Out in the hallway, Ernest turned to Quentin and said, “Bring the car around. We’re going to get Locke.”
Quentin offered a quick nod. “Yes.”
Down at the curb, Ernest gently guided Elissa into the back seat, and then circled around to slide in next to her.
A scowl crossed Elissa’s face as she blurted out, “You’re coming along?”
“Naturally.” A hint of surprise flickered in Ernest’s eyes. “I can’t let you go by yourself.”
Her gaze lingered on him, caught between disbelief and annoyance. Part of her wanted to remind him that a certain someone was waiting for him at home.
Reading her expression, Ernest’s eyes grew serious as he watched her for several seconds. “I’ll be by your side no matter where you go from now on.”
That statement caught Elissa completely off guard. Was he really intending to shadow her every step? If he kept hovering like this, she doubted she’d ever taste peace or freedom again. Forget about breaking free from him…
Suddenly, tomorrow looked grim. She wondered how she would manage to keep living under such close watch.
A cold glint shone in her eyes as Elissa declared, “Do whatever you want. You’re stubborn, and so am I.”
Her gaze stayed fixed on him, unwavering.
“You can trap me, follow me everywhere, or even drag me along against my will. I know there’s no use fighting you anymore,” Elissa added, her voice edged with bitterness. “But I’ll tell you now—I refuse to marry you. I refuse to fake a smile for your sake. If you’re ready to wake up every day to a face full of resentment, then by all means, keep at it.”
Maybe he could put up with her anger for a day or two. But after a while, anyone would lose patience.
Inside the car, Elissa leaned her head against the glass, curling up against the door, her eyes wandering across the streetlights outside.
Feel the thrill at gα?ησν?s﹒o
Beside her, Ernest sifted through documents and tapped away at his laptop, absorbed in his work.
Without warning, Elissa shifted, turning her attention to him. However, she just kept silent.
Ernest noticed her watching him and glanced up from his work. “Is there something on your mind?”
“Yes.” A simple nod answered him.
Elissa realized she had spent all her time with Addy and nearly overlooked something important.
“What happened with Eric? I told you before, everything that happened was my fault. If you’re upset, you need to blame me, not him.”
Ernest met her gaze and let the silence stretch out before replying, “Are you giving me an order now?”
Elissa’s mouth fell open, surprise written across her face.
A faint laugh escaped Ernest. “Your silence says it all.”
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