Chapter 3322:
Returning to Flynn Mansion, Ernest entered the hall just as Eric and Hadley descended the grand staircase, their footsteps murmuring softly against the polished floors.
“Ernest?” Hadley’s voice trembled with a mix of surprise, curiosity, and subtle concern. “And… how is Elissa?”
“She’s doing well,” Ernest replied with quiet composure, his face unreadable. “Locke stayed by her side. And I returned ahead of them.”
Eric and Hadley shared a fleeting, wordless glance. Something felt off. Ernest would never leave Elissa alone willingly. There was only one possibility: she had sent him away. Even after regaining her strength, she wasn’t ready to embrace him.
Surely, his heart must ache.
Nеw 𝘄𝗲e𝗸𝗅𝘺 c𝗁𝘢𝗽𝗍𝖾𝗿𝘴 𝘰ո 𝗴𝘢𝗅𝘯о𝗏𝘦l𝘴.𝗰𝗈𝘮
Ernest noticed their sympathetic glances, though he remained silent. He chose not to reveal his feelings outright. Instead, he allowed their pity to linger, secretly acknowledging just how forlorn he truly felt.
Shifting the conversation, he inquired gently, “How is Grandma? Is she resting well?”
“She’s fine,” Hadley said. Nyla had retired to her room immediately upon their arrival. “The doctor examined her. She’s taken her medication, and she’s now peacefully asleep.”
After the long journey and battling jet lag, Nyla truly needed this restorative rest.
“Good,” Ernest said with a subtle sense of relief. “I’ll check on her. You two should head home.”
“We won’t be leaving tonight,” Eric replied. “Joy is exhausted, and the nanny has already taken her to Crimson House to rest. We don’t want to disturb her sleep.”
Since Eric always considered Flynn Mansion a second home, staying a few extra days instead of returning to Olisvale Bay was perfectly fine.
“Very well, stay as long as you like,” Ernest said with a nod. Without another word, he made his way upstairs.
“Come on,” Eric urged. Supporting Hadley, he said, “You’re tired as well, after all the activity. Now that Grandma is asleep, let’s get some rest too.”
“All right,” she murmured. Leaning against her husband, Hadley sighed softly. “I wonder what Elissa is thinking right now…”
“Don’t worry about her now. Tomorrow, we’ll visit her and find out.”
“Okay,” she replied.
“Now, rest.”
Upstairs, Ernest first checked on Nyla to make sure she was comfortable, then quietly made his way to Ethan’s room.
Ethan was awake, supervised by the nannies as he played contentedly on a soft mat.
“Mr. Flynn.” The nannies straightened immediately, making way for him without a word.
“Ethan,” Ernest whispered gently. He lowered himself to the mat, clapping lightly. “I’m back, little one.”
Ethan gazed at his father, a mix of surprise and delight in his eyes. Then his face brightened, and he broke into a joyous smile, flailing his tiny arms in greeting.
“Ah…” he babbled happily, his laughter soft and pure.
“You mischievous little thing.” Ernest’s lips curved into a tender smile as he reached out, lifting Ethan into his arms. Cradling Ethan’s tiny hands, he whispered gently, “Do you think your mother will still want me, little one?”
She would want him… wouldn’t she?
He could not imagine life without Elissa; the thought of it was unbearable.
.
.
.