“Yes.” Ernest nodded, his face somber.

Elissa stood still as the pieces began to fall into place. All the little signs from the past few days—the way Ernest had seemed preoccupied, always rushing off—suddenly made sense.

“No wonder,” she murmured. “You’ve been so busy lately…”

“The doctor recommended an amputation. Linda agreed to it. But before the surgery, she asked to see the Flynn Mansion one last time.” Ernest paused for a few seconds, then added quietly, “The operation’s risky. This might be her final wish.”

Elissa said nothing, her eyes fixed on the table.

“Elissa,” Ernest said, his voice tight. “I know Locke doesn’t like her… and to be honest, her mental state isn’t stable these days. I’m worried she might act out and scare him.”

That was why he wanted her and Locke to be away.

“She just wants to see the place. Her memory’s slipping fast. The Flynn Mansion’s the only thing she still holds on to as home.”

Still, Elissa didn’t respond.

“Elissa?” he said again, reaching for her hand. Her skin felt cold in his grasp, but she didn’t pull away.

Ernest lowered his head and spoke softly. “Tell me what you’re feeling. Are you upset? Mad? Say something… anything.”

“No.”

There was a flicker of sadness in Elissa’s eyes, but her voice was even. “I’m not mad,” she said with a small, strained smile. “I just…”

“What is it?” he asked gently.

“I’ve got this feeling…” Elissa drew in a shallow breath. “I feel like we’re never going to get married.”

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The color drained from Ernest’s face. He gripped her hand tighter, panic flashing in his eyes. “Why would you even say that?”

“Ow—easy!” She flinched and pulled her hand back. “You’re crushing my fingers.”

“Then stop saying things that make me panic,” he shot back, but then quickly softened, reaching for her hand again and gently rubbing it with his thumb. “Don’t overthink. Don’t jump to the worst.”

He watched her closely, his voice cautious now. “So… this weekend?”

“I know.” Elissa sighed, frowning as she met his gaze. “I’ll talk to Hadley.”

Then she pointed to the tea cooling on the table and gave him a little look. “Drink it before it turns cold.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ernest gave a small smile and lifted the cup.

Following the plan she’d made with Hadley, Elissa picked up Locke from the Flynn Mansion early that Saturday morning and made her way to Jewel Avenue.

“You’re here already?” Hadley said as she opened the door, stifling a yawn. “Joy’s still fast asleep…”

She caught sight of the small bundle strapped to Elissa’s back—Locke, curled up and dozing peacefully.

“Perfect timing.” Hadley smiled and nodded toward the stairs. “Go ahead and tuck him in with Joy.”

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