chapter301

"Turn Elijah down. Do not agree to be his mother. Name your price—a house, a car, cash—whatever it takes to make you walk away from that promise."

Elysia blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer audacity of the demand. "What on earth are you talking about?"

Tarquin scowled, his gaze cold and sharp. "I don't like you, Elysia. We’ve established that, haven't we?"

Elysia didn't miss a beat, her chin lifting in defiance. "Funny you should mention it—I’m not exactly your biggest fan either!"

"Then make it clear to Elijah. You and I are never going to happen, which means you cannot play the part of his mother. It’s that simple."

Elysia was genuinely confused. "What does my relationship with Elijah have to do with you and me being together? I’m here for the boy, not his difficult father."

To Tarquin, it mattered immensely. In his mind, the roles were inextricably linked; if she became the mother, the social and legal structure would eventually force them into a union he wasn't ready to face. But admitting that would give her too much leverage, a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"Just do as you're told," Tarquin commanded, his voice dropping an octave. "There is no need to question my reasons."

"And who are you to order me around?" Elysia fired back, stepping into his personal space. "What right do you have to dictate my heart?"

She stood her ground, looking every bit like a rebellious teenager facing off against a strict guardian.

"I hired you to look after him," Tarquin said, struggling to maintain his composure. "I pay your salary, which means you follow my lead."

"That might be true for my working hours," Elysia muttered, "but I have rights too. Given how much Elijah needs a mother, I deserve a better explanation for why you’re so determined to keep him lonely."

Tarquin’s patience finally snapped. "Do you want a reason, or do you want the money?"

Elysia bristled.

"If you reject his request, I’ll wipe out your existing debt and add a $500,000 bonus. You want property? A car? It’s yours."

"You’re supposed to be in a financial crisis," she countered, narrowing her eyes. "Where is all this money suddenly coming from?"

"That is none of your concern!"

At the mention of money, Elysia’s demeanor shifted, but not in the way Tarquin expected. She leaned back, a calm but stubborn look on her face. "It’s too late. I already gave Elijah my word. I am going to be his mother, and he will be my son."

Tarquin’s fury flared. "You decided to take on the role of my son’s mother without my consent?"

"I’m not stealing him! Why are you overreacting?"

"Elysia! You are... I have never met a woman as unreasonable as you!"

"And I’ve never met a man as neurotic as you!" she yelled back, her face flushing with anger. "I promised that little boy happiness. Is that a crime? Why are you turning this into a battle?"

"Is it for his sake, or is it a calculated move on your part?" Tarquin stepped closer, his shadow looming over her. "If Elijah becomes your son, the world expects me to be your husband. You claim you don't like me, yet here you are, playing games behind my back and manipulating the situation!"

Elysia was truly livid now. "Are you insane? What kind of twisted, self-centered logic is that? My bond with Elijah is separate from you! And this nonsense about you being my husband? In your dreams, Tarquin Bradford!"

"You're just...!" Tarquin was speechless, his rage bubbling over.

"Unreasonable, right? Let the world judge who’s being unreasonable here! I have never seen a father so ungrateful. Someone is genuinely trying to bring light into your son’s life, and instead of saying thank you, you attack them. You’re impossible!"

"Elysia!"

"Don't you dare raise your voice at me!"

Tarquin stood there, stunned into a furious silence, glaring at her as if he could silence her with his gaze alone. Elysia, equally fuming, stood her ground with clenched teeth, looking like she was ready to settle the argument with her fists if necessary. The air between them crackled with a tension that was no longer just about the child.