?Chapter 1860:


    “It’s…” Ernest pushed thoughts of Linda aside and focused on delivering the good news to Elissa. “Grandma has finally given us her blessing.”


    Elissa froze, the words refusing to register in her mind. “Oh, this…”


    N’s previous opposition to their rtionship had been fierce and unwavering. Even after they hadmitted to each other, Ernest had carefully avoided mentioning N’s feelings on the matter.


    The silence spoke volumes—N’s disapproval had remained unchanged. Otherwise, why would he have skirted the topic so deliberately?


    Yet now, without warning, the old woman had reversed her position entirely?


    “What’s wrong?” Ernest’s gentleughter filled the silence as he watched Elissa’s stunned expression. “Has joy stolen your voice?”


    “No, not really…” Elissa’s head moved slowly from side to side, bewilderment drowning out any happiness she might have felt. “She agreed? What changed her mind?”


    “Because of Hadley.” Ernest refused to im any credit for the breakthrough. “Grandma and Hadley had a conversation. I don’t know the details, but I believe Hadley worked some kind of magic.”


    The pieces clicked into ce, and understanding dawned on Elissa’s face. N had consistently shown warmth toward Hadley. Hervish wedding gifts to Hadley had proven that her affection was genuine. If anyone could sway N’s opinion, Hadley possessed that power.


    “Elissa?” Ernest’s tone grew tender, concern threading through his words. “Tell me—are you happy?”


    Words abandoned Elissa as she remained trapped in her stupor.


    “What’s going on?” Ernest’s eyes narrowed as her silence stretched between them. “Aren’t you happy? Don’t you want this—want us?”


    “No, no, that’s not it.” Elissa’s words tumbled out in frantic denial. “That’s not what I meant at all.”


    Stay tuned for more gαlnσν??s.c○m


    “Then exin it to me.” Ernest’s persistence revealed his need for rity. “I want the truth—clear and honest.”


    Elissa’s teeth caught her lower lip as she wrestled with her response. “I’m happy. Yes, incredibly happy.”


    Relief flooded through Ernest as he heard the words he had been waiting for. His smile returned, warm and knowing. “I knew you would be.”


    His voice softened further as he changed direction. “I’m nearly at Lion Bay. Will you let me in?”


    “Oh, of course.” Elissa’s agreement came readily. “See you in a bit.”


    “See you soon.”


    As Ernest ended the call, the tension that had knotted his shoulders began to ease. His car swept through the entrance to Lion Bay. The gate responded to his approach with seamless efficiency, allowing him passage before he parked directly in front of the house.


    Ernest emerged from the car to find the front door standing open in wee. Elissa waited in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the entrance. Golden light from the living room painted a halo around her figure, creating an atmosphere of warmth and invitation.


    “Elissa.” Her name escaped Ernest’s lips with a smile as his pace quickened toward her.


    .


    .


    .