Elisabeth's POV
The smile hadn't left my face for days. Ever since that morning when Jefferson and I had nearly set the kitchen ablaze trying to make breakfast, my expression seemed locked in permanent joy. The blackened remnants of our culinary disaster had been quickly forgotten because I had heard something far more precious than any perfect meal.
"I love you."
Those three words echoed in my mind constantly. I didn't care that they had tumbled out in a moment of passion. I didn't care that he hadn't said them again since. What mattered was that Jefferson Harding had spoken those words, and I had been there to hear them.
The memory sent warmth spiraling through my chest.
"Elisabeth?"
The sharp voice cut through my daydream. I jerked back to reality, finding Dr. Norton's stern gaze fixed on me from across his desk. His expression was thunderous, erasing my smile instantly.
