“It’s fine. I can have the doctor meet us at the funeral.” Ernest turned and waved Quentin over. “Quentin, call the doctor—”
Elissa’s frustration boiled over. She clenched her jaw and turned her head away, refusing to even look at him.
At that moment, Hadley and Eric stepped into the room.
“Elissa…” Hadley let go of Eric and walked over to her. “You don’t look well.”
“She’s been throwing up nonstop,” Ernest said, his voice tight with concern. “She can’t keep anything down—”
Not wanting to hear another word from him, Elissa shot him a sharp glare. “Go get me some water now.”
“Alright.” Ernest didn’t argue. He turned and left at once.
He came back quickly, glass in hand, and brought it gently to her lips. “Here. Drink slowly.”
Elissa lowered her head. Her lips barely brushed the rim before she recoiled with a grimace. “Ugh! It’s too hot!”
“Too hot? I’ll add some cold water.”
Ernest turned and left again. A moment later, he returned with the newly adjusted glass. Once more, he held it up with care. “Try it now?”
Elissa didn’t look at him. She took another sip, and her expression twisted in disdain. “Now it’s too cold! Can’t you even get a glass of water right?”
Ernest went silent for a beat, then quietly said, “I’ll go warm it up a little—”
“Never mind! I don’t want it anymore!” Elissa stood up and grabbed Hadley’s arm. “Let’s go.”
“Oh. Okay.” Hadley nodded quickly and let herself be pulled along. As they walked, she kept glancing at Elissa, trying to read her.
Elissa caught the look and let out a bitter laugh. “What? Do you think I’m being difficult? Are you feeling sorry for Ernest?”
“No!” Hadley shook her head at once. She wasn’t fooled by the outbursts. She had a pretty good idea what was really going on. “You’re trying to push Ernest away, aren’t you?”
Full chapter updat3z at glnovels.
“Mm-hmm.” Elissa raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “That’s part of it. But honestly, I just can’t bring myself to be nice to him.” Her voice wavered as she spoke. She swallowed hard and explained, “If it weren’t for him, my grandfather would still be alive.”
Sure, Addy had been in poor health. But he’d been doing his part, following the treatment plan. There had been hope.
“I know.” Hadley slipped her arm through Elissa’s and held it tight. “I understand. I really do.”
“I just…” Elissa tipped her head back with a weary sigh. “I can’t see us ever getting along again. Either he gives up on me first, or I’ll fall apart trying. There’s no way we can go back. He’ll realize that eventually. This isn’t something he can fix by forcing it.”
A few steps behind them, Eric glanced at Ernest. “How long has she been like this?”
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