Marcia held onto Elijah's arm, watching the guests move about. Elijah hadn't invited many people, and Marcia's side had even fewer attendees. However, the smaller group, familiar with one another, made the atmosphere livelier.Myron and his friends joked deliberately, winking at Marcia. "Patricia, is that really you? We thought Eli found himself another wife!"Hayden chuckled and added, "I was about to ask if you got plastic surgery."Marcia was in a good mood today and didn't want to argue with Hayden. She rolled her eyes at him. "If I did get plastic surgery, I'd look even better!""Would you now?" Hayden exchanged a glance with Myron before bursting into laughter. "Your face doesn't need surgery, but..." He trailed off, laughing again."Men! They always prefer curvier women!"On her wedding day, in a sacred church, these two men dared to crack such vulgar jokes! It was outrageous!Marcia forced a smile, but her gaze was sharp as a blade. "Shut up!""How can the bride lose her tempe
As the trio walked toward the banquet hall, Elijah suddenly patted Marcia lightly on the shoulder. She paused mid-step, instinctively turning to look at him.A glimmer flashed in Elijah's eyes as he gave her a devilish smile. Leaning down, he whispered softly into her ear, "He's the most important person to you—so what about me, hmm?"Marcia was taken aback but quickly mirrored his tone. "Do you even have to ask? Of course, you are, my dear husband!"Hearing her call him "husband" instantly lifted Elijah's mood, and he couldn't help but laugh. "Well, aren't you quick on your feet when it matters, my dear wife!"Marcia stuck her tongue out at him playfully and giggled. "I've been around you long enough—I've gotten a bit smarter, haven't I?"Their affectionate banter made Calvin's entire body tense. He stopped in his tracks, his back still facing them, but didn't turn around.Elijah raised an eyebrow and said with deliberate intent, "I don't go around hugging other women so casually."M
"Eli, Cia, get over here! Granduncle's throwing a tantrum. What's wrong with you two?" Shirley, once again displaying her knack for appearing out of nowhere, suddenly materialized behind Elijah just as the others were exchanging meaningful glances at Myron and Claire's laughter. Hooking an arm over Elijah's shoulder, she grumbled disapprovingly.Elijah frowned slightly and replied coolly, "Another tantrum? I was in the middle of a conversation with Hayden.""You see Hayden every day! Whatever it is, you can talk later. Right, Hayden?" Shirley shot a pointed look at Hayden, who instantly froze before sighing, "Exactly! Eli, you should go."Pleased with his compliance, Shirley smirked. "See? Hayden's always so agreeable! Now, you two, get to the door and greet the guests! You're the groomsmen, not here for fun! Quit slacking off!"Myron and Kevin exchanged a glance before raising their hands in surrender. "Shirley, it was Eli and Patricia who dragged us into their conversation. We're he
"Patricia, do you mind chatting with me for a while?" Colby asked as he closed the door behind him. Turning around, he noticed the slightly uneasy expression on Marcia's face. He let out a soft sigh, standing enigmatically by the door.Marcia's unease dissipated instantly at his sigh. She responded softly, "It would be my honor.""Heh, you're just like Judith—sweet-talking and charming!" Colby chuckled suddenly, coughed lightly, and slowly walked back to the sofa to sit down.Judith? Marcia's heart skipped a beat. She blurted out, "Granduncle, who is Judith?"For the first time, a kind expression appeared on Colby's face. In that moment, he was just an ordinary old man, his tone full of nostalgia. "Judith is Eli's younger sister.""Sister?" Marcia was surprised. She had assumed Judith was a former lover, but a sister? Still..."Granduncle, why didn't Judith attend the wedding? Where is she now?"A bitter smile appeared on Colby's face as he sighed lightly. "Judith passed away a long ti
"She was too impulsive—sacrificing her life for love, throwing it all away for uncertain news! And even after Judith's passing, there were still rumors spreading, claiming she was...she was forced to her death by Eli and Louis, even that she was pregnant. Those words were a double blow to us! Over the years, the relationship between Eli and Louis has never recovered. Shirley left the country because of this and rarely comes back!" Colby let out a deep sigh, unable to say another word.After a long pause, he finally raised his head and said to Marcia, "Patricia, it was your presence that brought change to Eli. I haven't seen him smile in years! Judith's death has always been a thorn in his heart. These years, he's been cold and distant, always keeping the same familiar faces around him. Even the girl he brought back two years ago was Judith's senior from school."Judith's senior? Could it be Nicole? Marcia couldn't help but glance over at him.Colby, perhaps exhausted from talking, fel
As they stepped out of the room, Elijah didn't ask about the conversation that had just taken place. Instead, it was Marcia who couldn't hold back her curiosity. Hesitantly, she looped her arm around Elijah's and softly asked, "Eli, where does Granduncle live?""In the northern suburbs," Elijah replied, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Do you want to visit him?"Marcia nodded earnestly. "He's really nice, Eli. If you have time, I'd like for us to visit him more often."Elijah chuckled lightly, though his expression revealed his reluctance. "Did he feed you some kind of sweet talk while you were in there?"Marcia, sensing the resistance in his tone, felt a pang of heartache for him. Sometimes, the best way to move past pain isn't to let time dull it but to confront it head-on. Besides, she was worried about Colby's health. She didn't want Elijah to live with regrets if something happened."Eli, he's not in great health. You know I don't have much family, and meeting him today...it felt like m
