?Chapter 1368:


    But none of it mattered to him. From that moment forward, she wouldn’t have to stand alone. If she ever wanted to confront them, he’d be right there, helping her stand tall. And if she chose to leave them behind for good, he’d be the first to close the door. He would make sure they never had the chance to wound her again.


    The surgery was a sess. Given Addy’s age, the doctors kept him in the ICU for twenty-four hours of observation. If all went well, he’d be transferred to a regr room after that. Relief swept through the family like a quiet breeze—grateful smiles, whispered thanks to the doctors, and one by one, they trickled out of the hospital.


    Ernest apanied Elissa back to her apartment.


    “Elissa.” At the entrance, he reached for her hand, his grip gentle but firm.


    She hesitated, instinctively starting to pull away.<fn2085> Latest content published on find?novel</fn2085>


    “I just want to say something,” he murmured, not releasing her. His eyes searched hers, steady and sincere. “I know you’ve been through a lot. A failed marriage can leave marks that don’t fade easily. I understand if trusting anyone—especially a man—feels impossible right now.”


    He took a breath, his voice quiet but unwavering. “Let me carry that weight. You don’t have to do anything. Just stay where you are.” He paused, then added, “I only have one request…”


    His gaze didn’t waver.


    “Please… don’t retreat. If I keep stepping forward and you keep stepping back, eventually, we’ll lose sight of each other. And that’s hard to keep chasing.”


    Elissa stared at him, caught off guard, lips slightly parted.


    “It’ste.” Ernest gave her a gentle smile and then let go of her hand, stepping away. “Go in. Get some rest. Goodnight.”


    Without another word, he turned, got into his car, and drove off into the night.


    Elissa remained rooted to the spot, lips pressed together, her heart tangled in questions. Could she really let herself believe him? Could she afford to?


    Robin had loved her once too. Or so she thought. And look where that love had left her.


    By the next morning, Addy’s condition had stabilized enough for him to be moved out of the ICU. It was Elissa’s day off, and she nned to visit around noonte enough that the rest of the family would likely be gone, leaving the room quiet.


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    Just as she was about to head out, her phone buzzed with a message from Ernest.


    “Going to see your grandfather? I’m almost downstairs—let’s go together.”


    She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the screen. A part of her wanted to decline. But his words from the other night echoed in her mind—”Please… don’t retreat.”


    Elissa pressed her lips together, then set the phone down without replying. She waited in silence, her heart ticking a little faster than before. Minutester, another message arrived. “Elissa, I’m here. Come down.”


    Something fluttered in her chest. She grabbed her backpack and quietly made her way downstairs.


    “Elissa?” Ernest stood beside the car, one hand on the roof, the other holding the passenger door open for her.


    “Come on,” he said gently.


    “Okay.” She nodded and slid inside without another word. He closed the door behind her with a soft click and circled to the driver’s side, a quiet warmth spreading through him. She was still wary, still wrapped in hesitation. But she hadn’t turned away. And right now, that was everything.


    The car slipped quietly through the midday streets toward the hospital. As Elissa had predicted, the room was empty save for a caregiver who sat quietly in the corner, checking notes on a clipboard. The rest of the family had likelye and gone already.


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