?Chapter 3164:


    “Is something wrong?” Ernest studied Elissa’s face, worry settling in. “Do you feel sick?” She did not look well.


    “No.” Elissa shook her head. “I just ate too much earlier while with my friends.”


    It was not a lie. Time with Hadley and Colleen was rare, and they had let themselves indulge.


    He understood at once and rxed a little. “Did you have fun?”


    “Yes.” She nodded. “I bought a lot of things.”


    She did not mention that the bags were still in the car, and Hadley took them back to Flynn Mansion first.


    “That’s all that matters.” He checked the time. “I need to finish a few documents. When I’m done, we’ll leave. Can you wait for me?”


    “Okay.” She let out a quiet sigh and said nothing more.


    After he wrapped up his work, they went to the restaurant he had booked ahead of time. Elissa ate without trouble, which eased his nerves.


    Her health was always his first concern.


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    That night, however, something was wrong.


    In the dead of night, Ernest jolted awake at a soft, broken sound.


    “Elissa?”


    There was no mistaking her voice against his chest.


    He reached for themp and switched it on. She was curled tightly toward herself, one hand pressed to her abdomen. The pain had already taken hold.


    “Does your stomach hurt?”


    He turned fully toward her and brushed her hair back. His palm came away damp.


    “Mm.” Her eyes fluttered open. “It hurts.”


    “Hold on.” He reached for his phone and called a doctor. “It’s me. Come over right now. Yes. It’s her stomach.”


    When he ended the call, he returned to her side and held her hand. His brow drew tight. “Stay with me. The doctor will be here soon.”


    She was too weak to answer and only gave a faint nod.


    The doctor arrived quickly and examined her.


    “Indigestion. She ate too much.” He looked up. “Did she overeat tonight?”


    Did she? Ernest thought it over and shook his head.


    No. Her meals at home were strictly managed by a nutritionist and a private chef. Every portion was measured.


    Even though they ate out tonight, he had been careful with what she ordered.


    “Then…” The doctor lowered his voice so only Ernest could hear. “Has she been under too much stress or feeling lowtely?”


    Emotional strain could upset the stomach more often than people realized.


    Stress? Ernest frowned. The thought unsettled him.


    The doctor wrote a prescription, offered a few reminders, and left.


    Ernest poured water and helped Elissa take the medicine, knowing it would not work right away.


    Hey beside her and kept her close.


    The doctor’s words lingered. He remembered how distant she had seemed earlier in his office, her mind clearly elsewhere when he walked in.


    “Elissa.” He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “Is something bothering you?”


    She tensed in his arms.


    That reaction made his brow knit.


    “Why are you upset?” His voice softened. “Talk to me.”


    She pressed her lips together and stayed quiet.


    “Elissa.” He spoke patiently. “I’m the person closest to you. You can tell me anything. Holding it in isn’t good for you.” He paused. “Is that why your stomach hurts?”


    “I…” She hesitated.


    “Tell me.” He waited. “I’m listening.”


    “It’s just…” She bit her lip, struggling for a moment before the words came out. “Did you ever have a fiancée before me?”


    He froze. His shoulders stiffened, eyes widening before he could hide it.


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