Chapter 603
The next morning, Elysia was up at the crack of dawn, freshened up in a hurry, and headed out to see Elijah. But as soon as she opened the door, she was met with an unexpected sight!
There was Tarquin, still in yesterday’s clothes, leaning against the wall with a cigarette. The hallway reeked of cigarette smoke, and it was anyone’s guess how long he had been standing there. He looked worse for wear, with dark circles under his eyes and a general look of exhaustion.
Blinking in surprise, Elysia asked, “What are you doing here? How long have you been standing out here? Did you not sleep at all last night?” At the sight of her, Tarquin had already stubbed out his cigarette. After feeling a bit better last night, he had first visited Elijah in the ICU before coming back here. This spot, closest to her, gave him a sense of comfort and peace. And before he knew it, he had spent the entire night there.
“I came back for my jacket,” Tarquin said, brushing off her questions with a casual excuse. If she couldn’t accept his feelings now, he decided to keep them hidden; her peace of mind was what mattered most.
Elysia, puzzled, asked, “You knew I was inside, why didn’t you knock? Or you could’ve just called me p>
“No rush p>
Elysia bit her lip, then said, “Come inside, then p>
Stepping into the apartment, Tarquin followed her lead as Elysia shut the door behind them. She took off her jacket and hung it by the door, deciding not to go out anymore.
“Did you stay up all night again?” she inquired.
“How can you not be tired after being up for so long p>
Tarquin lied, “I caught some sleep during the day yesterday p>
Elysia frowned; she knew he hadn’t. If he had, he wouldn’t look like this now. He must have been awake since the incident with Elijah! She wanted to ask if his insomnia was because of her, especially since he had left in a bad mood the night before. But she hesitated, fearing it might upset him again.
After a moment of silence, she didn’t press further on his lack of sleep and instead asked, “Have you had breakfast yet p>
“Not yet p>
“Go brush your teeth, there’s a new toothbrush in the bathroom. I’ll make you something to eat p>
Tarquin felt a warmth in his heart, “Have you eaten p>
“Not yet, we can eat together p>
“I could order something; you should rest p>
“I’ve slept all night, I’m not tired. Takeout isn’t as clean or quick as homemade. I saw we have noodles in the fridge, how about noodles in clear broth p>
“Sounds great p>
“Alright, you go freshen up; I’ll get started in the kitchen.” Elysia stood up and headed for the kitchen.
Watching her go, Tarquin felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. Indeed, one shouldn’t yearn for too much; contentment brings happiness. Though she might not return his feelings, her genuine concern for him was enough to make him happy.
By the time Tarquin was done freshening up, Elysia had already served the steaming noodles on the table. Looking at the hot meal and then at the woman joining him for breakfast, Tarquin’s heart filled with warmth.
After they had eaten and cleaned up, Elysia was ready to visit Elijah, insisting Tarquin stay behind to rest. He knew better than to argue; she’d get mad!
So, Elysia left, and he laid down in the bed she had slept in last night, her scent still lingering on the sheets. Even though she wasn’t there with him, he felt enveloped by happiness.
When he woke up, he received the best news: Elijah had woken up and had been moved to a regular room. Rushing over to Elijah’s side, Tarquin found Elysia already there, chatting away with him.