Elissa took a bite of her sandwich, her cheeks rounding as she chewed. “Did you think I was being dishonest with you last night when I mentioned your sleepwalking issue?”

A soft chuckle escaped Ernest as he gestured to her knees. “And now? Do you still question my sincerity?”

“No…” Elissa shook her head slowly, a hint of resignation in the movement.

Ernest nodded. “You need treatment. You might have been alright before, but lately these episodes are obviously becoming more frequent… likely triggered by the news about Locke.”

He tapped his temple gently. “Your memories have been stirred.”

After a brief pause, he continued. “Elissa, allow me to care for you… You need this.”

Turmoil churned within Elissa. She remained undecided.

If she agreed to this, would it imply agreement to everything else as well? The memory of that night five years ago still made it difficult for her to face him comfortably.

“Didn’t you suggest my kindness was solely because of Locke? Then consider this an act of care for Locke’s mother.” Ernest remained patient, gently persuading her. “I can’t allow anything to happen to Locke’s mother. So, for Locke’s sake… please, let me care for you.”

Inner conflict wracked Elissa.

Ernest braced himself. “I’m not trying to pressure you, but you need someone to care for you. I need to find you a more suitable place to live… Would that be alright?”

He had laid his feelings bare.

Finally, Elissa inhaled deeply and nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Ernest stilled for a heartbeat, then his face broke into a radiant smile.

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“Wonderful.” He smiled warmly. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately. Finish your food… I’ll drive you to work shortly.” With that, he reached for his phone and stood.

“It’s me…” Ernest began his call.

He dialed a number and issued instructions. “Have the house at Lion Bay cleaned. Yes… I need the housekeeper and nurse in place today…”

Elissa listened in silence, her gaze lowered as she continued eating her sandwich. She took another bite, realizing it was her favorite flavor. ? ? ? ?s, ?s? s find(?)ovel.net

Her eyes flickered towards Ernest. Was it merely a coincidence, or did he already know her preferences this intimately?

Emerging from her apartment, Elissa slid into the waiting vehicle.

From the driver’s seat, Quentin passed a bottle to Ernest. “Mr. Flynn,” Quentin said.

“Got it,” Ernest replied, accepting the bottle with a nod.

He turned to Elissa and, with a casual tone, said, “Raise your skirt just a bit to show your knees.”

Elissa’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

Ernest held up the container for her to see. In the dim light, Elissa recognized it—a bottle of medicated spray.

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