How could she have known that, years later, Locke would be the reason Elissa and Ernest became so tightly bound to each other? Regret came too late.

At the hotel, Savannah led Elissa into a suite she had reserved ahead of time—spacious and elegant, larger than many homes. She guided Elissa into one of the bedrooms and helped her sit down.

“You’ll sleep here. I’ll take the room next door.”

“This is lovely,” Elissa said with a soft smile.

It was just a hotel, but with Savannah by her side, it still felt like home.

“My poor baby…” Savannah murmured, her voice gentle. Elissa had always been mild-mannered. The boldest thing she had ever done was leave Ontmond to come to Srixby with Robin years back.

Savannah’s chest tightened as she looked at her daughter. “You’ve lost so much weight.”

Her gaze dropped to Elissa’s stomach. A small smile touched her lips. “Is there someone new joining us soon? Have you been feeling sick?”

Savannah’s tone softened. Even if the child belonged to Ernest, her love for her grandchild didn’t waver. Not now. Not when Elissa needed her the most.

“Yes,” Elissa murmured, her voice small. A flicker of shame passed through her. She had fallen for the same man twice.

“I’ve been feeling really nauseous. I haven’t been able to eat anything. Honestly, I’ve been on IV drips for days.”

“Oh, my poor, poor baby…” Savannah’s voice brimmed with tenderness. She wasn’t talking about the baby—she meant Elissa.

“You’ll be alright,” she said gently. “Now that I’m here, I’ll take care of you. There’s a kitchen in the suite. I’ll cook for you. You’ll get your strength back… and so will the little one.”

Elissa’s shoulders eased. A small smile bloomed on her lips. “Thank you, Mom.”

“Silly girl,” Savannah replied, wiping gently at her cheek. “No need to thank your own mother.”

L?tτ chɑρτ?rs ιn glov.

“Mom, but…” Elissa couldn’t finish. Her voice broke as tears spilled down her face.

Savannah’s eyes widened. “Why are you crying all of a sudden?”

“I don’t know…” Elissa shook her head, sobbing harder. “I just can’t stop… I don’t even know why.”

“Shh, it’s alright,” Savannah murmured, pulling her close. “It’s just the hormones… the emotions from being pregnant.” And the pain she had buried for so long.

Elissa had been through so much. If she had been a little more hard-headed, she might have cracked—or lashed out at Ernest long ago.

“Mom…” Elissa sobbed into her shoulder.

Once she had calmed down, Savannah stood and headed to the kitchen. She stopped in front of the empty fridge and pondered. If Ernest found out where they were staying and came knocking on their door while she was out, it would definitely put stress on Elissa.

So, instead of stepping out, Savannah ordered groceries online and had them delivered straight to the suite. And sure enough—her instincts had been right.

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