Chapter 3214:

“No, that’s not what I mean.” She shook her head, then hesitated, worried he might misunderstand her. A deep blush spread across her face. “It’s just… isn’t it happening a little too often?”

In the last couple of days, they’d shared more intimacy than ever before. Since he was still healing, he’d usually let her set the pace while he offered quiet support.

Ernest understood exactly what she was getting at. Instead, he simply arched a brow, putting on an innocent face. “You think that’s a bad thing?”

“That’s not what I mean at all!” Elissa shook her head fast, then suddenly froze. Had she just made it sound like she did enjoy it? Her cheeks flushed even deeper.

With Ernest watching her like that, she grew both flustered and annoyed. She clenched her fists and gave his shoulder a soft punch. “Why are you like this? You’re impossible!”

He knew she had trouble saying what she meant—and teased her all the more for it.

Ernest let out a quiet laugh, caught her hand, pressed a gentle kiss to it, and said, “I really do like it—and you’re wonderful.”

“Cut it out!” Elissa blurted, both flustered and embarrassed as she clamped her hand over his mouth. “No more talking!”

“I love you.” With a mischievous glint, Ernest brushed her fingertip with his lips, his voice low and rough. “I’m all better now. You can relax—tonight, let me take care of everything.”

рo𝗽𝘶𝘭𝘢𝗿 ѕtо𝗋і𝘦𝘴 oո 𝗀al𝘯о𝘃𝘦𝗅𝘀.𝘤𝘰m

“Then…” Elissa, blushing to her ears, gave a small nod. “Alright.”

She agreed so easily?

“Good.” Ernest smiled gently, slipping his hand to her collar and undoing the buttons of her pajama top. “Let’s take a bath first.”

The night still had hours to spare.

Lately, their nights together had grown more frequent. There was a silent understanding between them: live for now, because tomorrow wasn’t promised. Especially tonight. Who knew what tomorrow would look like, or if it would even come? Still, neither of them spoke it out loud. Elissa struggled to say what she felt, while Ernest avoided putting it into words.

They held onto every moment they could steal—grasping every second spent together. Arms wrapped tight, each of them pouring every ounce of feeling into that embrace. No matter what, they clung to each other as if nothing else mattered.

The bathroom fogged with steam. The air thickened with soft moans and hurried breaths that set the heart pounding. Waves rippled through the water, spreading out again and again.

As Ernest swept her up in his arms, Elissa broke down in tears.

“Elissa?” Cradling her face, Ernest brushed her cheek with his thumb. “Are you scared?”

“Yeah.” Tears streamed down as she nodded.

How could she not be frightened? Even though she’d made the decision herself, the risks of treatment were still terrifying.

Watching her in tears, Ernest’s heart ached. “Maybe, Elissa…”

He wanted to tell her to give up, but the words caught in his throat.

“Ernest.” All at once, Elissa reached up and held his face in her hands. She traced his features with gentle, lingering fingers.

With a serious look in her eyes, she studied him closely.

“Elissa?” Ernest asked in a soft, uncertain voice.

“I’m scared…” The moment she opened her mouth, tears rolled down her face. “If I get better… if… if…”

Ernest’s throat bobbed. “If what?”

She forced the words out, her voice barely more than a whisper. “If someday I stop loving you… what would you do?”

Ernest froze, his entire body shaking.

Truth be told, he’d considered that possibility before. But hearing those words come from Elissa made it feel completely different. How was he supposed to answer her?

“Then…” Ernest kissed her tearstained eyelids and whispered, “Do you think I’m a good man?”

Elissa met his gaze and answered without hesitation, “You’re really good. Truly, you are.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes, I do.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Ernest managed a soft smile. “Then, if that day ever comes, I want you to remember what you said to me tonight. If recalling it once isn’t enough, do it again. And if twice won’t do, revisit it a hundred more. Just promise me you’ll never forget how good I was to you.”

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