?Chapter 3111:


    “Child… we… ours…” Such a simple phrase, yet the words clung stubbornly in Elissa’s throat. It took her a long moment before she could finally release them.


    Ernest didn’t rush her. He simply watched quietly, his patience a steady, calming presence.


    “Our child?” Elissa’s voice trembled as she asked.


    “Yes.” When she finished speaking, Ernest’s lips curved into a gentle smile, and he nodded slowly. “Exactly right. I am the father.”


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    Elissa stared in disbelief. Shock flickered across her eyes like a sudden storm.


    How could this be? Her mind raced, struggling to grasp the truth.


    She looked sharply toward Savannah. “Mom?”


    She had asked her mother before—many times. And each time, the answer was the same: she didn’t know.


    But now, Ernest’s words felt like thunder.


    She couldn’t quite believe it. Maybe she was too afraid to.


    “Is it true?” Elissa asked her mother, her voice barely a whisper.


    Savannah closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. The weight of the question hung heavy, and she hesitated, uncertain how to reply.


    “Of course it is!” Ernest answered for Savannah, firm and certain. “Our child! When you left Srixby, you were already expecting. Have you forgotten? I told you, we were together.”


    Elissa remembered what he told her. Yet her mother had always denied it, every single time without fail.


    “But…” Elissa hesitated, her words trembling. “Then… why?”


    Why had he never once spoken of the child before? Hadn’t he wondered? Hadn’t he cared?


    “That’s because…” Ernest’s breath hitched, heavy with emotion. “I thought… the baby was lost. You were so gravely injured… I wouldn’t even dare…”


    His hand shook as he raised it, gently cupping her cheek. His voice was rough,den with sorrow. “You’ve endured so much. I’m truly sorry—deeply sorry—for all that you and our daughter have faced.”


    The reserved Ernest could no longer maintain his calm facade. Guilt, regret, anguish, and relief swirled within him—a storm barely contained.


    His eyes burned with tears, grit and fire intertwined. Tears slipped freely down his face.


    Theposed mask he always wore crumbled away.


    “I’m sorry!” He spread his arms wide and drew Elissa close, holding her tightly against him. “Thank God… you and our little girl are safe and sound.”


    He wasn’t perfect—but Elissa and the child were innocent. Heaven had shown mercy.


    Held close in his arms, Elissa still struggled to ept the truth. Doubt lingering in her eyes, she nced at Savannah. “Mom… is this real?”


    Since waking in Ontmond, her mother had been the very first face she saw—the one she trusted above all. In that moment, she desperately needed her mother’s confirmation.


    “Is this really true? Is there truth in what he just said?”


    Locking eyes with Elissa’s hopeful gaze, Savannah paused briefly—but then gave a slow, reluctant nod. There was nothing left to gain by denying it.


    “Yes, it’s true,” Savannah murmured softly.


    A soft cry escaped Elissa as tears welled and spilled over her cheeks.


    She gazed at the man before her, then bowed her head and pressed it gently against his chest.


    Slowly, a sob welled up from deep within her throat.


    Her voice was soft—tender even through the weight of grief, just like her.


    Such a gentle soul—and all because of him, she had borne so much suffering.


    “This is all my doing—my fault alone!” Ernest pulled her closer, his long fingers gently weaving through her hair. “From this moment forward, I will care for you—and our little girl.”


    Through her tears, Elissa gave a soft nod. Suddenly, she lifted her gaze, searching his face with puzzled eyes.


    Ernest’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Tell me, what’s wrong?”


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