chapter401

Elysia let out a long, weary sigh. "Yeah, I suppose so."

Blossom, however, was practically bubbling with excitement. "Seriously, Elysia! Elijah’s father is a total stud. I mean, he doesn't even seem like he belongs on this planet—he’s that ridiculously handsome!"

"So, what you're saying is he’s not even human," Elysia dryly retorted.

"Exactly! He’s a god among men!"

Elysia pursed her lips, a playful glint in her eyes despite her worry. "I thought you were into the younger, boy-next-door types?"

"Sure, I like them young, but my tastes aren't that limited!" Blossom explained, waving a hand dismissively. "The boy-next-door has his charm, but a man like Tarquin Bradford? He’s universally adored. He has that rare versatility—he can pull off the mysterious, dangerous vibe or the focused, protective look. Trying to get a young hottie to exude that kind of depth? It’s nearly impossible!"

Him? Protective and sweet? Elysia felt a shiver of disbelief. "He could never be the 'sweet' guy. He’s more like a wolf in a designer suit—fierce and unpredictable."

Blossom leaned in mischievously. "But there’s something about that edge that’s just irresistible! Honestly, haven't you ever thought about just... letting things happen? A little intrigue with no strings attached doesn't sound like a bad deal."

Elysia bit her lip, her expression hardening. "I’ve never thought about it, and I don't want to. My heart isn't a playground."

Suddenly, a wave of sadness washed over her. "But Elijah... he really wants it. He wants us to be a real family."

"Wait, Elijah wants you and his dad to be together?" Blossom asked, her eyes widening.

"Yeah. He practically begged me not to leave yet, to give his dad a chance to earn my trust."

"That’s news to me! Did he really say that today?"

"He did. And I get it, Blossom. Tarquin is genuinely good to him, and Elijah doesn't want to lose that security. I feel so incredibly selfish for wanting to take Elijah away from that—both emotionally and financially. But I can't help it! I can't let go of him, but I also can't force myself to fall for a man who has caused me so much grief."

The thought of leaving Elijah behind while taking Elliot, Evan, and Emmett with her was unbearable. But her heart remained a locked door when it came to Tarquin.

Blossom softened, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "I might not have kids, so I can't fully relate to that maternal pull, but I understand you. Love isn't a transaction; it can't be forced. After everything he put you through, expecting you to see him as anything but a source of pain is asking too much. Which woman could just flip a switch and fall for the man who hurt her so deeply?

Besides," Blossom continued, "being 'selfish' is just part of being human. Why should you sacrifice your sanity for a facade? Life is too short not to put your peace of mind first. If you aren't happy, the kids will feel it. And as for the money? Tarquin might be wealthier, but he can't provide the emotional safety that only you can. From a wellbeing standpoint, those boys are better off with a mother who is whole. So, stop beating yourself up. You aren't doing anything wrong."

Moved by the support, Elysia put down her knife and the potato she was peeling to give her friend a tight hug. "Blossom, you’re the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Of course I am! You should take a leaf out of my book: 'I do no wrong.' That’s the secret to a carefree life. Follow your heart, and the rest will fall into place."

"Right!"

Just as the clouds seemed to lift, Elysia’s phone buzzed with a sharp notification alert. She let go of Blossom, wiped her hands on her apron, and pulled the device from her pocket.

She took one glance at the screen, and her face went deathly pale.

"Ah!"

She let out a strangled cry, dropping the phone onto the floor as if it had suddenly turned into white-hot coal.