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."

and gently patted Elsie's shoulder.

and then looked

Alex had some sensitivity, as he could tell she had

was rather kind-hearted Alex suddenly quipped, "She shed tears because she caught sight of her

Tue, Nov 15

Chapter 270

left everyone present

a smile. Alex appeared to hold a

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 child a predestined adversary, chosen by fate to

voice full of frustration. "Why are you behaving like a

even more aggrieved, her defiance clear. "Child? Can children go around calling others ugly! Why don't you say something about Alex being so sharp and mean at such a young

ease the tension. "Alex, that's not acceptable. You can't just call

Alex, who cheekily stuck out his tongue, utterly

it's not right to speak that way. It can

daddy's attention with mommy

in the room in silence, and they all understood why Alex harbored such

Elsie

realizing that her past kindergarten anties

glanced at her wristwatch and shifted the conversation. It's getting late. We should head back. Tomorrow is a school

to leave with Alex, Clayton silently yearned for her to stay the night, yet he hesitated to speak too much, anxious not to spoil the enchantment of the

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

had grown so close to Valeria,

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

on and explained, "We'll have plenty of time in the