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 you coming

minutes,

“Yes, boss.” 

immediately locked, and

Elijah quietly walked over to her, and without warning, he took her hand

I will be

Peach replied in a hushed

saw his mother and Miss Grace engaging in a discussion with the other ladies, and then he stared back at his wife,

one last tender glance, he walked off, leaving her

going?” When Peach heard her

into her eyes, smiling weakly, and then

“No,” 

the sound. of the chopper blades made him deaf to their voices until they

how he moved about in Bordoria until he could figure out who was involved in

The pilot shouted back

“Our destination is the State of

softly sniffed, fighting her urge to cry,

her attention, and she turned her head to the left, gazing at Mrs. Maxwell, entering the room

cheeks

Maxwell gently

as Peach’s eyes got blurred with tears. Then she aggressively sniffed continuously as she stared away from Mrs. Maxwell, mumbling, “Sorry, it’s

“I 

Mrs. Maxwell rested the tray on the table and said, You should not turn down dinner just because you are worried. After all, you are

for a plate

up the fork, pushed the lettuce around the salad

a bit sad… but mostly remorseful… not hurt

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

can’t stop thinking about how it could be… or low it might happen to us…” Peach mumbled as she placed the fork

lears and smiled at Mrs. Maxwell before she continued, “So yeah, I guess I am still feeling guilty because I am a Hayes like

though Mrs. Maxwell never knew how bad things were with Elijah and the Hayes, and she didn’t know about the threat on his life, she took Peach’s hand in hers, squeezing it, and said, “You are

You should rest. Today was a lot, and it must have been tiring for you.” “Thanks, mother,” Peach said with a small smile. There was a brief pause as Mrs. Maxwell

her son reached her, she met his eyes and said, “Peach is resting. Let’s talk.” Slightly worried, Elijah nodded and followed his mother back downstairs, into the empty dining room.