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Elissa’s laughter rang with scorn as her tears clouded her vision. “You really think words like that would get to me? If this is your version of love, I want nothing to do with it!”

A cold, uneasy feeling slithered through her, making her shiver from the inside out. Fueled by frustration, she lashed out at Ernest, her anger sharp as a whip.

Unbothered, Ernest simply turned his head to the side. He had expected as much from her and hardly seemed surprised.

“You’re furious. I know you’re blaming me, and honestly, I deserve it. Everything you’ve been through is on me.” Ernest gathered her trembling hands in his, speaking in an almost soothing tone. “Just stay here, alright? Let go of everything else and focus on yourself and the baby. Every promise I’ve made, I’ll keep. You’re the only one who truly matters, even if I can’t make you my wife. No matter what, I’ve never strayed from you.”

Listening to this, Elissa could only shake her head at the absurdity. Suspicion flickered in her gaze. She stared at him in disbelief, struggling to understand.

“Don’t try to fool me,” she said, her voice edged with hurt. “I always knew you weren’t as gentle as you seem to be, I just never realized how bold you could get. What’s the point of talking about loyalty when your loyalty should have belonged to someone else? Save that for your wife!”

Elissa tried again and again to break free from his grip, desperation rising. “Let me go. Please, just don’t drag me into this anymore!”

“Elissa.” Ernest released a sigh. “There’s no use fighting with you. Sooner or later, you’ll see I’m telling the truth.”

He paused, and then gently reminded her. “Don’t get so upset. I can handle your anger, but the baby can’t. You need to look after yourself, and that means staying in a good mood. Do it for the baby.”

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“In a good mood?” At that, Elissa let out a bitter laugh, her swollen eyes fixed on him. “You think happiness is even possible for me right now?”

“Elissa,” Ernest responded by straightening his posture and drawing her into his arms.

Resting against his shoulder, Elissa broke down, her voice raw and exhausted. Her eyelids drooped as fresh tears spilled over.

Night settled over Lion Bay, and Ernest didn’t leave Elissa’s side. When morning came, he shared breakfast with her before preparing to go.

“I’m finished,” said Ernest, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. “No need to rush. If you’re looking for something to do, there’s a computer upstairs in the study, a home theater down in the basement, and the garden’s worth a look.”

Keeping her eyes on her plate, Elissa pretended not to hear, silently chewing her food.

Unfazed, Ernest carried on. “Alright, I’m heading out. I’ll be back tonight.” He walked out without another word.

Only after the front door closed did Elissa finally look up. She set her utensils down and realized she hadn’t really eaten at all.

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