Elissa stood frozen. Her lips parted, but no words came. She blinked rapidly, then bit down hard on her bottom lip as she slowly shook her head. “What are you talking about? We’re not…” She turned toward Addy with a pleading glance. Her voice cracked as she tried to explain. “Grandpa, listen…”
Addy didn’t acknowledge her. Not even a flicker in her direction. His focus was locked on Ernest.
Although his body showed signs of age, his eyes held a sharpness that cut through the tension.
He asked, “So you’re claiming you’re in a relationship with Elissa?”
“That’s right.” Ernest lowered his head in a respectful nod.
Addy gave a dismissive wave. “Strange. Elissa never mentioned anything about you.”
Ernest took no offense. He let out a gentle smile. “I guess Elissa hasn’t gotten around to telling you yet. We’ve only been seeing each other for a few days, still…”
His voice softened as he added, “We actually met you before, Mr. Holland. Do you happen to remember that?”
Addy squinted, his brow tightening. “You did?”
“It was the afternoon they moved you out of the ICU,” Ernest said, trying to help him recall. “Elissa and I were here together. You reached for my hand and asked me to look after her. Do you remember something like that?”
That day?
For a moment, Addy’s mind drifted back.
He remembered the visit but had assumed the young man was Robin back then.
Realization struck Addy like a sudden gust. “That was… you?”
“Yes, it was me,” Ernest said with a calm nod.
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“Alright…” Addy’s voice softened.
Ernest’s explanation had nearly settled things in Addy’s mind.
Considering how ill he’d been at the time, there was no way Elissa would have brought just anyone to his side.
From the corner of the room, Becker and Louisa finally seemed to register what was happening.
“Did he just say ‘boyfriend’?” Becker scowled, clearly unhappy with what he’d heard.
“And who exactly are you supposed to be? Flynn, was it? You really shouldn’t go around making reckless claims. Elissa is a married woman!”
Instead of responding, Ernest shifted his attention to Elissa. His question came calmly. “And this man…”
Before Elissa could speak, Becker cut in with a shout, “I’m her father!”
“I see.” Ernest’s smile was faint, almost too polite. “Elissa’s father. That explains it. She’s never really spoken of you. But since you’re her father, how come you aren’t aware she’s already divorced?”
Gone was the gentle deference he’d shown Addy. What remained was clear confidence, laced with quiet defiance.
For a moment, Becker couldn’t form a response. He settled instead for a glare, sharp and full of judgment toward Elissa. “This is who you picked to date? Just as rude and unimpressive as you.”
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Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?.net