?Chapter 3025:


    “Fine, then,” Savannah said quietly, choosing not to press the matter.


    Even though Elissa had been different, her pride remained intact. Since she preferred to handle it herself, Savannah respected that.


    “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”


    “Okay.”


    “Miss Brown, right this way.”


    Inside the fitting room, Elissa took her time changing into the outfit.


    Just as Savannah had instructed, the store assistant waited outside quietly, never rushing her.


    When she finally finished, Elissa nced at her reflection in the mirror, making sure the dress looked right before reaching for the door handle.


    Then, out of nowhere, a shadow dropped from above the fitting room.


    “It’s me!”


    Before she could scream, Ernest sped a hand over Elissa’s mouth and whispered urgently. “Don’t scream.”


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    Elissa’s eyes widened in shock.


    How on earth had he gotten in here?


    “I’m going to move my hand now. Promise you won’t scream?” Ernest said softly, easing his hand away.


    Elissa’s lips pressed into a pout as she shot him an indignant re, but she kept quiet.


    “That’s better,” Ernest said with a small grin, giving her head a light pat. “I just wanted to ask you…”


    His eyes moved over her face, lingering on the redness around her eyes. “Why were you crying?”


    A crease formed on his brow. “The hospital results—were they bad?”


    Elissa met his gaze but said nothing.


    Thinking she might not understand or was simply too frightened to speak, Ernest softened his tone. “It’s alright. You can tell me—just keep your voice low.”


    Elissa let out a small huff. “I know, but I’m not telling you!”


    A faint tension pulled at Ernest’s expression.


    Still pouting, Elissa added, “You’re mean! I’m not saying anything! Not to you!”


    Mean? Him?


    Today, Ernest wore a pair of rimmed sses that rested neatly on his nose, giving him an air of a real gentleman.


    His lips curved faintly. “I’m mean?”


    Without meaning to, a spark of jealousy stirred within him.


    “Then tell me, who’s nice? Robin?”


    Before Elissa could answer, Ernest caught her wrist in his hand. She had grown thinner; her delicate wrist now felt fragile, his fingers easily wrapping around it with room to spare.


    “Listen!” Ernest whispered as he bent closer, his breath brushing her ear. “Robin isn’t the kind man you think he is. Don’t be fooled by that polished face of his. He’s not good for you, understand?”


    When he saw the confusion clouding Elissa’s face, unease tightened in his chest. “Do you understand what I’m telling you?”


    “Big meanie!” Elissa cried, pulling free and pping her hands over her ears. “I don’t want to listen! I don’t want to listen!”


    Her voice rose a little too loudly.


    “Elissa!” Ernest blurted, startled by her sudden outburst.


    Almost at once, a knock sounded on the fitting room door.


    “Miss Brown, is everything alright?” The shop assistant’s voice held a note of confusion. “Were you talking to me? Is someone in there with you?”


    Her tone grew uncertain; after all, the fitting room was supposed to have only Elissa inside.


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