The Marvelous Elijah's Return

Pardon 

The sound of chitchats and laughter of a bunch of old ladies’ voices echoed in Elijah’s ears as he watched from a distance his mother hugging Peach’s arm with a big smile on her face as she introduced Peach to Madam Elle and the other ladies in her book club. 

“Your daughter-in-law is very pretty, Lisa.” A classic dressed old lady spoke up with her soft eyes on Peach. 

“Your son is quite a lucky man.” Madam Elle added. “She’s such a darling.” 

Seeing all the attention go on Peach and Mrs. Maxwell, Elle pouted at the thought that their afternoon Tea and books event was taking place at the Maxwell mansion because all the women voted so because they wanted to see Peach. 

“Can we read the next book already?.. Because after this, I have to go visit my grandkids.” Elle whined. 

And then she looked over at Mrs. Maxwell and asked, “When is your son going to put a bun in the oven? They seemed to have been together for quite a while now, according to you.” 

Nervously looking over to Elijah, Peach met his eyes, seeing a slight glance of annoyance in it, and then she said softly to Madam Elle, “We will have kids when the time is right. Honestly, Elijah and I are not in a rush.” 

Although it had been confirmed by doctor Harry that she was one month pregnant, Peach and Elijah decided to keep it a secret for as long as they can until she starts to show or give birth. 

When she looked back at Elijah, he gave her a small smile like he was proud of her, and she 

felt her heart flutter. 

Frowning slightly at Peach’s reply, Madam Elle scoffed and said, “You two are not getting. younger, if you keep waiting, your chances would become slim and we all know how desperate Lise is for a grandchild and-” 

11 

“That’s enough, Elle!” Mrs. Maxwell let out her tone low but harsh. “They are married. It’s their place to decide what kind of future they want, and you are being rude.” 

A nervous laugh escaped Elle’s lips as the other woman gave her a disappointing look, which only made Elle feel more embarrassed, and she mumbled, “Why are you being so serious? I was just kidding 

11 

“Don’t play me like a fool, Elle. I know disrespect when I hear it, and I won’t stand for it.” Mrs. Maxwell warned, refusing to return the smile Madam Elle was giving to her. 

Even though the situation was awkward, the fact that her mother-in-law stood up for her was something Peach found admirable and it made her more confident to be in the midst of all these wealthy women with the flashy jewels and clothes. 

When she eyed Elijah to show off the pride she felt with a cute expression, she noticed him on the phone, his face dead-serious, and her smile slowly faded. 

the helicopter ready, Martin?”

sir. Are

me a couple of minutes,

“Yes, boss.” 

call, Elijah looked over at Peach, and their eyes immediately locked, and she hastily stared back at his mother,

Elijah quietly walked over to her, and without warning, he took her hand into his, pulling her away from the others and walking

got to go, but I will be back tonight,” Elijah

replied in a hushed

with the other ladies, and then he stared back at

with one last tender glance, he walked off, leaving her staring after him, deep into her

going?” When Peach heard her mother-in-law’s voice, she jumped slightly.

stared into her eyes, smiling weakly, and then she shook her

“No,” 

already waiting for him there, and the sound. of the chopper blades made him

careful with how he moved about in Bordoria until he could figure

to, boss?” The pilot

yelled back. “Our destination is the State

onto the pillow tightly, Peach squeezed her eyelids shut as she softly sniffed, fighting her urge to cry,

her head to the left, gazing at

back?” Peach mumbled, wiping her cheeks with the back

Maxwell gently

blurred with tears. Then she aggressively sniffed continuously as she stared away from Mrs. Maxwell,

“I 

the tray on the table and said, You should not turn down dinner just

for a plate of Kale salad, Pan

lettuce around the

sad… but mostly remorseful… not hurt or suspicious when he leaves.” “sweetheart…” Mrs.

that it’s my family that is hunting him, and they are in this vicious cycle of them hurting him and wanting us dead is just horrible.” Tears rolled down from Peach’s eyes once again as she took a bite

my past, and I don’t want it to be him, but I can’t stop thinking about how it could be… or low it might happen to us…” Peach mumbled

she continued, “So yeah, I guess I am

she took Peach’s hand in hers, squeezing it, and said, “You are not like them. You are different… You are not just a Hayes, but a Maxwell, and a sweet, beautiful, wonderful soul… So stop worrying and eat, so the

been tiring for you.” “Thanks, mother,” Peach said with a small smile. There was a brief pause as Mrs. Maxwell watched Peach settle under the covers, and then she picked up the tray, leaving the room. When she got into the hallway, she froze in her steps when she saw Elijah, coming from the opposite direction with a folder

eyes and said, “Peach is resting. Let’s talk.” Slightly worried, Elijah nodded and followed