?Chapter 1135:


    Elissa’s eyes were finally ready for the bandages toe off.


    On the day of the bandage removal, Ernest arrived at the hospital early. But, just like the past few days, Elissa didn’t want to see him.


    “Ernest,” Hadley found him sitting on a bench outside the room, not daring to go in.


    “Yes?” Ernest nodded.


    Hadley then sat beside him on the bench. “I have a favor to ask.”


    He turned to her, a bit surprised. “What is it? Whatever it is, I’ll help.”


    “It’s nothing too serious,” she assured him with a light smile. “I just need you to pass a message to Eric. Let him know he can call Melba anytime.”


    “Melba?” Ernest raised an eyebrow. “Who is that?”


    “It’s a long story,” Hadley replied. “And today’s not the right time to go into it. Elissa’s bandages areing off, so let’s focus on her and not waste any more time on this. You can ask Eric about itter.”


    Ernest looked puzzled. “Why don’t you just tell him yourself?”


    “We…” Hadley gave a faint smile. “We agreed not to be in touch anymore.”


    Before Ernest could say another word, the doctor and a nurse arrived, pushing a medical cart toward the ward. It was time.


    Ernest didn’t press her further. He stood and followed Hadley into the room.


    Inside the ward, Elissa clung tightly to Hadley’s hand, her fingers trembling with nervousness.


    She had lived in darkness for so long. And now, with the bandages finallying off, she was moments away from seeing the world again.


    “Miss Hond, shall we begin?” the doctor asked softly.


    “Yes,” Elissa took a deep breath and nodded firmly.


    The doctor moved forward and began to carefully peel back the bandagesyer byyer. As he reached the final one, he gave her a calm reminder. “We’ve dimmed the lights as much as we can, but since your eyes haven’t been exposed to light in a long time, it might still feel intense at first. Take your time, and open your eyes slowly.”


    “Okay.” Elissa nodded solemnly.


    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins


    When thest strip of bandage was lifted away, she didn’t open her eyes immediately. She hesitated… and then slowly cracked them open just a little. But within a heartbeat, she squeezed them shut again!


    “Elissa?” Hadley’s heart jumped. “What’s the matter?”


    “Hadley!” Elissa gripped her hand tighter, her voice trembling with emotion. “I saw light! It’s so bright!”


    For a moment, Hadley was speechless. Then sheughed softly, filled with relief. “That’s a good sign.”


    She gave Elissa’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Go on. Try opening them again.”


    “Okay.” Elissa drew in a deep breath, pressed her lips together, and slowly opened her eyes again.


    At first, she winced and her brows knitted together because of the brightness. But as the moments passed, her face began to ease.


    And then—her gaze focused.


    The first person she saw wasn’t the doctor, or the nurse, or even Hadley. It was Ernest.


    He stood tall before her,posed and dignified in a perfectly tailored suit. His short hair was neatlybed back, and his deep features gave him a poised, almost regal air.


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