“Dad?” Becker questioned, surprised by his father’s words.
“Grandpa…” Elissa stared at her grandfather, disbelief and tears welling in her eyes.
“Don’t be sad, Elissa,” Addy said softly. He gently squeezed her hand, patting it reassuringly. “So you’re divorced—what does it matter? I raised you myself, and if need be, I’ll continue to care for you.” For original chapters go to Find[?]ovel.net
“Grandpa…”
Elissa’s head bowed low, tears freely cascading down her cheeks. This was the grandfather who had raised her, the only one who still treated her with unwavering affection.
“Don’t cry, my dear. There’s no reason for tears.”
“Dad…” Becker’s voice held a note of exasperation. “You keep shielding her, but can you protect her forever?”
A cold laugh escaped Addy’s lips. “Perhaps I’m old and won’t be around much longer. But what choice do I have? She doesn’t have a father to care for her, and I have to step in.”
Becker stiffened, his expression hardening into an unpleasant mask.
A weighty silence descended upon the room. Then, a knock echoed at the door.
Someone was knocking to get their attention.
“Who is it?” Becker barked out irritably, his gaze lifting.
They had neglected to close the door upon entering. Now, a tall, handsome young man stood framed in the doorway, his height nearly reaching the top of the frame.
“And who might you be?” Becker asked, his tone unwelcoming.
Becker had never encountered Ernest before, nor had any prior interaction with him.
“Hello, everyone,” Ernest offered a courteous nod and walked directly to the bedside.
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Elissa dabbed at the corners of her eyes and greeted him, “What brings you here?”
“I finished my work. I thought you might still be here, so I came by to take you home,” Ernest explained.
As the words left his lips, Ernest raised his gaze to meet Addy’s, his demeanor exuding a natural elegance and consideration. “Mr. Holland, how has your recovery progressed? Your complexion carries significantly more vitality today.”
“Ah, yes…” A measured smile crossed Addy’s weathered features as his eyes darted with gentle curiosity between the unfamiliar young man and his beloved granddaughter.
“And you are…?” he inquired, his tone blending politeness with the natural protectiveness of a guardian.
“My apologies for the oversight in proper introductions,” Ernest responded, genuine contrition evident in his voice.
He offered his hand to Addy with deliberate grace, the gesture both respectful and confident. “My name is Ernest Flynn.”
His words suspended momentarily as he cast a meaningful glance toward Elissa, before completing his statement with quiet conviction. “I’m the man fortunate enough to be Elissa’s boyfriend.”
The entire room froze at Ernest’s words. Not a single breath stirred the air. It was as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
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.
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