A month later, Charlie acquired Paragon Pixel Design and gave it to Emily as an engagement gift.
But that was a story for later.
*
When Elliott Sullivan got home from work, Gina was cooking in the kitchen. The master bedroom door was shut tight, and he didn't even have to guess to know Bonnie Ferber was lying in bed binge-watching shows.
He greeted Gina and walked into the guest room.
Closing the door behind him, he pulled out his phone and called Emily. "Hey, how have you been lately?"
"Do you need something?" she asked, her voice mild.
He lowered his voice. "I just got a bonus from work. Five thousand dollars. I'm going to transfer it to you."
"Don't say no right away. I know Dad's nursing home costs a lot every month, and you can't just keep asking Mr. James for money."
"Taking care of Dad is a responsibility we both share. I need to do my part."
She still refused. "I really don't need it. I can afford to take care of him on my own now. Just focus on taking care of Mom!"
A shadow flickered outside the door. Elliott glanced toward it and quickly said, "Let's talk on WhatsApp later."
He hung up, put his phone away, and walked out.
It wasn't until dinner was served that Bonnie finally emerged from the master bedroom. She glanced at the food on the table, sat down with a sour face, took one bite, and immediately scowled, complaining that the food was too salty.
Gina quickly promised to use less salt tomorrow.
Bonnie still looked miserable. "I've told you a hundred times, and you still can't remember."
Elliott rushed to smooth things over. "Mom's just used to her way of cooking. Give her time to adjust. It's hard work cooking all by herself."
Suddenly, Gina spoke up. "Elliott, when you get paid, Bonnie wants to book a postpartum care center. Make sure you have the money ready. I hear they're really expensive."
"So what if it's expensive?" Bonnie snapped, annoyed. "You get what you pay for."
"I'm only staying for a bit!"
Elliott walked over and wheeled him back to his room. "Has Emily been by?"
"No, she'll probably come tomorrow. I miss little Kya!" Shawn said.
Elliott nodded. "So, Emily's getting engaged?"
Shawn smiled, a look of deep comfort on his face. "Yes. Mr. James treats her so well. He's really going to marry her."
Elliott was thrilled too. "She's been through so much. It's about time she got her happily ever after."
Shawn's smile faded, replaced by guilt. "It was all my fault."
"Let's not talk about the past," Elliott said.
Shawn looked at him earnestly. "Don't tell your mother about the engagement. Let Emily have a peaceful engagement and wedding. The Sullivans haven't been able to give her anything, and we certainly shouldn't drag her down any further."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
I love it, I love it! Thank you for the updates....
Dear author Lucy, may we please have updates. Thank you....
There's a song currently playing via YouTube and TikToc by LowDii "Touch Me Softly" that makes me think of Norah and Xavier (Gonzalez). Please, I'm looking forward to updates. Thank you for your writing....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
As the plot thicken. Adrian is done for and he can't try to control Norah, so he'd probably tattle to Janice who's gone for two weeks. Thank you soooo much for the updates....
These updates were too funny. Thank you so much for the updates....
I forgot to add Amy to the group of pregnant women,since she was the first. Emily and Sylvia better be careful since pregnancy is in the air....
Wow! This is great, both Estelle and Magdalen are pregnant at the same time and I hope that Xavier is Norah neighbor. Thank you for the updates....
Author Lucy you're a blessing. Thank you so my for the updates. I hope that Norah's neighbor is Xavier she gets her memory back....