Chapter 255
Blossom could see that Elysia was on edge about Elijah’s upcoming family ceremony. She tried to reassure her, saying, “You know, Elliot might be young, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders. You can trust him to handle things smoothly. Nothing’s going to go wrong p>
Elysia trusted Elliot, of course, but the thought of all the things that could potentially go wrong was still a nagging worry in her mind.
Blossom added, “Besides, you’re not even sure if he’s really Evan and Elliot’s dad. Maybe it’s just a resemblance, you know? Think about Daniel. Daniel looks so much like his dad! Everyone says he’s the spitting image. But in reality, there’s no biological connection there p>
“Yeah, you’re right,” Elysia conceded.
“So, don’t worry. First off, Elijah’s dad might not be that wild man. And even if he is, Elliot is smart enough to keep things under wraps. Everything will be fine p>
Elysia let out a sigh of relief, “To make sure everything goes smoothly tomorrow, I’m not going to come home tonight. I’ve already told the little ones, so they’re all set. I’m counting on you to look after them. Thank you p>
Blossom waved off her thanks, “No need for formalities between us. I’m on standby too. My phone’s glued to my hand, ready for your call. Just ring me if you need anything p>
“Will do.” Elysia couldn’t help but hug Blossom tightly. Having such a supportive friend was truly a blessing.
The day proceeded as usual, but the evening brought Tarquin home.
It was their first confrontation since their argument, and the tension was palpable. With Elijah already asleep, it left them alone in the living room – one sulking on the couch, the other pouting at the dining table. Neither wanted to break the silence or acknowledge the other.
But with the family ceremony looming the next day, they had to communicate.
After a long silence, Tarquin finally spoke up, “The ceremony is tomorrow p>
“I don’t need a reminder!” Elysia snapped back, her tone harsh.
Tarquin shot her a displeased look, trying to keep his cool, “Have you and Elijah got everything prepared p>
Glancing towards Elijah’s bedroom, Elysia replied tersely, “Yes p>
“And Elijah’s got his speech down?” Tarquin continued.
“If everything goes smoothly tomorrow, you’ll get your money,” he added.
At the mention of money, Elysia’s mood seemed to improve slightly, reminding him, “50 thousand dollars p>
Using her own words against her, Tarquin retorted, “I don’t need a reminder p>
Elysia glared at him, annoyed, “Tomorrow, while you guys are up there paying respects, I’ll be waiting in the car p>
“You don’t have to come p>
“I want to!” Elysia insisted, her voice tinged with urgency.
Seeing her worked up, Tarquin tried to reassure her, “If you’ve got everything sorted with Elijah, there shouldn’t be any issues p>
“But… but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Elysia argued, her fears getting the better of her.
“Afraid of the Bradford family, are you?” Tarquin raised an eyebrow.
Of course, she was afraid. But there were things she feared more.
Elysia tried to deflect, “Your family isn’t the high and mighty Bradfords. What’s there to be scared of p>
Little did she know that the man before her was indeed her husband, Tarquin, the CEO of the Bradford Corporation, and one of the wealthiest men in Jindale City. She had always assumed their shared surname was just a coincidence.
Tarquin didn’t pursue the topic further, simply reminding her, “We leave at 6 AM. You’ll sleep in the study tonight p>
With that, he retreated to his own room, leaving Elysia to pout in his direction. She didn’t head straight to the study, though. Instead, she made her way to Elijah’s room.
The little guy was fast asleep, bathed in the soft, warm glow of the nightlight. His peaceful expression and the gentle rise and fall of his chest were a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor – so much like his father’s.
Sitting by his bedside, Elysia couldn’t resist caressing his cheek. She had longed for such a moment, and now, with Elijah asleep, she finally had her chance.
His skin was soft and smooth, melting Elysia’s heart. She loved him dearly.
Even though they shared no blood relation, it did nothing to diminish her love for him.
Elijah was so adorable, so sensible, and yet so pitiful.
How could his mother have abandoned him?