Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

Chapter 270

Elsie was momentarily caught off guard. They had been engaged in a casual conversation, and he broached the subject of marriage out of the blue.

Though she had once yearned to wed Kaden, now... it seemed that the desire to marry him had lost some of its intensity.

"I mean, let's tie the knot. Hackett has kept his word, the engagement banquet is off, and Valeria is hack. With everyone's attention diverted, why don't we secretly get married?"

Kaden couldn't contain his impatience any longer. If they waited any longer, it felt like even a cooked duck would have time to take flight.

"L.. isn't that a bit rash? Clayton would be furious if he found out, and... Furthermore, her eagerness to marry wasn't as genuine now. Or perhaps marrying Kaden held a different appeal than it once did. "And besides what, Elsie? Are you trying to say you no longer want to be with me?"

"... I'm not saying that. It's just that... my family is in turmoil now, and I don't have the emotional bandwidth to consider my affairs. She was reluctant to admit the change in her heart, yet the truth appeared to be undeniable At that moment, approaching footsteps echoed through the garden, hinting at someone's stroll.

Elsie appeared frantic. "Kaden, you've got to leave right now. Clayton and the others are heading this way. He'll be furious if he catches you here."

"Elsie. 1.."

"Whatever you have to say, save it for a phone call. Please, Kaden, go!" Elsie pleaded desperately, glancing back at the approaching group, drawing nearer by the moment.

Once, she had been willing to defy Clayton, eager to be with Kaden. But now, fear had taken hold. She dreaded Clayton's reaction, worried he might sever ties with her.

Kaden still hoped to make a good impression on Clayton as a prospective son-in-law. He silently retreated and slipped away with no other option.

"This is our family's garden. When you were just a child, you had a special fondness for the camellia tree. Loretta insisted on keeping that tree just for you, anticipating your return. Clayton reminisced.

Valeria gazed at the picturesque scenery but could not recollect anything from her early years before age five.

At that moment, Mrs. Maddox noticed Elsie standing there and spoke up. "Elsie, why are you standing here by yourself? Are you still upset? Valeria just returned, and I got a little carried away, but I didn't intend to neglect you."

Mrs. Maddox approached and gently patted Elsie's

Elsie momentarily and then looked up to ask Valeria. Valeria was momentarily taken

that Alex had some sensitivity, as

Alex suddenly quipped, "She shed tears because she

Tue, Nov 15

Chapter 270

everyone present

a smile. Alex

age against Elsie.

little troublemaker, what's with the nasty talk? Who's crying over their looks? You're the one who's shed tears over your appearance!" Elsie felt her anger reaching a boiling point. Was tids

scolded Elsie, his voice full of frustration. "Why are you behaving like a child? You've been

others ugly! Why don't you say something about Alex

her throat, attempting to ease the tension. "Alex, that's not acceptable. You

at the mischievous Alex, who cheekily stuck out his tongue, utterly

patiently imparting wisdom. "Alex, it's not right

attention with mommy is a troublemaker!" Alex

room in silence, and they all understood why

Elsie

past kindergarten anties had left a negative

wristwatch and shifted the conversation. It's getting late. We should

night, yet he hesitated to speak too much, anxious not

Maddox wore a pained expression. "It's getting so late. Why don't you stay over tonight?

grown so close to Valeria, and she couldn't bear

tomorrow, and besides, Alex has his bedtime quirks." With that,

explained, "We'll have plenty of time in