?Chapter 3078:


    “It’s simple—because we’re friends, aren’t we?”


    With a gentle smile, Emma sped Elissa’s hands. “I’m so sorry… I had no idea you were married to Mr. Flynn.”


    Elissa froze, her breath catching.


    He actually told Emma they were married.


    “If I’d known, I never would’ve said what I did,” Emma muttered, guilt coloring her tone. “I truly mean it—I’m sorry.”


    “Hey, it’s fine! Really, you don’t have to apologize,” Elissa replied quickly, shaking her head in flustered denial.


    “So… that means you’re not mad at me, right?” Emma asked hesitantly, tilting her head with a faint smile.


    A smallugh escaped Elissa. “No. We’re friends, aren’t we?”


    “Perfect!” Emma said with a relieved grin, giving Elissa’s hands a reassuring squeeze. The tension melted as the two exchanged a quietugh.


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    After a thoughtful pause, Emma’s tone turned yful. “Let’s just keep this little misunderstanding between us, okay? Mr. Flynn doesn’t need to hear about it.”


    Elissa blinked, confusion flickering across her face. Wait… he didn’t know?


    “I checked twice,” Emma said, her brow arching with mild annoyance. “He seriously doesn’t have a clue that I was into him. Ugh…”


    With an exasperated sigh, she added, “Good thing it was only a tiny crush. He’s way too uptight for my taste.”


    Crinkling her nose, Emma continued, “Why even bother telling him? He’d probably just use it to tease me—and I’m not giving him that satisfaction.”


    “Yes,” Elissa said with a gentleugh, then shook her head. “No, I mean, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. It’s—”


    She tried to say more, but Emma gently squeezed her hand. Their smiles met once more, lightening the air between them.


    “Anyway, I’d better get going,” Emma said, releasing Elissa’s hand. “But don’t worry—I’ll be close. Just call when you’re ready to leave, and I’lle find you and take you home.”


    “Got it.”


    With a small wave, Emma disappeared down the hall.


    Left alone, Elissa lingered at the door, drawing in a steady breath before knocking.


    “Come in.”


    The sound of Ernest’s voice made her pulse quicken.


    Gathering her resolve, Elissa stepped inside.


    Ernest lifted his gaze, his eyes tracing Elissa’s steps as she entered the room.


    So Emma actually pulled it off—she brought her here.


    Though his chest tightened, he forced himself to appear calm.


    Stopping beside his bed, Elissa avoided his eyes. “How are you feeling?”


    “Not great,” Ernest replied without missing a beat.


    His mouth curved into a faint, self-deprecating smile. “Got myself beaten up. Shocking, right? That’s why I’m stuck here.”


    It struck him how long it had been since she’d spoken to him.


    Of course, he wasn’t fine.


    After a short pause, he said quietly, “It hurts more than I thought it would.”


    Words failed Elissa for a moment.


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