?Chapter 3089:


    Ernest helped Elissa into the car.


    She looked uneasy, her brow creasing. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”


    “I’m fine.” He let out a quietugh, his gaze lingering on her lips before leaning in to kiss her.


    Her eyes fluttered shut, color rushing to her cheeks.


    “I’ve recovered,” he murmured, fastening her seatbelt. “I did what you told me—rested all day yesterday. I’m perfectly fine now.”


    “Okay.” Her voice was soft, her cheeks still flushed.


    “All set.” He closed the passenger door, walked around the car, and slid behind the wheel. “Let’s go.”


    “Okay.” She didn’t ask where they were heading, though her eyes shimmered with quiet anticipation.


    It had rained in Ontmond the night before. The morning air was cool and misty, a fine drizzle hanging in the light.


    ?????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????


    Ernest drove through the city center, then turned into a narrow street and stopped by the curb. “Wait here for a moment.”


    He stepped out, opened the trunk, and took out an umbre. A momentter, he was by her door, holding it open as he extended his hand. “Come on. Hold my hand.”


    “Okay.” Elissa smiled faintly, her voice gentle.


    He pulled her close, tilting the umbre to cover her while rain fell against his shoulder.


    “You’re… getting wet,” she said quietly, pointing to his sleeve.


    “I’m fine,” he replied, shaking his head. “Summer rain won’t hurt me.”


    But her? He wouldn’t let a single drop touch her.


    Elissa understood, her chest warming at his thoughtfulness.


    The rain wasn’t heavy, but the street was slick.


    “Careful!” Ernest’s arm shot out to steady her.


    “Huh?”


    “There.” He pointed to the ground. “A puddle.”


    The old cobblestones were uneven, rainwater pooling in shallow dips.


    Elissa frowned at her white shoes. “What should I do now?”


    “Hold on to my waist,” he said, motioning to her. “Come on.”


    “Okay.” She hesitated, then wrapped her arms around him.


    Men and women were really so different, she thought.


    His waist was solid beneath her hands—steady and strong.


    “Lift your feet,” he said.


    “Oh!” She bent her knees slightly.


    “Ready?”


    Before she could answer, he lifted her easily, carrying her over the puddle.


    It happened so quickly it almost felt like flying.


    “Wow!” Elissaughed, surprised and delighted like a child.


    Ernest nced down at her. “Fun?”


    “Yeah!”


    “As long as you’re happy.” He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.


    “Where are we going?” she asked.


    “You’ll see when we get there.”


    “Are we there yet?”


    “We’re here.” He set her down with one arm and pointed ahead. “See that? The ce with the lights on.”


    It was still early; most shops along the street were dark. Following his gesture, Elissa spotted a small storefront with its porch light glowing.


    “What’s that?”


    “Come on.”


    He took her hand and guided her closer.


    The shop wasn’t open yet either.


    “Look up,” Ernest said, pointing at the sign.


    Elissa tilted her head back.


    “Bearth’s… Bakery?”


    The name struck her.


    “It’s the bakery you told me about!” she said, her face lighting up.


    “That’s right.”


    “You found it!”


    “Yeah.” He nodded. “I spotted it during my run one morning.”


    Elissa looked at him eagerly. “Did you try it?”


    .


    .


    .