Feeling reassured, Savannah stepped out briefly to get them some water.

And in that brief window—Ernest appeared.

“Elissa,” he said, stepping forward to stand beside the treadmill.

“You…?” Elissa gasped, her eyes wide with shock. Her steps faltered. Though the treadmill was moving slowly, the abrupt stop made her lose her footing and stumble forward. She let out a cry, staggering helplessly.

“Elissa!” Ernest rushed to catch her, lifting her off the treadmill with swift ease. He set her down gently, one arm wrapped protectively around her waist. “Are you alright?”

Elissa’s heart pounded from the scare. She hadn’t caught her breath, but she still pushed him away and stepped back.

It wasn’t the stumble that frightened her—it was the shock of seeing him.

“How did you even get here?” she demanded.

First, he had somehow gotten through to her room. Now, he had managed to track her down to the gym.

“Does the Flynn Group own this hotel?” she asked, suspicion in her voice.

“Yes,” Ernest said quietly, nodding.

Elissa gave a cold, bitter laugh. “Of course. No wonder…”

“That doesn’t matter,” Ernest said, shaking his head. His voice lowered, gaze intense. “Elissa, please. Don’t leave Srixby.”

Her lashes trembled, and she offered a faint, knowing smile. “So, you found out.”

She had known it wouldn’t stay secret for long. Leaving Srixby was no small thing—and with someone like Ernest, he was bound to find out sooner or later.

“Yes.” Ernest gave a slow, weighted nod. “I know Savannah bought two plane tickets.”

His voice cracked as he repeated, “Don’t go. Stay, Elissa.”

“Stay?” Elissa arched an eyebrow, her tone cutting. “You really think that’s even possible now?”

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“Elissa…”

“It’s impossible,” she said, cutting him off with cold finality. “There’s no ‘us’ anymore.”

She didn’t need a reply.

There were times she couldn’t tell whether he genuinely didn’t understand—or was simply pretending not to.

“Ernest,” she said softly, taking a shaky breath. Her eyes brimmed with sorrow as they met his. “You left me behind. Even if it was for just a moment… that moment is something I’ll never forgive.”

Her words struck him like a blade—Ernest’s chest tightened, a sharp ache spreading through his heart.

His lips trembled, his voice breaking. “I was wrong, Elissa. I know that now. Truly, I do.”

Hearing that, Elissa gave a faint, bitter laugh and shook her head. “Whether you really realize it now or not… it makes no difference anymore.”

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