Chapter 613
A few kids hesitated, their young minds sharp but not quite versed in the complexities of love and affection that seemed to baffle even the wisest of adults.
Indeed, there seemed to be nothing more perplexing in the world than the matters of the heart!
They were young, after all, with blind spots in their understanding of the adult world. And then there was the matter of Elijah’s request to Tarquin. What if Tarquin’s newfound affection for Mom was solely because of Elijah’s plea? Just because Tarquin was nice to Mom now didn’t mean his feelings were genuine. Mom was kind to him, sure, but it wasn’t like she was head over heels.
It was better to clear things up, considering Mom’s happiness and how it would affect their plans going forward. They really wanted to get to the bottom of it.
Elliot asked Keith, “Would testing this out affect Mom’s mood or daily life?” Mom’s well-being was always their top priority. If it would upset her, then it was a no-go.
Keith smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, guys. I won’t let on that anything’s up. I know how to handle it. She won’t be affected p>
The three little ones agreed to Keith’s plan and eagerly asked him how he intended to test it. Their conversation flowed easily and joyfully. It was clear that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all liked Keith a lot. After all, Keith had been their teacher for a while, winning over the hearts of many kids back in preschool.
Only Elijah remained silent, frowning at Keith with a cold gaze. He didn’t like this man! Not because Keith had proposed testing Dad. Elijah wasn’t against the idea, as he too wanted to know if Dad’s so-called affection for Mom was genuine or just because of his request. But the specific reason for his dislike of Keith eluded him; it was as if he was naturally repelled.
“Why did you buy the house across the street and then come knocking on our door with your luggage instead of going straight home?” Elijah suddenly spoke up. His brow was furrowed, and his deep eyes shimmered with an inscrutable light.
Keith turned to Elijah, clearly sensing the boy’s coolness towards him, but he didn’t get angry. Instead, he explained calmly, “I bought the house right before the holidays and had it being fixed up while I was away. I left the keys with Blossom to keep an eye on things for me. I needed to collect the keys from her before I could move in p>
Elijah was silent.
Blossom, returning from the basement with some items, was surprised to see the group in the hallway. She rushed over, her eyes darting between Elliot and Evan, and asked Keith nervously, “When did you get back p>
Keith replied with a relaxed tone, “Just a little while ago. Don’t worry, I’ve got the gist of why Elliot and Evan dressed up as Emmett. I’ll keep their secret p>
Relieved, Blossom let out a sigh, “I really appreciate you keeping this under wraps for Elysia’s sake. I’ll go get your keys p>
After fetching Elliot, Blossom quietly asked him, “Tell me everything Keith knows, so I don’t accidentally spill the beans about something he’s unaware of p>
Elliot quickly briefed Blossom on what he’d shared with Keith. “Got it! I’ll go give him the keys p>
After handing over the keys, Elliot walked to the study and called out, “Mom p>