?Chapter 1136:


    He had the same aura he had the first time she’d met him.


    But back then, he had been in a wheelchair and looked pale and fragile.


    Now, he stood on his own, no wheelchair or cane in sight.


    Elissa’s brow twitched slightly.


    So this was how tall he really was?


    His frame was solid, straight as a pine tree, exuding quiet strength and unwavering confidence.


    Ernest stood frozen, barely daring to breathe. Outwardly, he lookedposed, but cold sweat clung to his back and palms. His nerves were fraying, and the panic he tried to hide was mirrored in Elissa’s clear eyes.


    When their eyes met, both were startled. Ernest swallowed hard.


    Elissa quickly averted her gaze, her expression unreadable.


    The doctor’s voice then broke the heavy silence. “Miss Hond, please follow my finger with your eyes… Good, that’s it. Excellent.”


    After a quick examination, the doctor gave a reassuring nod. “The surgery was a sess. A nurse will escort you for some follow-up testster. If everything looks good, we’ll begin your discharge process.”


    “Thank you, doctor,” Elissa said politely.


    “You’re wee. I’ll prescribe a course of medication, and all the necessary precautions will be listed in your discharge papers.”


    “Alright.”


    Once the doctor left, a nurse came in to take Elissa for her tests. Hadley stayed by her friend’s side the entire time—and Ernest trailed silently behind, not daring to speak.


    When the tests were done, they returned to the room. Elissa nced over her shoulder. Ernest hadn’t followed them inside.


    She looked up at Hadley. “Did he leave?”


    Hadley shook her head. “No, he’s outside. The doctor prescribed a few medications, and he said he wanted to double-check the instructions. He’s also rifying your follow-up care.”


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    She spoke evenly, offering no extramentary. To Hadley, Ernest seemed pitiful in a way—but the dynamics between him and Elissa were personal, and she didn’t want to interfere.


    “Alright.” Elissa nodded slowly. “Could you ask him toe in? I want to speak with him.”


    “Of course.” Hadley stood. “Take your time. I’ll wait outside.”


    A momentter, Ernest entered, carrying a paper bag filled with medication.


    He set it on the table, then cleared his throat awkwardly. “These are the meds you’ll need at home,” he said. “The dosage instructions are printed on each box.”


    “I understand. Thank you, Mr. Flynn.”


    Her formal tone hit him like a p. “Mr. Flynn.” Cold. Distant.


    Ernest’s heart sank with dread. He hesitated, then asked, “Are you still upset that I hid my identity?”


    Elissa looked at him calmly. “Why did you hide it?”


    He faltered.


    In the beginning, he hadn’t expected to get close to her. He was still with Linda back then, and only stepped in to help Elissa because she was Locke’s mother—and because he couldn’t stand to see her mistreated by Robin.


    He had tried to keep his distance while helping her. But everything changed when he broke up with Linda. For the first time, he let himself imagine a future with Elissa. She was Locke’s mother, after all. And Locke deserved a whole family.


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