Since Elissa had left for abroad with her mother at a young age, her childhood bedroom had remained frozen in time—still wrapped in the charm of a little girl’s world. Soft pink sheets adorned the bed, and shelves nearby overflowed with plush toys arranged with the kind of care only a child could give.

Ernest chuckled softly as he picked up a teddy bear, its fur slightly worn from years of affection. “No wonder Locke’s so attached to his bear,” he said with a smile. “Looks like he takes after you.”

Elissa gave a sheepish laugh, gently taking the bear from his hands. “Kids. What can you do?”

She glanced at the toy, her face tinged with embarrassment. “Don’t judge me. I liked them when I was little. It’s kind of… childish now.” Discover more novels at Find[?]ovel.net

“Not in the slightest,” Ernest said, shaking his head. His gaze lingered on her, his voice low and sincere. “If anything, I wish I’d met you back then. Knowing who you were helps me understand you more now.” He paused. “Do you have any photo albums?”

Elissa blinked, caught off guard, and then gave a small nod. “Yeah. I do.” Of course, she did.

“Can I see them?” Ernest extended his hand toward her, his eyes alight with quiet curiosity.

She hesitated for only a second before nodding again. “Alright. Wait here.” Turning away, she sifted through the bookshelf, pulling out a thick album bound in floral fabric. She placed it in his hands with a slight smile. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

Just as Ernest flipped open the cover, a knock echoed from the door. Bonnie’s voice called from the other side.

Elissa pulled the door open. “What is it?”

Bonnie stood there with a bright smile. “Sorry to interrupt you and Mr. Flynn, but things are a bit hectic in the kitchen. Mind lending a hand?”

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“Sure,” Elissa replied without hesitation.

She was never one to sit idle while others did the work. She turned to Ernest with a small smile. “Stay here for a while. I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”

“Got it.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Elissa closed the door behind her with a quiet click and left with Bonnie. Left alone, Ernest turned his gaze back to the photo album in his lap. He slowly lifted the cover and began flipping through the pages.

There she was—Elissa as a newborn, her tiny face scrunched in a wrinkled yawn. Then came her hundredth day, captured in soft pastels and lacy blankets. Page after page unfolded the story of her childhood—toddler giggles, missing teeth, birthday cakes, costumes, scraped knees, and carefree smiles. Ernest’s lips curved gently. The deeper he went, the more he found himself smiling.

Night had fully settled by the time dinner was ready.

As the family gathered in the dining room, Addy called out cheerfully, “Mr. Flynn, you’re our guest tonight. Please, take the main seat.”

Ernest offered a gracious smile but raised a hand in polite refusal. “I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Holland, but I’m Elissa’s boyfriend. No need to be so formal with me—I’d consider that a bad omen.”

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