Chapter 379
Tarquin was at a loss, his feelings a mix of concern and frustration.
“Look, don’t freak out. We’re in Elijah’s hospital room. You passed out from getting all worked up, so I carried you back here. I swear I didn’t do anything inappropriate. I just wanted to check your injuries,” Tarquin tried to explain, his voice a blend of reassurance and slight impatience.
Elysia, however, wasn’t having any of it. She clutched the collar of her hospital gown defensively, eyeing him with a mix of suspicion and downright fear.
Her demeanor was as tense as it had been during the altercation earlier. It was clear she was on edge.
Tarquin couldn’t help but feel both heartache and helplessness at her reaction. “I’d never hurt you, you know. You don’t have to be on guard around me. How are you feeling? Anything out of sorts? Should I get a doctor to check on you p>
After a brief moment, Elysia’s frown deepened as she asked, “Where’s Elijah p>
“Outside,” Tarquin responded simply.
Without another word, Elysia threw off the covers and rushed out to see Elijah.
Finding Elijah still unconscious, his face pale and his small hand marked by a poorly inserted IV needle, Elysia’s heart broke. She trembled as she touched his hand, then his face, her tears flowing freely p>
This was her Elijah, her precious son, her most vulnerable child.
“Elijah, I’m so sorry. Mommy’s here now, and I’m not going anywhere. Please wake up and see me,” she whispered internally, her silent cries filling the room with sorrow.
Her tears pained Tarquin. He wanted to comfort her, to hold her, but he didn’t dare. He wanted to offer her a tissue to wipe her tears, but he was too afraid to upset her further. All he could do was awkwardly try to comfort her with words.
“Don’t worry. Benjamin said Elijah’s condition is stable now. He just needs some rest,” he attempted to reassure.
“Seeing you this upset will only make Elijah sad. Please, don’t cry,” he added, his voice soft.
“Your tears are breaking both Elijah’s heart and mine p>
“Get out!” Elysia suddenly snapped.
Tarquin froze, confused.
Her eyes, red from crying, bore into him. “Can you just leave us be for a while? I don’t want to hear you. I don’t want to see you. I just want some quiet time with Elijah, okay p>
“Okay,” Tarquin conceded with a heavy heart. What else could he say or do?
Outside, Keaton, Lowell, and Benjamin were huddled together like the neighborhood gossip group, eagerly exchanging juicy bits about Tarquin’s latest saga.
The moment Tarquin stepped out, the trio straightened up like soldiers snapping to attention, their previous banter replaced by an awkward silence. But the change in Tarquin’s aura was palpable; the moment he was away from Elysia, his demeanor turned icy, a clear sign he wasn’t in the mood for any nonsense.
He glared at them, his gaze demanding an explanation for their whispers.
Benjamin and Lowell remained silent, but Keaton blurted out, “We were just talking about Elysia and Elijah. The way Elysia cares for Elijah, I’d never believe she wasn’t his biological mom if you told me otherwise p>
Tarquin’s expression softened slightly at that. “Well, she is,” he stated firmly.
Despite Elysia’s denials and the absence of a new paternity test, Tarquin was convinced in his heart of hearts-she was the one.