?Chapter 3090:


    “No.” Ernest shook his head. “I wanted to bring you.”


    Her smile widened.


    She took his wrist and checked his watch. “When does it open?”


    “Soon.” He lifted his head slightly. “Smell that?”


    She mimicked him, inhaling. “It smells so good.”


    The warm scent of freshly baked goods drifted through the air.


    “Are you cold?” he asked.


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    Elissa started to shake her head. But he had already unbuttoned his coat and opened it. “Come here.”


    “Oh…”


    The refusal never left her lips. Smiling, she stepped into his arms, wrapped in his coat and the steady heat of his chest.


    She wasn’t short at five-six, yet against him she felt small.


    “Warm now?”


    “Yeah, it’s warm.”


    A sound came from behind the door.


    Elissa looked up at him. “Did they open?”


    “I think so.”


    He nodded and lowered his head to kiss her.


    Her eyes widened—he was doing it again.


    At that moment, the door opened. The shop owner stepped out and caught sight of them.


    With a grin, he said, “To be young again.”


    Hearing the voice behind them, Elissa jolted and pushed Ernest back. Her cheeks puffed in annoyance as she shot him a sharp re.


    Ernest only looked more amused; the spark in his eyes said he wasn’t finished.


    He turned toward the owner with an easy smile. “Are you open now?”


    “Yes!” The ownerughed. “You two were waiting out here on purpose, weren’t you?”


    “Thene in. It’s raining.” He stepped aside with a warm gesture.


    No shopkeeper would ever turn away customers who arrived with such eagerness.


    “Have a seat,” he said once they stepped inside. “What would you like?”


    He pointed toward the illuminated menu above the counter. “Everything’s listed there.”


    “Elissa?” Ernest held her hand lightly, waiting for her to decide.


    Her eyes moved across the choices, uncertain. “Can you pick for me?”


    “Of course.” He ordered for both of them, choosing the things he knew she loved. “That will be all. Thank you.”


    “Alright! Give me a moment,” the owner said. “It’ll be ready soon.”


    He kept his word.


    A few minutester, he returned with bread still steaming from the oven.


    “Careful, it’s hot. Let it cool a little first,” he reminded them.


    “Thank you.” Ernest broke off a small piece, waited for the heat to fade, then lifted it to her lips. “Try it.”


    Elissa leaned forward, taking the bite.


    She chewed slowly. “Wow.” Her eyes opened wide.


    “Good?”


    “It’s so good!” she answered with her cheeks full. “It has spiced pumpkin inside.”


    The filling was soft and sweet; the top light as air; the bottom crisp enough to snap.


    “If you like it, we can alwayse back again.”


    His hand rose, his fingertips brushing gently across her cheek.


    Bread like this had to be eaten fresh. When they returned to Srixby, he nned to ask their pastry chef to try making it for her.


    “Slow down.” Watching her enjoy herself made him worry she’d choke. He lifted a cup toward her. “Here. Have some milk.”


    “Okay.”


    When she put the cup down, Ernest fell quiet. He wanted to ask again about her health, yet the words felt heavy on his tongue.


    The thought refused to leave him.


    His phone buzzed. He looked at the screen. It was his bodyguard.


    “Sir, we got Miss Hond’s medical record.”


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