, I’m shaving him.” Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I can see what you’re doing.” “And why bother asking, then?” Hadley retorted sharply. “You…” A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked. With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine, you’ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn’t necessary.” “Is that so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady eye contact. “You just got here and now you’re already sending me away. What’s troubling you, Linda? Feeling guilty of something?” Linda’s expression darkened. “What are you suggesting?” “What am I suggesting?” Hadley’s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so no need to keep up the act.” Her eyes then flicked to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you truly deserve Ernest?” Linda looked bewildered. “What exactly are you implying?” Hadley scoffed, “All these years, don’t you feel any remorse when you see Ernest?” “I’m lost at your meaning!” Visibly enraged, Linda gestured towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no place here!” At the ward’s entrance, Eric was conversing with Nyla on his phone. Upon learning that Hadley had visited the hospital to see Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric, urging him to ensure Hadley’s safety. “Eric, please… It’s quite isolated there, and it’s getting late. Hadley is alone…” “I’m aware, Grandma.” Eric exhaled deeply and massaged his forehead. “I’ve already arrived.” Visiting his brother had been on his agenda for the evening as well. “Don’t worry. She’ll be home safe under my watch, okay?” “Thank you.” < Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here “Who do you think you are? Back off” Mustering her strength, Hadley swung her bag, striking him squarely. “Leave me alone!” “Did you just hit me?” Fueled by fury, he lashed out, knocking Hadley to the pavement. Yet, he wasn’t finished. Immediately, he pinned her down, his fingers brushing her cheek. “Your beauty is enchanting, and your skin, so delicate.” Hadley’s reaction was emotional; she stiffened, feeling nauseated by his touch. She always carried pepper spray in her bag, and, as a precaution, a half brick. In desperation, she reached into her bag, seizing the brick. Instinctively, she swung it at him. The brick connected with a heavy thud against his head. “Ah!” he screamed, holding his forehead as blood began to flow. Shock registered in his eyes as he looked at “I’m calling the police! 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