Hayden and Kevin exchanged a glance, each grabbing one side of Benno's body. They clamped a firm hand over his mouth and hauled him upstairs to the second floor.The banquet hall fell silent; no one dared to make a sound.Shirley glanced around the room apologetically and said with a bright smile, "I'm sorry, everyone. He just drank a little too much. Please, don't mind him! Enjoy yourselves—eat, drink, and make merry!"Cliff was the first to react. He burst into laughter and raised his glass. "Haha! Eli, let me congratulate you on your marriage. Your bride is absolutely stunning—truly a first-class beauty! You're one lucky man!"Bill chimed in with a teasing grin, "Cliff, at your age, you're still commenting on young ladies' beauty? Watch out, or your wife will get jealous!"Cliff shot him a glare, arched an eyebrow, and raised his glass toward Elijah with a laugh. "Eli, let me tell you—always listen to your wife! Otherwise, you'll find yourself sleeping on the street. Am I right, fo
Claire watched their retreating backs, her hand resting on her belly, a helpless smile on her face. Myron ran a few steps ahead, then turned and shouted at her, "What are you standing there for? Let's go!""Me? Go with you?" she asked, startled."Of course! If Elijah and Patricia decide to unleash their fury, at least you can shield us!" Myron teased, slinging an arm around her shoulder with a cheeky grin."No way!" Claire shot back, playfully shoving him, though she couldn't hold back her laughter. "But hey, Calvin went to the restroom...""Restroom, my foot! It's been nearly an hour! He's either fallen in or ditched us completely. You're the only one naive enough to think he'd come back!"Claire froze, processing Myron's words. "He left?" she asked, stunned.Myron cast a glance toward Hayden, who was fetching the car, then leaned in and whispered, "Think about it—if Calvin hadn't left, would Nicole have drunk that much? And if she hadn't, would Hayden have kept his mouth shut all ni
Elijah frowned. "Impossible?" He couldn't understand. "But then... how could you? No, we're going to the hospital right now! The doctors I know are far more reliable than him. I've always found him suspicious. Let's get you checked first, then we can talk about this.""Are you not happy that I can conceive?"Elijah shook his head. "How could I not be happy? But I don't trust him. Let's go to the hospital, okay?"He was overwhelmed with joy, but beneath that joy lay deep concern. If Jeff was lying, how would Marcia handle it? He could live without a child, but he couldn't bear to see Marcia fall into despair again.He never wanted to see her cry. That pain would be far worse than not having a child."Eli, sit down first." Marcia dared not let him take her to the hospital—if they found out she had recently lost a pregnancy, things would be disastrous."The surgery two years ago... Jeff was actually the lead surgeon." Marcia watched Elijah's expression darken as her voice unconsciously d
Marcia leaned against Elijah's chest, yet a slight unease crept into her heart.She still remembered Jeff's instructions—no intimacy for a month. But when she stole a glance at Elijah, his brows were tightly furrowed, his expression serious. For some reason, her heart softened again and again."Eli, what are you thinking about?"Hearing the slight anxiety in Marcia's voice, Elijah held her tightly, resting his head against her neck. His voice was low and gentle. "Nothing. I just think... it's really good that you're here.""Myron is really getting engaged? To... that Nancy?" Marcia traced her fingers over his firm arm, feeling a growing sense of security.She wished she could rely on him like this forever."Mm." Elijah's response was muffled, carrying a hint of an unspoken heaviness.Marcia thought for a moment. "His family has a rule that a man can only marry one woman in his lifetime, right? Does your family have a rule like that?"Elijah chuckled lightly and ran his fingers through
Elijah let out a soft sigh and gently pulled Marcia behind him. "What are you doing?"Marcia bit her lip, feeling a bit foolish for her reaction. Why did she assume Hayden would actually come to blows with Elijah?Elijah, standing tall and unwavering, met Hayden's gaze head-on, his expression calm. "To bring Myron back to Liverpool.""Back to Liverpool? If he's taking that woman with him, then what's the point? He might as well not come back at all! Damn it!" Hayden raised his fist but ultimately slammed it against the table instead."Hayden, sit down." Myron's voice was deep and hoarse. He seemed exhausted, yet his expression remained resolute. "I chose to marry Nancy on my own. It has nothing to do with my mother or Eli. I appreciate your concern, but enough with the arguments."He glanced at Kevin and chuckled. "What are you scheming now? Think I'm lying?"Kevin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not at all. If you say so, then it must be true." He had initially suspected this was just
