?Chapter 3079:


    What was she supposed to say to that? God, why was she always so terrible at this?


    Eventually, only a gentle sigh slipped out.


    Ernest exhaled too, voice dropping low. “So… what brought you here?”


    “I just wanted to see you,” Elissa said, her tone small but sincere.


    “You do?”


    A faint curve appeared on his lips, subtle enough to be missed if one didn’t look closely. “So, you’ve finally seen me?”


    “I have,” Elissa said, her brows pulling together before she gave a small nod.


    “What happens next?” Ernest asked, his voice quiet but expectant.


    Elissa blinked, confused. Next? What exactly did he want her to do?


    “Come here,” Ernest said, extending a hand toward her. “A little closer.”


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    That wasn’t a difficult request. With cautious steps, Elissa moved nearer until the space between them nearly vanished.


    “It hurts,” Ernest muttered, a note of suggestionced beneath his words.


    “I’ll get the doctor.” Elissa’s reply came quickly, though it wasn’t what he’d hoped for.


    “Don’t!” Ernest caught her wrist before she could turn away. “No need for that—it won’t help!”


    His words startled her. How could that be?


    Concern deepened in Elissa’s expression. “It’s really that bad? Not even a doctor can fix it?” That thought left her rattled. “Then what are we supposed to do?”


    “There’s actually one cure that never fails.” With a faint pressure on her hand, Ernest leaned closer. “Kiss me. That’ll take the pain away.”


    For a heartbeat, Elissa froze. Then the heat rushed to her cheeks until they burned bright red. “You can’t be serious!” she snapped.


    “Don’t believe me?” Ernest’s tone dropped lower, his eyes locked on hers. “Go on, try it. Elissa, I mean it—I love you. You’re the only one who can make the pain go away.”


    Her breath came unsteady, chest rising and falling as her heart thundered like surf in a storm.


    Uncertain, she twisted her fingers together, her voice barely steady. “You… you shouldn’t have feelings for me.”


    “Why not?” Ernest’s brows drew together. “Tell me why. What did I ever do that was so wrong?”


    His restraint broke, his voice rough with emotion. “I’ve said it again and again—I’m your husband! I understand that your mother’s important to you, that you listen to her. But Elissa, I love you too!”


    Of course, she knew. Every word of it. Emma had alreadyid everything bare for her.


    And yet…


    Panic swept through Elissa as she shook her head. “You should lie down and rest. I need to leave.”


    In a rush, she tore her hand from his grasp and sprinted toward the door.


    “Elissa,e back!”


    Ernest didn’t even think—he went after her immediately.


    “Emma?” With trembling fingers, Elissa pulled out her phone and pressed call. “Can youe get me? I want to go home.”


    The sound of her trembling voice stopped Ernest cold.


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