Chapter 248
Elysia furrowed her brow as she recalled what Lowell had said. Lowell mentioned how Elijah had been the butt of jokes for years.
Elijah was just quiet, and people mocked him, calling him mute. He was actually struggling with mental health issues, yet they labeled him crazy.
And because of family interests, some were even hoping Elijah would just vanish.
Thinking about the harsh words Allegra had once spat at Elijah, Elysia felt her blood boil.
Some relatives are kin by blood, but utterly heartless in spirit.
“It’s all going to be okay.” Elysia suddenly spoke up, causing Elijah to turn his head towards her. Before he could react, she had pulled him into a hug!
Elijah shivered, his breathing quickened, and his cheeks flushed red.
This was his first embrace from a woman, ever!
Half nervous, half shy. He tried to wriggle free, but Elysia’s grip was too strong, he couldn’t escape.
“You p>
“Elijah, believe me, everything will get better! I’ll fill your heart with sunshine, turn you into a healthy, lively kid! I’ll make all those who mock you, curse you, and wish you ill, shut their mouths p>
Outside, Tarquin’s hand lingered on the doorknob, yet he didn’t push the door open.
His expression complex, he stood at the doorway, Elysia’s words reaching him loud and clear.
Lowell was still in the kitchen. “What’s up, Tarquin p>
Tarquin withdrew his hand, turning back to the kitchen, glancing at the meat Lowell was preparing for the meatloaf, “Just like that, huh? Did you season it p>
“Not yet p>
Tarquin took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and started seasoning.
Lowell asked, “Not calling Ms. Thorne anymore p>
“No p>
Lowell was taken aback, “Are we both cooking p>
Tarquin, clearly annoyed, “Can’t do it p>
“I… I can prep the meat because that’s grunt work, but making burgers and meatloaf, that’s a skill, and I might not be up to it p>
Tarquin rolled his eyes. “Out of the way p>
Lowell was left speechless.
When Elysia came out of Elijah’s room, Tarquin was nowhere to be seen, only Lowell bustling in the kitchen.
Seeing the meatloaf ready on the counter, Elysia was surprised.
“Lowell, you know how to make meatloaf too? You’re amazing p>
Lowell chuckled awkwardly, “Not me, Elijah’s father did p>
Elysia was astonished, “He can cook too p>
“Yeah, he often cooks. He’s pretty good at it p>
Elysia looked at the meatloaf Tarquin made, perfectly shaped.
“I wouldn’t have guessed. With his temper, I thought he was only good at snapping at people p>
“He’s had it tough, looking after Elijah all these years, playing both mom and dad p>
Elysia admitted it internally but muttered, “You’ve had it tough too, putting up with his temper every day. If it were me, I’d have bolted. No way I’d stick around p>
Just as Elysia finished speaking, a cold voice came from behind, “You think I’d want you to stick around? Not a chance p>
Elysia jumped, turning to see the person who had just washed up from the bathroom.
He glared at her, clearly having heard her and not pleased.
Elysia wanted to retort, but her attention was diverted by his appearance.
Because of cooking, he had removed his suit jacket, now in dress pants and a shirt. The pants were crisply tailored; the shirt fitted perfectly, not a wrinkle in sight. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, the shirt neatly tucked into his pants.
Lean waist, long legs, a figure of poise.
Without a tie, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a hint of his collarbone and a well-defined throat, he exuded a casual sexiness. His exposed forearms were strong and muscular, setting off a surge of attraction.
Admiration is natural, and Elysia couldn’t help but swallow.
Then, with a frown and clear displeasure, he shot back at her, “Are you ogling me p>