They had arrived.

Elissa stepped out and drew in a deep breath.

There was no reason to be afraid. Even if she did run into them—so what? Other than Ernest and Eric, Linda didn’t seem to remember anyone.

If it came to that, she’d just say she was one of the household staff, grab the drawings, and walk out. No big deal.

With her plan firmly in place, Elissa stepped confidently into the mansion.

Inside, it was quiet. There was no sign of Ernest or anyone else.

Elissa first checked the living room, but the storage tube wasn’t there, so she made her way upstairs to Locke’s room.

There it was, right where she had left it while packing Locke’s things earlier that morning.

She picked it up, gently closed the door behind her, and turned to head back downstairs.

Just then, a message from Sebastian popped up on her phone. Miss Holland, someone came up and I need to deal with it. Please hold on for about ten to fifteen minutes.

“Alright,” she replied.

With some time to spare, she put her phone away and walked toward the bathroom on the first floor.

As she stepped back out, she heard voices.

“Let’s sit here for a while. You can see the garden from here.”

“Alright.”

Elissa froze. It was Ernest and Linda. She quickly slipped back into the bathroom.

Let your imagination soar with gα?ησν?s．?ο

In the living room, Ernest brought Linda’s wheelchair to a stop near the windows, locked it in place, and sat beside her.

“This place feels so familiar.” Linda smiled faintly. “I can’t recall the days we spent here… but being in this space stirs something in me. Isn’t it strange?”

“Yes.” Ernest nodded. “You lived here for more than ten years—that’s likely why.”

“You’re right.” Linda shut her eyes and tilted her face toward the warm sunlight streaming through the windows. “This feels… wonderful.”

“Ernest.” She called his name softly, then paused before adding, “There’s something I need to ask you.”

He turned to her. “Go ahead.”

“It’s just…”

Her eyes snapped open, locking intensely onto his.

“Will you… marry me?” she asked, her words slow and deliberate.

“What did you say?”

Ernest was stunned, his usually composed face beginning to crack. Had he heard her right?

“Ernest.” Linda leaned in slightly, her gaze unwavering.

They were already sitting close, so it took little effort for her to reach out and take his hand.

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