The Marvelous Elijah's Return novel Chapter 55

Don’t hate me

Eyeing her son, Madam Jewel gave him a cold stare and then said, “No, that’s all… I hope that you will honor your word and show up because your grandfather at least deserves such reverence from you.”

The dull pain in Peach’s cheek still pissed her off, but she ignored it as the memories of her grandfather flashed before her eyes, and her lips trembled as she tried to cage her emotions and said, “Sure. For my grandfather, I can tolerate coming.”

The sight of Madam Jewel and Dean, the longer they stood in her face made Peach feel incredibly uncomfortable, and she blinked back her tears, averted her gaze, and stared down at the invitation.

“If that is all, I would like to attend to my daughter’s wound,” Miss Grace said in annoyance, her eyes fixed upon Dean as she continued speaking quietly. “You guys can see yourself out.” Unexpectedly, Madam Jewel walked over to Peach, taking her hands in her grips, startling her with the sudden contact that caused her to look at her in surprise. Madam Jewel smiled as she gently squeezed her palms and whispered, “I am so sorry for what your uncle did. please don’t hold it to heart. Right now, as such a devastating time approaches us, your grandfather would want to look from the great beyond and see as altogether, even for just one night.”

Subconsciously, the tears she had been fighting to hold back slowly slid down her cheeks, but she quickly wiped them away and forced a small smile onto her face, nodding lightly to Madam Jewel

Smiling back, Madam Jewel stepped away from Peach, fixing her eyes on Miss Grace, and said, “Forgive my son. I know how much Albert valued his daughter and how his hands were never raised against her. So I understand why her uncle’s discipline was so harsh.”

‘Masking your criticism of my upbringing and my parents with words that hides your true intentions. You’re truly despicable.’ Peach thought to herself, looking at the smile on Madam Jewel’s face.

Nodding politely, Miss Grace refused to utter a word because the emotions in her chest were causing her to choke, knowing that there was no sincerity in those vain words of hers.

“Well, Dean and I will take our leave… We don’t want to take up any more of your valuable time,” Madam Jewel said, staring at Dean for a moment before walking past him. Silently, he looked at Peach, his gaze resting on the deep cut in the corner of her lips and the dried bloodstain on her skin, and then he swallowed nervously.

“Well…” Dean said, meeting her cold and angry expression, unsure how to say goodbye.

Finally, he gave up, turned around, and stalked towards the exit, throwing one final glance over his shoulder, seeing Peaches empty, blank eyes staring back at him before he pushed the door open and walked out. When the door shut, Peach let out a shaky breath, emotions came rushing through her like an

unstoppable storm, and a few seconds later, tears started spilling from her eyes as her bottom lip quivered and she covered her mouth, muffling her crying.

“Peach… honey…” She heard Miss Grace call out worriedly, making her tearful eyes look up at her mother.

“I’m fine, mama… I think I just need space right now… Don’t come to my room, please.” Peach softly pleated, wiping her nose with the back of her hands.

Her worried eyes studied her daughter for a second before Miss Grace nodded, giving her a comforting smile, even though her heart was hurting deeply, and she said, “Alright, sweetheart.”

After forcing a weak smile, Peach turned away from her mother and walked off, fighting to get a grip on her body.

Halfway into the corridor, she stopped at the sight of Elijah coming from the opposite direction, and immediately, Peach bowed her head, clapping her hand over her mouth as she walked toward him.

But as she was about to walk past him, he grabbed her arm, yanked it from her face, and turned her around to face him.

Her eyes widened when she saw the coldness in his eyes. He never looked this furious before, and it almost scared her to the core to see the darkness lurking behind his irises.

“What happened to your face?” Elijah asked, staring at her swollen lip and the dried blood.

“Nothing,” Peach responded, turning her head and trying to avoid his gaze, hoping he would stop questioning her because she didn’t have the energy nor the strength to lie.

Placing his hand under her chin, Elijah lifted her head and forced Peach to meet his furious eyes which were now staring at her in concern. “What happened to your face, Peach?… Was it Jewel or Dean?!” Elijah demanded, anger lashing inside him.

A look of hesitation flitted across Peach’s face and after a moment, she answered reluctantly,” I’m fine. Can we not talk about this anymore, Elijah?”

His brows furrowed together when he saw the obvious discomfort in her voice, and yet, he said no words, but his intense gaze told her that he wasn’t satisfied with her answer.

“Please, Elijah… Not now.” Peach begged, her eyes pleading.

“It was Dean, wasn’t it?!” Elijah uttered, knowing from the bruise she sustained it had to be a manly force

With the truth came a wave of anger that consumed every last trace of reason inside him. His eyes narrowed dangerously, his lips tightly pursed, and his nostrils flared slightly as he pulled Peach closer to him, wrapping his arms around her.

The comfort that came through his touch and the warmth of his embrace instantly calmed her down as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back while feeling safe and secure.