......
"I'm fine! Why are you so emotional all of a sudden?" Leah faked her nonchalance, and Ernest was even more upset at that.
He felt that a woman would only hide her unhappiness if her life was really too horrid.
What kind of family did she live in?
"I'm fine, Ernest. You don't have to do this." Leah repeated as if she was trying to reassure herself at the same time.
"Shh." Ernest stopped her from continuing.
He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to stop himself from kissing her if she kept talking.
Ernest's voice sounded off, and that tipped Leah off that something was amiss. Honestly, she was a little afraid of him as well, so she stopped moving immediately.
She closed her eyes obediently and leaned into Ernest's embrace.
His hug was warm and comforting, and it made all of Leah's hidden pain emerge in her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes, and they threatened to spill.
Her horrible family situation made her feel rather helpless, and she sniffled hard.