"Patricia, I thought you two would head straight to the second floor!" Hayden teased with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his orange juice.Marcia ignored him, her eyes immediately landing on Myron, who sat beside Kevin with a face as dark as ink. At the head of the dining table sat a frail, pale-skinned elderly woman who was scrutinizing her with an assessing gaze.Marcia couldn't help but feel nervous."Auntie, this is Patricia. What do you think? Beautiful, right?" Elijah draped an arm over Marcia's shoulder, grinning proudly.Gloria took a sip of water before smiling lightly. "Hmm, she is beautiful. No wonder you've been so restless, eager to come home!""That's not true! I'm also happy to spend more time with you!" Elijah chuckled, then gently nudged Marcia forward. "Cia, come say hello to Auntie."His eyes were filled with warmth, a look that was second nature to him in front of Myron and the others. But for Gloria, it was the first time witnessing this side of him, and she
Marcia and Elijah walked hand in hand toward the villa. Since it was located in the suburbs, the fresh air was a rare luxury.A cool breeze brushed against Marcia's face, making her instinctively shrink her neck."Are you cold?" Elijah asked, his voice tinged with concern as he pulled her into his embrace. "I was worried you'd feel uncomfortable if we stayed in the car for too long. Looks like I miscalculated again!"Marcia shook her head and snuggled against his chest with a soft laugh. "Not at all. The air is refreshing, and the scenery is beautiful. But how did you know I was feeling restless in the car? Do you have some kind of mind-reading power? That would be incredible!"Elijah chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "Your nose is all red. You look just like a little bunny. Makes me want to eat you up!"As he spoke, he playfully rubbed her cheeks. When Marcia looked up at him with a smile, he couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her cool lips."Aren't they waiting for us inside? Le
Seeing the two of them like this, Marcia couldn't shake the strange feeling growing inside her. She pulled out her phone to check for any messages from Elijah. The last thing on their chat was a simple "Good night" from both of them. A faint smile curved her lips.She casually snapped a photo of the highway scenery outside the car window and sent it to Elijah.Since it was still early, she hadn't expected an immediate response. But to her surprise, he seemed to have been awake all night—his reply came almost instantly."Already on the road? Are you tired? You should get some rest in the car!"Marcia bit her lip lightly and typed back curiously, "Did you not sleep? I'm not tired. I've been resting at home these past few days.""Hmm, I heard about that. Why are you so lazy and always sleeping?" Elijah chuckled, then added, "Even though I feel bad for you, my love, I'm so happy that I'll see you soon."Seeing him call her lazy, Marcia instinctively glanced at Kevin, who was driving. It h
Ever since that terrible experience, Marcia had developed a subtle aversion to "Calderstones."Elijah had been away for five days now. They spoke on the phone daily—sometimes just exchanging a few words, other times lingering as if they couldn't bear to hang up.The distance seemed to intensify their feelings, making them feel like a couple deeply in love.A call in the early morning. The phone was warm in her hand. Though sadness still lingered in her heart, Marcia felt as if Elijah was slowly healing her, piece by piece.Since her surgery, she had become more sensitive—more reliant on Elijah. She wanted him to return, yet at the same time, she hoped he wouldn't come back too soon. She longed for his embrace but also feared the warmth he brought.Torn between these emotions, her longing for him only grew stronger.Sometimes, as she lay in her empty bed, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he were beside her&md
"He's just a wolf in sheep's clothing," Hayden remarked leisurely, pouring himself a cup of hot water. Watching the steam rise, he smiled faintly and casually asked, "Patricia, did you already know Myron was fine? Otherwise, how could you be in the mood to come out for a meal?"Marcia was momentarily stunned. After a brief silence, she chuckled. "I contacted Eli. Besides, there wasn't much to eat at home. Everyone's had a tough day—it's only right that we treat ourselves to a meal. Why? Do you think there's something wrong with that?"Hayden smirked. "Not at all. Just a funny coincidence." He blew on his cup, took a small sip, and added, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you hadn't been home at all."Shirley shot him a glare. "Hayden, your mindset is all wrong!""Oh?" Hayden raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.Shirley shook her head dramatically and said with an air of seriousness, "Have you been spending too much time with Demon? You've picked up the nasty habit of
"Did she ask you anything? Or did she want you to do something?" Marcia sat up straight, her tone cold and sharp.Jeff snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "She was curious if you were pregnant. Oh, that reminds me, was she the one at Calderstones that time...?"Before he could finish, he paused, realization dawning on his face. "No wonder!"Marcia stared at him intently. "What did you tell her? Did you take her money? What about Alan? Was he there too?"Jeff shot her a glare. "I'm a doctor. What do you take me for? She's pregnant, and Alan? Oh, you mean that man? No, I didn't see him."Pregnant? A sharp pain struck Marcia's heart. Kate was pregnant again, while she… she had lost her child.Fate was truly laughable. The heavens remained as unfair as ever.Perhaps sensing her hatred too clearly, Jeff coughed lightly and continued, "Alright, stop glaring at me. I'm on your side."Marcia eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.Jeff sighed. "I refused to be her private doctor,