His day wasn’t over yet. He still had business to discuss with Eric.

By lunchtime, their meeting was still ongoing, so they ended up sharing a meal as well.

Midday drinking wasn’t Ernest’s habit, but today he requested a bottle of red wine.

Eric took charge of pouring, using the decanter with practiced ease.

“Are you sure you’ve fully recovered, Ernest? What did your doctor say about drinking?” He cast a careful glance at Ernest. The question came from a place of genuine concern—years lost to unconsciousness might still have lingering effects, especially with alcohol involved.

“I won’t have much—just one glass.” Ernest lifted his glass and shook his head. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

Clearly, something was weighing on Ernest’s mind. Eric held off on asking more questions for a moment, but eventually, he gave in.

“Tell me honestly, Ernest. Do you really need to marry Linda?” His brows furrowed with concern. “You don’t actually love her, do you?”

For years, Eric had assumed that the feelings between Ernest and Linda ran deep. But now, after knowing love himself—and seeing the way Ernest looked at Elissa—the truth was undeniable.

Ernest’s gratitude for Linda’s help lingered, but there was no passion. He felt a sense of responsibility, but no true love. Growing up side by side hadn’t led to romance in their case.

That question made Ernest pause. Glass in hand, he grew quiet before drinking deeply.

Eric offered his advice. “If there’s no love, then why go through with it?”

“Eric.” Ernest set his glass down and fixed him with a serious look. The story between him and Linda was tangled, but one fact stood above the rest. “This might be her final wish.” The words left Eric stunned.

“For the last time,” Ernest continued, his voice solemn, brows furrowed. “After this, everything I owe her is finished. Whatever comes next, her fate is her own. I won’t be responsible anymore.”

Lɑt?st chαpt?rs n glov?.сm

Eric felt a jolt of emotion. After a long pause, he nodded. “Alright. I get it.”

When the weekend rolled around, the training program finally wrapped up, but rest remained out of reach.

She rose early, her gaze frequently flicking to her wrist as she checked the time.

Muttering quietly to herself, she held on to hope. “He’ll be here soon.”

The doorbell rang, and Hadley quickly rose to answer it. “Come on in.”

“Good morning, Hadley.” Brady stood at the doorway, smiling, his arms full.

“You didn’t have to bring so much,” she said, half amused, half annoyed.

“Well, I eat here all the time. Might as well contribute.”

Hadley widened her eyes. “Come on! We’re family! Are you trying to get on my nerves?”

Brady grinned and stepped inside. “I brought pork ribs and fresh grapefruits.” Both were Colleen’s favorites.

Hadley pressed her lips together, smiling despite herself. “Where’s Colleen?”

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