?Chapter 3083:


    Elissa could hear her heartbeat echoing. She drew in a steady breath, shut her eyes, and inched closer.


    Her lips pursed gently.


    Before her lips could even touch his cheek, Ernest shifted unexpectedly, closing the space between them.


    Their lips touched softly.


    In that instant, Elissa’s eyes snapped open in disbelief.


    Without letting her pull away, Ernest reached up, framed her face with his palms, and kissed her more firmly.


    A faint sound escaped her as her body eased, sinking against him.


    Was she feeling worn out already?


    Ernest had kissed her for just a fleeting moment.


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    Her energy seemed nearly gone, and he wondered how long it might take before she fully recovered.


    Still, there was no rush. Time was on their side, more than enough of it.


    “Elissa.” Ernest held her face with care, his thumb brushing her cheek. “Repeat what you said.”


    “What are you talking about?”


    “Don’t act clueless.”


    Elissa caught her lower lip between her teeth, unsure if her thoughts matched reality.


    Her fingers curled tightly as she blurted out, “I care about you.”


    “Okay.” Ernest gave a small nod, looking partly pleased yet still wanting more.


    “Make it simpler,” Ernest said.


    Elissa stared at him, puzzled. How could it be any simpler than that?


    “I’ll show you how,” Ernest murmured, leaning closer until their noses touched. “Say it with me. I…”


    “I…”


    “Love…”


    “Love…”


    “You…”


    “You…”


    “I love you.”


    “I—I love you.”


    “Now that’s a surprise.” A grin spread across Ernest’s face, bright with amusement. “I love you, too.”


    He caught her hand and held it firmly. “You said it first, and you kissed me. That makes it real. I’m taking your word for it, so don’t even think about taking it back. That’d be cruel.”


    Elissa’s face flushed bright as her heartbeat raced wildly. She tried to pull back and rise to her feet. “You should eat something first.”


    “Where do you think you’re going?” Ernest tightened his grip on her hand. “Don’t tell me you n on preparing the food for me?”


    “Yes.” Elissa nodded lightly. “I thought you said the housekeeper had already cooked? Then we only need to warm it up.”


    “Don’t bother.” Ernest let out a shortugh. “You wouldn’t even know how.”


    She actually did enjoy cooking once.


    Cooking hade naturally to her, though he hardly allowed her near the stove back then.


    And now? He couldn’t risk it. The thought of her getting hurt made him uneasy, so he wouldn’t let her lift a finger.


    “I’ve got it,” Ernest said, rising to his feet while keeping her hand in his.


    He couldn’t cook to save his life, but putting a te in the microwave was within his skill.


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