?Chapter 3036:


    “Yes,” she breathed, smiling atst. Rxing, she gazed up at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.


    “Something on your mind?” Ernest read her expression easily. “Go on—you can tell me anything.”


    “I…” she faltered, but then smiled shyly. “You dance beautifully. Do you dance often?”


    Had he often danced with Emma?


    “Not much,” he admitted with a small shake of his head. “Only once in a while.”


    Elissa tilted her head, childlike in her curiosity. “Then how did you learn?”


    Did he learn from Emma?


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    “My sister taught me,” he said with a chuckle. “Hadley—she’s a professional dancer.”


    Not only he but Eric had learned under her as well. When Hadley taught them, both brothers had been reluctant students. Eric had always hated her persistence—butter regretted not learning more.


    As for Ernest, dancing had never quite suited his nature. But his grandmother’s insistence—and society’s demands—had eventually pushed him to learn.


    “Hadley. Hadley Pearson,” he repeated softly. “You may not remember now, but the two of you were close friends once.”


    “Hadley?” Elissa repeated, her voice faint. “Your sister?”


    Ernest nodded gently. “She’s doing well—and she thinks of you often. Maybe someday we could arrange a video call? Only when you’re ready, though.”


    “Okay.” Elissa’s tone softened, wistful. So—she’d had a close friend once, beyond her family.


    Though she hadn’t seen Hadley again, the thought alone warmed her heart.


    Without realizing it, she was still nestled in Ernest’s arms.


    Her hair, naturally soft and faintly wavy, curled gently around her ears now that it was short, forming a light, airy bob that framed her face effortlessly. Moonlight andmplight mingled over her face, her skin luminous and smooth, hershes brushing faint shadows onto her cheeks.


    She possessed a delicate beauty—pure, yet quietly maic.


    “Elissa…” Ernest’s voice caught, his throat tightening with restrained emotion.


    “Huh?” She blinked up at him, unaware, confusion softening her gaze.


    Then, suddenly, the tall, elegant man leaned down, his lips iming hers in a swift, consuming kiss.


    Elissa’s eyes widened in shock.


    Her mind went nk as her fingers clutched at his shirt, holding on instinctively.


    “Elissa!”


    Ernest’s breathing grew ragged, barely restrained. He forced himself to stop; if he didn’t, he feared he might frighten her. Cradling her face gently, unwilling to let go, he asked softly, “Tell me… did you like it?”


    Elissa’s cheeks deepened to a fiery red. She pouted, murmuring, “I don’t know.”


    Ernest chuckled—that answer said enough.


    Seeing her confusion, he asked gently, “Do you know why people kiss like that?”


    Her face burned, her heart thudded wildly, his breath brushing her skin like a teasing whisper. Her thoughts tangled; she couldn’t think clearly.


    “I don’t know!” she cried, pushing him away before turning to flee.


    “Elissa!” Ernest called after her, aching to follow—but he restrained himself.


    Savannah was likely inside her room; he could only stand there, watching her retreat into safety.


    When the door clicked shut, he lifted a hand, removing the earbud from his ear, letting it rest in his palm.


    He brought it close, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply.


    It still carried her faint scent.


    That unknowing sweetness—so natural, so innocent—was utterly irresistible.


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