?Chapter 1371:


    “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “My grandfather mistook you for someone else. Thank you for ying along, though.”


    Addy had just undergone surgery, and any emotional strain could be too much for him.


    If he learned of her troubles with Robin, Elissa feared it might shatter his fragile peace.


    Ernest arched a brow, his voice low and earnest. “I wasn’t pretending. I meant every word—I want to be your real husband.”


    Elissa’s breath caught, her eyes snapping up to meet Ernest’s unwavering stare.


    “Elissa,” Ernest said, seizing her hand with gentle resolve. “After everything I’ve done, with all my heartid bare, don’t you trust me yet?”<fn9a28> Discover more novels at findnovel</fn9a28>


    Her lips parted, words failing her.


    “No rush,” Ernest said with a soft chuckle. “I’ll work harder and earn your trust someday.”


    In that moment, a wave of emotion surged through Elissa, sending a shiver down her spine.


    Two dayster, Cordell arrived with the news that everything had been prepared at the Scott estate.


    That afternoon, Eric insisted on escorting Hadley and Joy himself.


    “You shouldn’t go,” Hadley protested. “You’re still recovering. What if something happens?”


    “Nothing will,” Eric assured her with a shake of his head and a confident smile. “I’m surrounded by bodyguards wherever I go. I’m as safe as can be.”


    He scooped Joy into his arms. “Besides, Joy wants me to take her, doesn’t she?”


    “Yes!” Joy squealed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.


    “Fine.” Hadley relented with a sigh.


    “Let’s go, Joy!” Eric called, carrying her out of the hospital toward Olisvale Bay.


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    They bypassed the main entrance, the car gliding through the side gate, past the lush garden, and straight to the south wing of the Scott estate. As the car came to a—


    As the car came to a stop, Eric and Hadley didn’t notice Joy, who, in her excitement, flung open the door and darted out.


    “Joy! Slow down! Be careful!” Hadley called after her.


    Giggling, Joy ignored her mother’s warnings, her little legs carrying her forward in a burst of glee.


    In an instant, she stumbled and fell.


    “Joy!” Hadley gasped.


    “It’s alright,” Eric said, rushing to her side. “The grass is soft—she’ll be fine.”


    Despite his reassuring words, Eric hastened his steps, swiftly scooping Joy into his arms. “Are you hurt, sweetheart?”


    “Not at all!” Joy’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her small arms flinging wide. “Look at thiswn—it’s enormous! Way bigger than the park!”


    Their old apartment was in an aging district, and the nearby park they frequented was a modest, neglected patch with sparse, unkempt grass.


    “And over there!” Joy’s finger jabbed toward the scenery, her voice bubbling with excitement. “So many tall trees and gorgeous flowers! Eric, your house is like a castle!”


    Her words stirred a pang in Eric’s chest, his gaze softening with emotion. “Do you love it, Joy?”


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