Chapter 657
Elysia had never been one to fuss over her wardrobe, but today was different. She rifled through her closet, discarding outfit after outfit until she finally settled on her third choice. To top it off, she even applied a hint of makeup, something she seldom bothered with.
Her kids, accustomed to seeing her in casual home wear, hair tousled and face bare, were visibly stunned.
“Mom, are you going out today?” one of them asked, their eyes wide with curiosity.
“Nope, there’s smog today. It’s not a good day to be outside p>
“Then why are you all dolled up p>
Elysia fluttered her eyelashes, feigning innocence. “Aren’t I always like this? Wasn’t mommy pretty before p>
“Mom, you’re always pretty, but their voice trailed off, taking in her appearance. Elysia was dressed in a long, white sundress that she usually reserved for special occasions. Her hair, though still loose, looked freshly washed, and she’d even put on lipstick, earrings, and a necklace.
The kids stared up at her, completely baffled.
Feeling a bit self-conscious under their gaze, Elysia admitted to herself that the high-necked dress was a strategic choice to hide a love bite on her neck. As for the makeup, she couldn’t quite explain why; it just happened.
Seeking an excuse, she said, “I decided to skip making breakfast today. Got a bit bored and ended up playing with makeup. Nothing more to it.” “No breakfast? Are we going out to eat p>
“No, we’re staying in p>
“Then what’s for breakfast p>
“Your dad is dropping something off. Oh, and Elliot, Evan, you guys might want to freshen up your makeup from last night,” she added, remembering how Tarquin had left, and the kids had wiped off their playful makeup.
Checking the time, Elysia felt a rush of nervous excitement, unsure when he would arrive. She needed a reason to go downstairs, so she announced, “You guys get ready. I’ll be right back; just taking out the trash p>
The children exchanged looks, suspecting their mom’s efforts were all for their dad’s benefit.
Downstairs, after disposing of the trash, Elysia couldn’t help but glance towards the entrance, half-expecting to see him. Instead, she spotted Keith, dressed casually in a trench coat with a caramel scarf, petting a stray cat that seemed to adore him.
Feeling his gaze, Keith looked up and greeted her with a smile, “Ms. Thorne, headed out so early p>
“Just taking out the trash. You’re out for a walk?” Elysia replied, maintaining a polite distance.
“Yeah, I like to start my day with some exercise. Just happened to run into this little guy,” Keith said, nodding towards the cat.
Elysia cautioned him, remembering his recent injury, “You’ve been hurt; you should take it easy. Light walks are good, though p>
Keith smiled, appreciating her concern. Their conversation meandered from his injury to general pleasantries until Keith hesitated, indicating he had something more personal to discuss.
Elysia, sensing the shift in tone, encouraged him to speak his mind. When Keith finally revealed his thoughts about Elijah’s father, Elysia was left speechless, her eyes wide with shock.