Chapter 294
“Mommy, don’t go p>
Elysia was taken aback by the sudden plea. Not wanting to disturb his sleep, she whispered a few soothing words and then curled up beside Elijah’s bed for the night.
The next morning.
When she awoke, Elijah was staring at her with his big, bright eyes, a mix of surprise and joy lighting up his face, tinged with a shy blush.
“What’s up?” Elysia was intrigued.
Elijah was usually more reserved, and she had never seen this kind of childlike shyness on his face before.
Elysia sat up, “Elijah p>
He sat up too, his voice soft and childlike, “Yeah p>
They looked at each other for a few seconds, and just as Elysia was about to speak, Elijah suddenly threw off the covers and got out of bed. He rummaged around the room, gathering a pile of items for her.
There were collectible toy models, little trinkets from his desk, his favorite vintage wind chime, and various rare gadgets Tarquin had given him.
“For me?” Elysia was curious.
Elijah nodded eagerly.
Elysia was surprised, “Wow p>
It was a gesture of trying to please her, and Elijah was clearly making an effort.
But why?
They had known each other for more than just a few days, and although Elijah didn’t hate her, he had never gone out of his way to please her before. Seeing Elysia’s surprised face and getting no immediate response, Elijah became visibly nervous, cautiously saying, “These are all I have now. If you don’t like them, I can get you something else. Just tell me what you like, okay p>
Blinking in astonishment, Elysia reassured him, “I love whatever you give me, Elijah. Thank you. I’ll gladly accept them p>
A flash of joy crossed Elijah’s face as he nodded vigorously.
Recalling the previous night, Elysia ventured, “Were you missing Mommy again last night p>
Elijah’s brows furrowed slightly as he looked at her, “I’ve always missed Mommy p>
His pitiful look made Elysia’s heart ache. She set aside the gifts he had given her and hugged him close, “They say there’s a special bond between mother and child. If you’re missing your mommy, she’s probably missing you too. If there’s a chance, she’d surely come back to see you p>
Elijah’s heart raced. He wanted to hug Elysia back but was too shy. He thought, Mommy is already here. You are my mommy!
But he dared not say it outright, fearing it might scare her away. He wasn’t the healthiest child, and his past behavior hadn’t been the best. He feared that if he acknowledged their relationship directly, she might disappear again because she didn’t like him.
Elysia, oblivious to his inner turmoil, was just glad to see Elijah’s mood stabilized, not as agitated as the night before.
Today, he seemed less distant and more cautious and anxious.
Without dwelling on it, Elysia asked, “Feeling better today p>
“Yeah p>
“That’s great. Children should always be happy. Since you’re up, go freshen up, and I’ll make breakfast. We can leave these gifts here, and I’ll take them when I leave p>
“Okay p>
Elysia smiled and headed out, with Elijah immediately on her heels. She went to the bathroom to freshen up, and Elijah followed to brush his teeth and wash his face.
When Elysia moved to the kitchen to start breakfast, Elijah was right there with her, sticking to her like glue.