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. 

helicopter ready, Martin?”

just landed it in the backyard, sir. Are

minutes, and I will be

“Yes, boss.” 

the call, Elijah looked over at Peach, and their eyes immediately locked, and she hastily stared

without warning, he took her hand into his, pulling her away from the others

go, but I will

in a hushed tone.

the other ladies, and then he stared back at his wife,

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

where he’s going?” When Peach heard

stared into her eyes, smiling weakly, and

“No,” 

backyard, his men were already waiting for him there, and the sound. of the

be careful with how he moved

The pilot shouted back at him.

destination is the State of

her eyelids shut as she softly sniffed, fighting her urge to cry, hating the sight of how dark it

she turned her head to the left,

mumbled, wiping her cheeks with the back

Maxwell

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

“I 

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

reached for a plate of Kale salad, Pan -seared salmon, Steamed cod,

pushed the lettuce around

remorseful… not hurt or suspicious when

them hurting him and wanting

leaves, I am haunted by the deaths in my past, and I don’t want it to be him, but I can’t stop

she continued, “So yeah, I guess I am

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,

bed with the tray, and she let out, “I will do it. 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 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

and said, “Peach is resting. Let’s talk.” Slightly worried, Elijah nodded and followed his mother back downstairs, into