?Chapter 3044:


    The water was perfectly warm, wrapping her infort.


    Though it was daytime, the curtains were drawn, and soft lights filled the room, making it feel timeless. The air was quiet and heavy with steam. Elissa leaned against the pool’s edge, eyelids fluttering, drifting into a hazy calm.


    In the adjoining room, the masseuse lit a scented candle. Savannah inhaled deeply, her eyes still closed. “What scent is that?”


    “It’s aged sandalwood, Mrs. Brown,” the masseuse replied with a smile. “It’s soothing and calms the nerves. We prepared it specially for you.”


    “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.”


    Outside the massage room, the suite door eased open. Ernest stepped in quietly, dressed in a bathrobe, his pace unhurried as he drew closer to the steaming pool.


    He paused for a moment, watching Elissa. She was half-asleep in the water, her head tilted against the edge, soft wisps of steam curling around her face. A faint smile touched his lips.


    Then he loosened his robe and slipped into the pool. Even with careful movements, the surface trembled, rippling toward her.


    Elissa wasn’t fully asleep. Her eyes fluttered open—only to find Ernest’s face suddenly close, his features magnified by the mist.


    She gasped, but before the sound could escape, Ernest covered her mouth, his brows drawn as he whispered, “Don’t be afraid. It’s me.”


    Upon hearing this, her eyes widened, startled and confused.


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    How had he even gotten in?


    And even if it was him—this was inappropriate! She was in the water, barely covered.


    The thought hit her like a jolt. Her gaze dropped to his body. From where he stood, the water barely covered his chest, which was leftpletely exposed!


    The rest of him—his firm shoulders, the lines of his torso—was exposed in the flickering light. His arms, strong and steady, held her still.


    This…


    This wasn’t theposed, measured Ernest she knew. This man looked entirely different; stripped of restraint, his presence carried a raw, quiet force that sent her pulse racing.


    Her eyes grew wider. She couldn’t speak with his hand over her mouth, but color bloomed hot across her face, spreading fast.


    Ernest’s brow lifted slightly as he noticed the flush spreading across her face.


    Was she shy?


    Here they were, nothing between them, no more hiding.


    His Adam’s apple bobbed as he exhaled. His hand slipped from her lips, fingertips tracing them lightly, testing the softness he remembered.


    Without a word, Ernest lowered his head and caught her lips with his.


    Elissa didn’t resist.


    Her hands rose on their own, resting on his shoulders, her fingertips tightening against his skin.


    The heat of him startled her; the strength beneath her touch felt unyielding, almost stone-like.


    When he drew back, his lips hovered close, grazing hers as he spoke. The quiet closeness carried more weight than the kiss itself.


    “You…”


    Elissa’s breath trembled as she turned her eyes toward the door of the massage room.


    “You should go,” she whispered, unease threading her voice.


    Knowing what she was worried about, Ernest simply shook his head. His hands slid around her waist, his tone low and steady. “Don’t worry. Your mother won’t wake up for a while.”


    He’d already made sure of that. The masseuse had mixed something into the candle. Otherwise, he would never have dared toe to her like this.


    Still, he wasn’t here just to hold her. He wanted answers.


    “What did you say to me earlier, on the phone?”


    “I…” Her words faltered. Pressed against him, her thoughts dissolved into confusion.


    “I said I didn’t want to see you anymore.”


    “Why?” His eyes narrowed, the hint of a smile curving his lips. “Why did you say that? Tell me the reason.”


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