The Marvelous Elijah's Return

Is it necessary?

As Miss Grace stood in front of her daughter’s room door, she raised her knuckles to knock, but then hesitated before grabbing the doorknob, and pushing the door open. Quietly, she stepped into the bedroom to see Peach in bed, sleeping soundly, hugging a pillow. A smile graced her lips, and she stared tenderly at her daughter, and after a moment of that, she was about to leave when a file on Peach’s desk got her attention. A feeling of hesitation filled her as she approached the desk, and as her hand hovered over the folder, she took a deep breath. 

Finally, Miss Grace pushed aside her fear of invading Peace’s privacy, picked up the file, opened it, and read the contents. 

Her heart skipped a beat when she got done, and she hastily rushed over to her daughter’s bedside and tapped her gently on the back. “Peach, wake up.” Miss Grace’s voice echoed in Peach’s ears softly Her eyes blinked open slowly as she looked at her mother standing above her, watching her with a concerned look in her eyes. The morning light was glowing through her window as she gently wiped the sleep out of her eyes and yawned, sitting up. “What is this?” Miss Grace asked in a soft tone as she sat by her daughter on the bed, locking eyes with her. “You told me that you needed sleep last night and asked me not-” 

“Mama, I said nothing last night because I wasn’t in the right state of mind, and I didn’t want to be a weeping mess while explaining things to you.” Peach interrupted, a tired look on her face as she laid back against the pillow, running a weary hand over her face. 

“Is this really your grandfather’s will?” Miss Grace asked, her tone laced with concern. 

“That’s what Madam Jewel said… and it is the reason she wanted me to attend the ceremony. Apparently, she stated Grandfather wanted me married before claiming my hesitancy, which is one of his companies. I’m not sure which one it will be.” 

“Why would Father make such a demanding and direct request of you…” 

“I know right, mama? That doesn’t sound like Grandfather. He treated me with so much love and respect, but most of all trust… I just can’t wrap my head around the thought that this is what he wants…” 

A brief silent moment of understanding lingered between the two before Miss Grace spoke up, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between them. “I understand how this must feel to you.” She said gently, “But it’s really your grandfather’s signature on these papers…” 

her breath and closed her

long pause as Miss Grace studied her daughter’s face and then asked, “What are your

door to Elijah’s room suddenly burst open and James matched inside. As the oldest of the four, Matt, Ryan, and Rookie, convinced him that it would be best if he

stare, looking irritated as he asked in a husky voice, “What do you want?”

his boss for a moment and then answered quietly,” How could you propose to Peach?!” Elijah’s

And how they don’t understand what kind of person you are, or that you deserve better than this kind of life, Elijah!” James replied, his expression full of anger and bitterness. “You

and they will treat you even worse and disrespect you even more than before. They will only try to hurt her. You know how those people are and how

that, James,” Elijah replied, his expression turning serious once more.

you came here to build

take down

found its way onto James’ face as he looked at Elijah’s serious expression, and then he whispered, “Can you do it at least in order… Build an

a short silence passed between them, James finally gathered himself together, cleared his throat, and added,

source…” Elijah trailed off, his dark eyes staring intensely at his butler. Second-guessing his words, James raised an eyebrow and then sighed before mumbling, “I’m not going to change your mind, am

morning, Elijah.” Bryan’s voice sounded through the speaker. “Morning… Can we meet somewhere private to discuss business matters?” Elijah asked

when you are off work.” “I will send my driver to pick you up then… I have a private beach house on the east side of town… Will that be to your convenience for the meeting?” Bryan

dialed him up, and it didn’t take more than one ring