Elissa was already up. Morning light spilled through the open curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.

She had just stepped out of the bathroom, her hair still damp from her morning routine.

“Elissa,” Hadley called gently, approaching and taking her hand with quiet concern. She studied her face closely. “Good—your eyes aren’t puffy. Finally managed to get some sleep?”

Elissa offered a small smile and nodded. “I did, yes. I feel a lot better now.”

But Hadley wasn’t convinced. She could see the wear behind Elissa’s smile.

“Maybe take the day off?” Hadley suggested, brows knitting. “Just call in sick. Rest.”

Elissa shook her head with another soft smile. “No. I’ll be fine. Life doesn’t stop.” For original chapters go to Find~Novel.net

“Fine.” Hadley didn’t press. She understood too well—that stubborn determination to keep going.

They were alike in that way.

“It’s still early,” Hadley said, guiding her gently to sit.

“There’s something Ernest asked me to tell you.”

At the mention of his name, Elissa’s face immediately clouded. “What could he possibly want now?”

“Don’t get upset,” Hadley said softly. She gently held Elissa’s hand, her voice calm and soothing. “I’m only here to pass along his message. Whether you believe him or not, whether you choose to accept any of it—that’s entirely up to you. But tell me this… do you trust me?”

Elissa didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” She nodded firmly.

Of course, she trusted Hadley. If there was one thing she was sure of, it was that Hadley would never abandon her and take Ernest’s side.

“Alright then,” Hadley said softly.

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She took a deep breath, then began to share Ernest’s message, speaking slowly and gently, making sure Elissa could take it in at her own pace. When she finished, Elissa remained still—silent and pale, her expression unreadable in the aftermath of the previous night’s storm. Hadley watched her closely.

“Does what Ernest said… match your memories?”

Elissa shut her eyes tight, trying to hold herself together.

“Yes,” she whispered. “That day… I entered the wrong room…”

Her voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes. She shook her head, lost in confusion and pain. “I don’t know how it happened. I don’t understand… how I ended up in the wrong room. And he… he just happened to be there…” Drugged. Disoriented. And then—everything spiraled.

Hadley pulled her into a hug, her heart aching. “Ernest said he tried to find you afterward,” Hadley murmured. “But by then… you and Robin had reconciled. So he stopped.”

Nodding, Elissa didn’t say anything. Ernest had backed away, thinking it was over.

“And then the accident happened,” Hadley continued quietly. “He was in a coma for years. He had no idea what you went through during all that time.” She reached over and handed Elissa a tissue. “That’s everything he wanted me to tell you. The rest… it’s your choice. Don’t force yourself into anything you’re not ready for.”

“I know.” Elissa dabbed at her tears, nodding.

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