Elissa hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “I honestly don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” he repeated, his jaw tightening. His gaze hardened, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “Elissa, what did you just promise me? And now you’re lying to protect him again?”

“No! I’m not!” she cried, panic creeping into her voice. “That day… I was just asleep in my bed. When I woke up, this scrape was just there—I didn’t even notice it until later. I swear, I don’t know how it happened…” Her voice faded into a whisper.

She cast him a nervous glance, afraid he’d see her story as nothing more than an excuse.

“I know it sounds ridiculous,” she added, “but it’s the truth.”

Ernest studied her for a long moment—quiet, unreadable. Then his expression softened. He gave a small nod. “I understand,” he said gently. “And I believe you.”

Elissa blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected him to believe her so readily. Ernest hesitated, a flicker of tension passing through his eyes. “You have a sleepwalking condition. Were you aware of that?”

Elissa’s breath caught. Her head shook instinctively, eyes wide with confusion. “I figured as much.” His tone carried no surprise—only calm affirmation. “While you were staying at the sanatorium, Laney noticed it. She saw you walking the halls in the middle of the night.”

He gave her a moment, letting the truth settle like dust in the still air. “I think it’s connected to Locke… and the memories you’ve buried.”

Elissa felt her world tilt, her voice swallowed by the shock. She hadn’t even known where to begin.

“Elissa,” her name fell from his lips like a soft sigh. “I consulted with a doctor,” he continued. “Considering everything you’ve endured… therapy is no longer optional. It’s necessary. Before, I held off. Your eyes were still recovering, and I didn’t want to add another burden. I thought—maybe it could wait. But it can’t. Not anymore.”

He gestured toward the wound at her temple, the bandage still peeking out from behind her hair. “This time, it was a minor injury. Next time? You could fall. Hit your head. Walk into traffic.” He looked at her, his eyes dark with unspoken fears. “What if no one’s there to help?”

Elissa pressed her lips into a thin line, her silence betraying that she knew—he was right.

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“I know someone good,” Ernest said gently, his voice threading through the quiet like a promise. “A doctor I trust. I’ll make the arrangements and go with you to the appointment. How does that sound?”

Agreeing would mean more than just getting help—it would mean tying herself closer to him again. And wasn’t that what she was trying to avoid?

Ernest noticed the flicker of doubt in her eyes and leaned in, seizing the moment. s ? ?s FindN0vel.net

“Don’t stall, Elissa,” his tone sharpened just enough to cut through her indecision. “You could try finding someone on your own—but do you really think you’ll find someone better than the person I handpick for you?”

He didn’t wait for a reply. “For Locke’s sake, you want to get better… right? And for your own.” His voice dipped lower. “You shouldn’t be living alone anymore.” That one landed. Elissa looked at him, startled, unsure how to respond.

“Think about it,” Ernest urged, no trace of jest in his voice now. “This time, it was just a scrape. But what if the next time… it’s something serious?”

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