He appeared completely oblivious to his injury, simply maintaining his grip on Elissa’s hand while gazing intently at her. “Have you released your anger? If not, I’m here for you to do whatever you need.”

Elissa found herself completely stunned, uncertain of what expression she should display. “Do you honestly think this will touch my heart?”

“I don’t.” Ernest shook his head with deliberate emphasis, his brow furrowing deeply. “I simply cannot bear the thought of you leaving me again.”

As Elissa absorbed those words, her eyes instantly blazed with sarcasm, her lips trembling with violent emotion. “Do you insist on imprisoning me within this twisted relationship? Are you deliberately trying to drive me to the breaking point?”

She seized Ernest’s collar in a desperate fit of helplessness. “I truly will perish! I cannot accept this poisonous kind of relationship! Do you comprehend what I’m saying? I want to live a straightforward and honest existence!”

“Elissa! Listen to me!” Ernest reached out desperately, supporting her trembling back, his voice rough yet tender and profound. “I’m not going to marry anyone else!”

Upon hearing those unexpected words, Elissa froze completely, momentarily stunned into silence.

“I mean…” Ernest lifted his hand with careful tenderness, gently caressing her tear-stained cheek. “I will not marry Linda.”

He drew her into his protective embrace, his movements achingly tender.

“During those agonizing days when you were missing, I made myself a solemn promise—as long as you returned to me, I would never marry anyone else. But…” He lowered his head—

With reverent care, he planted a feather-light kiss upon her forehead, his thin lips barely brushing against her delicate skin.

He continued with quiet desperation, “Just grant me a little more time. For now, we cannot get married either.”

Elissa stared at him in vacant confusion, slowly processing the weight of his unexpected words. After several long moments, she suddenly snapped back to harsh reality, her gaze becoming unnaturally calm. “Are you telling me that you’re not marrying Linda?”

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“Yes.” Ernest nodded with fierce determination, securing her waist within his grasp, his kisses falling like gentle rain. “So, please promise me you won’t run away anymore, okay?”

Elissa suddenly released a bitter laugh, her eyes becoming crystal clear and unnaturally bright as she studied him. “So now I’ve really become the other woman destroying someone else’s marriage?”

“Elissa.” Ernest’s frown deepened, clearly displeased with her harsh characterization. “You don’t want to be my lover, and I would never force such a role upon you… Why must you interpret the situation this way?”

“Then how exactly should I interpret this situation?” Elissa demanded with razor-sharp precision. “Tell me the truth—does Linda know that you’re not planning to marry her?”

Ernest froze. “Just give me a little more time to handle this properly.”

“That means she has absolutely no idea!” Elissa ruthlessly exposed his deception. “So what exactly am I, if not the other woman?”

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