Elissa let out a quiet laugh, but her eyes were rimmed with red. “Someone you know? Hardly.”

The smile vanished. She looked Linda straight in the eye and spoke with quiet clarity. “Listen closely. We’re not friends. We’re not even rivals, not exactly…” She paused, then gave a slight shake of her head. “Let me put it plainly. I’m Ernest’s lover.”

She stressed the last word—slow, deliberate, cutting.

Linda’s eyes flew open. Her lips quivered. “You’re lying.” But Elissa had expected that.

Her expression didn’t change. “I’m not lying. If you don’t believe me, ask your caregiver. She knows exactly who I am.”

“Jane?” Linda’s voice cracked. She turned to her trusted caregiver, eyes wide.

“Who is she?”

“She…” Jane paled. Words caught in her throat.

She didn’t know how to answer.

She knew about Ernest and Elissa’s relationship. Everyone close to them did. And while Ernest was set to marry Linda, his heart had never truly let Elissa go.

“Say something!” Linda’s voice rose. “I’m asking you a question! Why aren’t you answering?”

“Do you really need to ask?” Elissa looked at them both. Her lips curled in a faint laugh. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m telling the truth. But if you still don’t believe me…” She leaned in, her eyes gleaming. “Ernest is just outside. Call him in. Ask him—right here, in front of everyone. Shall we do that?”

Faced with such bold provocation, Linda trembled. Her lip caught between her teeth, her eyes turning red with anger.

“Why wouldn’t we? Jane!” She turned sharply. “Go get Ernest!”

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“Miss Harris…” Jane hesitated. She didn’t want to go.

Even if Ernest showed up, it wouldn’t likely end in Linda’s favor.

“Go now!” Linda snapped. “If you won’t, I will—”

“I’ll go!” Jane blurted, nearly stumbling as she rushed out.

Elissa gave a cool smirk and folded her arms.

She didn’t look Linda’s way, but she could feel the fury radiating off her like heat.

Before long, hurried footsteps echoed against the floor.

Ernest entered, slightly out of breath.

“Ernest!” Linda reached for him immediately.

“Linda…” He nodded and stepped closer. But his eyes had already landed on Elissa, who stood off to the side with her arms crossed. She didn’t meet his gaze. She stared at the floor.

His throat tightened. He walked over and stood protectively in front of Linda.

“Ernest!” Linda grabbed his hand, her voice desperate. “Tell me right now. You don’t know this woman. You’ve never had anything to do with her. Isn’t that right?”

He said nothing.

His hand rested lightly on her shoulder, as if trying to calm her.

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