?Chapter 3035:


    “Exactly—you’re right,” Ernest said with a knowing nod, his expression soft with indulgent affection. Warmth glimmered in his eyes, a tender smile tugging at his lips. “Of course you can be out here.”


    He inclined forward slightly, his face drawing closer until his breath mingled with hers.


    “It makes me happy to hear you say that,” he murmured. “You see, I was waiting for you… and now, you’re finally here.”


    A delicate blush spread across Elissa’s pale cheeks.


    Avoiding his eyes, she whispered, “Liar.”


    “I’m not lying,” Ernest replied, his gaze lingering on the soft color tinting her cheeks—charming in their shy warmth. She still looked fragile, and she needed proper care to regain her strength and bloom again.


    “It’s true,” he went on gently. “Your mother isn’t very fond of me. She stayed with you all night, so I couldn’t get near you. It was frustrating… until you came out.”


    Elissa’s doubt wavered; she lifted her gaze. “You were really waiting for me?”


    “Truly. I wouldn’t lie to you,” Ernest assured her before noticing the Bluetooth earbuds tucked into her ears. “What are you listening to?”


    Assuming he wished to hear, Elissa removed one earbud and offered it to him. “Here.”


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    Ernest bent toward her so she could reach. “I’m hopeless with these things. Could you help me put it on?”


    “Alright.” Taking his words earnestly, Elissa steadied her phone and carefully fitted the earbud into his ear. “There.”


    Ernest’s smile deepened. “Thank you.”


    “You’re wee,” she murmured.


    A soft instrumental melody floated through the earphones. Upon listening, Ernest’s brows lifted slightly. It was the same waltz from tonight’s ball. Why was she listening to that now?


    “You didn’t dance tonight, did you?” he asked, recalling her absence. Savannah’s watchful presence exined much.


    “No.” She shook her head, lips pressed together.


    “Would you like to dance now?” Ernest extended his hand invitingly. “Dance with me.”


    “No!” Elissa shook her head quickly. “I don’t know how.”


    “No worries—I’ll guide you.”


    Ernest stood immacte in a ck shirt and trousers, the picture of quiet elegance. Light glinted off his sses, lending him a sharp, cinematic charm—like a man drawn from an old film reel.


    And this very man stood before her, hand outstretched in patient gentleness. How could she possibly resist?


    With a hesitant breath, Elissa ced her hand in his.


    “Don’t be nervous,” he murmured.


    His warm hand closed over hers, and his other arm slid around her waist, drawing her gently against him.


    Elissa’s heart raced. This felt… different. When he danced with Emma, he hadn’t held her like this.


    “What’s on your mind?” Ernest whispered near her ear, sensing her unease. “Focus now—we’re starting.”


    “O-okay.” Elissa held her breath, every muscle tense.


    “One… two…”


    The melody swelled softly in their shared earphones as he murmured the rhythm by her ear.


    She didn’t misstep once, though nervous sweat glistened faintly on her nose.


    “See? You’re wonderful,” Ernest said with a smile of approval. She had known how to dance once—she simply no longer remembered her own grace.


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