“When things settle here, if Elissa agrees, I’ll send them to Ontmond for real. That’s the original plan,” Eric added.

By that time, Ernest would have already turned the city upside down. It would be the last place he’d think to search again. But then the plane crash happened. And everything changed.

Now, Ernest would believe they died in the crash. And Elissa… Elissa would finally be free.

“So stop crying, okay?” Eric whispered while gently brushing his fingers through Hadley’s soft hair. “You won’t be able to see her for a while, though. It’s for her protection.”

“Mm-hmm!” Hadley nodded and pressed her lips together tightly.

Suddenly, Hadley threw herself into his arms and wrapped both arms tightly around his neck.

She wanted to say thank you, but the words stuck in her throat. After all, everything he had done for her made a simple “thank you” feel too small.

Almost insulting.

So, instead of speaking, she just held him tighter.

With a chuckle, Eric pulled her in and wrapped her into a warm embrace. At that very moment, with Hadley willingly in his arms, life felt almost perfect. He wanted it to last. He wanted to live a long, long life.

After a long moment, Hadley leaned back slightly and asked, “What about Ernest now?”

Her eyes met his. Eric understood exactly what she was asking. They saw how upset Ernest was when they left. No matter how things had unfolded, the truth remained that they betrayed him.

Eric let out a long sigh and shook his head. “He’ll be fine. His wedding is in a few days.”

“Exactly,” Hadley thought to herself. That was why Elissa had to leave.

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In the darkness, Elissa called out, trembling with tears. “Ernest!”

“Elissa, where are you?” Ernest’s voice echoed in the dark. He reached out, but his hands grasped at nothing. He strained, trying to follow the sound of her cries.

“I’m here!” Elissa sobbed. “Come, and look at Locke! Why won’t he wake up?”

Ernest’s chest tightened. “Stay calm. I’m on my way!”

Her voice sounded so close, but no matter how he moved, he couldn’t find her.

“Elissa!” Ernest broke into a run, heart pounding in his chest.

“Ernest, where are you? Locke, my baby!”

“Elissa, I’m coming!”

The next second, Ernest jolted awake.

“Mr. Flynn?” Quentin’s voice cut through the silence.

Ernest sat upright, drenched in sweat and his breath ragged. One arm was still outstretched, as if trying to hold on to someone slipping away.

“Mr. Flynn?” Quentin asked again, this time more gently. “Were you dreaming?”

Ernest didn’t answer and instead swallowed hard. It was a dream. No. It was worse than that. It was a nightmare.

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