Chapter 129

Tarquin furrowed his brow, his face a mask of impatience. “What now?”

Elysia stood frozen, disbelief etching her features. “You drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn to cook, and now you want to sleep?”

Without a word, Tarquin’s frown deepened.

Last night, after meeting Elysia, he had brought Elijah over, then spent the entire night perched on the living room couch.

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about his mother, Elijah’s illness, and the woman who haunted his heart.

Sleep had eluded him all night.

That’s why he had sought out Elysia so early.

Elysia, unaware of his turmoil, felt a surge of indignation. He had deprived her of sleep, only to now claim it for himself. “Is this how you treat people? If you’re tired, sleep in and then call for me. Instead, you drag me here and decide to snooze off. What am I to you, huh? I…”

“A debt peon.”

Her brewing speech was cut short by his rebuke, silencing her mid–vent.

“Fine! You’re the big shot! You’re the boss! Happy now?” she shot back, unable to contain her irritation.

“If you’re not happy, pay off your debt,” Tarquin retorted coolly.

Elysia was livid.

“Who said I’m not happy? Which eye of yours saw me unhappy? I’m totally content, and I’ll have your know!”

“If you’re content, watch your attitude.”

“You…” She was itching to slap him into next week.

“What do you want?” he finally asked.

Elysia swallowed her anger. “What do you want for breakfast? What should I make?”

“You’re the cook, not me. Figure it out yourself.”

“How am I supposed to know what you like?”

“I don’t need flattery; it’s pointless and annoying.”

“I’m not trying to flatter you! I want to know what Elijah likes!”

Tarquin’s brow creased. Elijah wasn’t particular about anything except his mother. He showed little interest in anything else.

“Just make whatever!”

With a loud bang. Tarquin closed the bedroom door.

Elysia was about to retort when the door swung open again, and he warned, “I’ve got an hour left to sleep. Don’t disturb me.”

Elysia was left gritting her teeth in rage.

How do you deal with the urge to hit someone? Right now, she wanted to throttle him!

Who knows a way to get rid of him without facing the consequences? Looking for advice, ASAP!

Stuck at the doorway, she couldn’t come up with a plan.

Resigned, she consoled herself internally. Don’t let anger get the best of you… Stay cool, a princess.

doesn’t lose her temper.

Unsure of Elijah’s preferences, Elysia decided on making pancakes–a safe bet.

The batter was taking a beating, as if she was channeling her frustration at someone through the mix.

An hour later.

Just as Elysia finished preparing breakfast, two adjacent bedroom doors opened simultaneously.

Tarquin and Elijah appeared in their respective doorways.

Elijah resembled an emotionless machine. Except for the odd mishap due to his condition, he woke up at 6:30 every morning like clockwork. Tarquin had adapted to this routine.

“Morning, Elijah,” Tarquin greeted him, his eyes softening.

Elijah remained silent, his expression blank, aloof, and detached.

The little guy headed towards the bathroom but paused mid–step as he noticed the activity in the kitchen.

His brow furrowed, and his expression shifted rapidly. Glancing at Elysia’s back, then back at Tarquin with a surge of anger…

“Elijah, this is the new housekeeper Uncle Benjamin found for us,” Tarquin explained. “Daddy’s got a lot of work and can’t be with you all the time. We need someone to help with the cooking and We need someone to help with the cooking and chores.”

“Let her go!” Elijah’s rage flared instantly, his body shaking violently.