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."

her flesh and blood, and there was no favoritism. Mrs. Maddox approached and gently patted Elsie's shoulder. Elsie's eyes welled up with tears,

all red," Alex observed Elsie momentarily and then looked up to ask Valeria. Valeria

mind, appreciating that Alex had some sensitivity, as he could tell she had

Alex suddenly quipped, "She shed tears because she caught sight

Tue, Nov 15

Chapter 270

everyone present

crack a smile. Alex appeared to hold a

age against Elsie.

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 challenge

Elsie, his voice full of frustration. "Why are you

ugly! Why don't you say something

the tension. "Alex, that's

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

it's not right to speak

trying to steal my daddy. Anyone who vies for daddy's attention with mommy is a troublemaker!" Alex declared with an air of arrogance, showing no

the room in silence, and

Elsie

left, realizing that her past kindergarten anties had left a

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

silently yearned for her to stay the night, yet he hesitated to speak too much, anxious not

so late. Why don't you stay over

the first time she had grown so close to Valeria, and

sorry, but I have some commitments tomorrow, and besides, Alex has his

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