Addy chuckled, not pressing the matter. “Very well then, Mr. Flynn. Sit wherever you like. Make yourself at home.”
“Everyone, let’s sit,” Louisa said with a warm smile.
She then looked toward Ernest. “It’s your first time joining us, and we didn’t have much time to prepare, so we’ve just made a simple family meal. I hope that’s alright.”
“You’re far too kind, Mrs. Holland,” Ernest’s gaze softened as it drifted toward Elissa. “As long as Elissa’s here, I know I’ll enjoy every bite.”
He reached over and picked up the empty bowl in front of her, motioning toward the soup tureen. “Let me get you some soup.” Then, turning to Addy, he added with a gentle smile, “Elissa always likes to start her meal with soup.”
“Ah, yes, that’s true,” Addy replied, nodding with a pleased expression.
He had raised Elissa himself and knew her little quirks by heart; but hearing someone else care about them so attentively warmed him.
Ernest ladled soup into the bowl and then placed it in front of Elissa with quiet care. “Be careful—it’s hot,” he said softly.
The affection and thoughtfulness in his every move didn’t go unnoticed. It hung in the air, undeniable.
Across the table, Bonnie watched with wide eyes, her curiosity getting the better of her.
At last, she had to say something.
Bonnie smiled sweetly, though the glint in her eyes betrayed her innocent tone. “Mr. Flynn, you and my sister seem really close. Are there any wedding bells in the near future?”
“Bonnie!” Addy’s expression darkened as he snapped her name, his voice laced with reprimand. “Let your sister manage her own affairs.”
He could see right through Bonnie’s little performance. She wasn’t just making conversation—she was poking where she knew it would sting. And he understood all too well what Elissa was up against.
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She had only recently finalized her divorce. With a family like the Flynns, her past would not be easily overlooked.
Louisa, noticing her daughter had overstepped, stepped in with a forced smile—one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her voice was polite, but the chill in her tone was unmistakable. “Don’t be upset. I’m sure Bonnie’s just concerned about Elissa. After all… her last marriage was such a disaster. We’re just looking out for her.”
On the surface, her words dripped with familial concern. But every syllable was calculated—a thinly veiled reminder to Ernest that Elissa came with baggage.
Louisa and Bonnie exchanged a knowing glance.
In their minds, perhaps Ernest was still in the dark about Elissa’s past. And if he found out? Maybe he’d think twice.
The air around the table turned thick with discomfort. The conversation had veered into dangerous territory.
“That’s enough,” Addy said curtly, his eyes hardening as he turned to Louisa and Bonnie. “Must you stir the pot even at the dinner table?”
Then, collecting himself, he turned back to Ernest with a gracious smile, trying to smooth things over. “Mr. Flynn, please try the fish. Elissa’s always loved it—I hope it suits your palate as well.”
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