?Chapter 3069:


    Ernest’s words made sense.


    Elissa pressed her lips together, choosing silence over reply.


    “You don’t like it?” Ernest said with a quietugh, his eyes narrowing with amusement. “Want me to swap it out?”


    Even if she did, it would still be something from his wardrobe anyway.


    “No, it’s fine.” Elissa gave a small shake of her head. She could already tell that much.


    “Alright then. Let’s head downstairs.” Ernest reached out,cing his fingers through hers.


    After her bath, her cheeks carried a gentle glow, and the chill that once clung to her skin had finally faded.


    Ernest guided Elissa straight into the dining room. He pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit.


    He unpacked the takeout bag, setting the boxes neatly before her.


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    “What’s this?” Elissa blinked in surprise, her lips lifting into a faint smile.


    “Just making it up to you,” Ernest said as he handed her a fork before taking the seat beside her. “I felt bad you didn’t get to finish your dessert earlier. If I’m not mistaken, these were what you picked, right?”


    “Yes!” Elissa’s grin widened as she looked at him. “Thanks.”


    “In moments like this, you’re supposed to say, ‘It’s fine.''”


    Ernest’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Now, go ahead and eat.”


    “It’s fine…” Elissa followed his lead, lowering her gaze as she began to eat quietly.


    “This tastes…” She paused to chew, then continued with a faint note of wonder. “It’s amazing. The crust is so crisp, but the inside is soft and creamy.”


    “Mm.” Ernest gave a slow nod.


    He had always known Elissa’s fondness for pastries. Perhaps it started back when she moved to Ontmond and grew up surrounded by its sweet aromas.


    Because of that, he had even hired pastry chefs for both Lion Bay and Flynn Mansion back when they lived together.


    With his eyes partly lowered, Ernest said, “There’s a bakery here in Ontmond called Bearth’s Bakery. Ever heard of it? It’s been around for a hundred years.”


    “Bearth’s Bakery?” Elissa echoed, shaking her head slightly. “No.” Her expression faltered. “Maybe I did once, but… my illness made it hard to remember.”


    “No, don’t think about that.”


    Watching her fragile face cloud with sadness, Ernest felt a tightness in his chest.


    He had never been the kind of man who foundfort in words. Most of the time, silence came more easily. But when it came to Elissa, silence felt unbearable.


    Ernest reached across the table and held her hand.


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