Chapter 3016:


    Outside the window, Ernest dangled from the side of the building, suspended by a safety rope fastened securely around his waist, his body d in borrowed work clothes.


    The estate happened to be undergoing exterior maintenance, and Ernest had seized the opportunity to blend in seamlessly with the construction crew.


    Through the ss, he finally spotted her—Elissa, curled up small on the sofa.


    His expression transformed instantly, hardened features melting into tenderness.


    He raised one gloved hand and rapped gently against the ss, taking care not to startle her.


    Tap, tap.


    No response.


    He tried again, knocking more insistently.


    Finally, Elissa registered the persistent sound, turned her head toward the window, and froze when she spotted the shadowy figure hovering outside. She lurched backward in fright.


    Her sketchpad and pencil slipped through her fingers and ttered against the hardwood floor.


    Her hand flew to her mouth as she stared at the apparition in shock.


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    Guilt twisted in Ernest’s chest—he’d terrified her.


    “No, no—don’t be frightened!”


    Ernest gestured frantically toward his own face, nearly losing his bnce. “Look closely! It’s me! Do you remember me at all?”


    Elissa studied the figure suspended beyond the ss, blinking slowly as understanding began to dawn.


    Gradually, she lowered her trembling hands. “It’s… you.”


    She lifted one hand to swipe at her damp eyes.


    Ernest’s chest tightened when he realized she was crying.


    “Elissa! Come closer!” Ernest beckoned urgently, motioning for her to approach the window.


    After a moment’s hesitation, Elissa shuffled tentatively toward the window.


    “Can you open this for me?” Ernest tapped the window and demonstrated the sliding motion with exaggerated movements.


    “But…” Distress creased Elissa’s brow. “I’m not allowed.”


    The caretaker had issued explicit instructions forbidding her from opening any windows.


    A bitter smile twisted Ernest’s lips. No doubt Savannah had spent months filling Elissa’s vulnerable mind with fabricated horrors about him.


    He fumbled for his phone, nearly dropping it in his haste, unlocked the screen with shaking fingers, and pressed it flush against the ss. “Look at this! Please!”


    Elissa lifted her gaze, bewilderment etched across her delicate features.


    A photograph illuminated the screen.


    Her eyes grew impossibly wide, shock and disbelief warring in their depths. “That’s… that’s me?”


    “Yes! That’s you!” Ernest nodded so vigorously he swayed on the rope, then gestured desperately. “Please, Elissa, open the window. I need to talk to you.”


    Elissa trapped her lower lip between her teeth, wrestling with indecision.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Ernest, she reached up and fumbled with the lock before sliding the window open.


    “Elissa!”


    Ernest hauled himself through the opening with practiced efficiency, unclipping the safety harness beforending gracefully on the floor directly in front of her.


    He thrust the phone into her hands, positioning it so she could examine the photograph without obstruction.


    The image had been captured at Lion Bay.


    In the soft morning light, Elissa wore his oversized shirt, cradling a cup of coffee as she leaned casually against the kitchen ind.


    It had been taken during their happiest time together, when their love felt effortless and the world seemed perfect.


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