The Marvelous Elijah's Return novel Chapter 64

Is it necessary?

As Miss Grace stood in front of her daughter’s room door, she raised her knuckles to knock, but then hesitated before grabbing the doorknob, and pushing the door open. Quietly, she stepped into the bedroom to see Peach in bed, sleeping soundly, hugging a pillow. A smile graced her lips, and she stared tenderly at her daughter, and after a moment of that, she was about to leave when a file on Peach’s desk got her attention. A feeling of hesitation filled her as she approached the desk, and as her hand hovered over the folder, she took a deep breath. 

Finally, Miss Grace pushed aside her fear of invading Peace’s privacy, picked up the file, opened it, and read the contents. 

Her heart skipped a beat when she got done, and she hastily rushed over to her daughter’s bedside and tapped her gently on the back. “Peach, wake up.” Miss Grace’s voice echoed in Peach’s ears softly Her eyes blinked open slowly as she looked at her mother standing above her, watching her with a concerned look in her eyes. The morning light was glowing through her window as she gently wiped the sleep out of her eyes and yawned, sitting up. “What is this?” Miss Grace asked in a soft tone as she sat by her daughter on the bed, locking eyes with her. “You told me that you needed sleep last night and asked me not-” 

“Mama, I said nothing last night because I wasn’t in the right state of mind, and I didn’t want to be a weeping mess while explaining things to you.” Peach interrupted, a tired look on her face as she laid back against the pillow, running a weary hand over her face. 

“Is this really your grandfather’s will?” Miss Grace asked, her tone laced with concern. 

“That’s what Madam Jewel said… and it is the reason she wanted me to attend the ceremony. Apparently, she stated Grandfather wanted me married before claiming my hesitancy, which is one of his companies. I’m not sure which one it will be.” 

“Why would Father make such a demanding and direct request of you…” 

“I know right, mama? That doesn’t sound like Grandfather. He treated me with so much love and respect, but most of all trust… I just can’t wrap my head around the thought that this is what he wants…” 

A brief silent moment of understanding lingered between the two before Miss Grace spoke up, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between them. “I understand how this must feel to you.” She said gently, “But it’s really your grandfather’s signature on these papers…” 

“I know, mama. Trust me, I know.” Peach muttered under her breath and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. 

There was a long pause as Miss Grace studied her daughter’s face and then asked, “What are your plans?” 

The door to Elijah’s room suddenly burst open and James matched inside. As the oldest of the four, Matt, Ryan, and Rookie, convinced him that it would be best if he was the one who questioned their boss. 

A soft yawn left Elijah’s lips, and then he threw his butler a hard stare, looking irritated as he asked in a husky voice, “What do you want?” 

A look of nervousness spread across James’ face, and then he dropped his gaze, mumbling,” What are your plans?” “Plans for what?” Elijah asked impatiently, folding his arms over his chest. Shifting his feet awkwardly, James eyed his boss for a moment and then answered quietly,” How could you propose to Peach?!” Elijah’s glare intensified as his nostrils flared, and then he leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow in a challenge at James and asked, “Do I not have the right to?” 

“Well… you already know what these people think of you just for marrying Melina Hayes… How they treat you like an idler and harshly! And how they don’t understand what kind of person you are, or that you deserve better than this kind of life, Elijah!” James replied, his expression full of anger and bitterness. “You can’t-” Pausing, James took a breath and shook his head lightly, seeing the stubbornness in Elijah’s eyes. 

Taking another deep breath, he continued, his voice filled with frustration and anger, “You can’t marry Peach… It will only make these people angrier, and they will treat you even worse and disrespect you even more than before. They will only try to hurt her. You know how those people are and how they’re always trying to break someone apart because they’re too prideful to admit defeat.” 

“I know that, James,” Elijah replied, his expression turning serious once more.