Chapter 197

Tarquin had sparked up a cigarette, his only solace against the chilly breeze that swept through the yard. But no sooner had he taken a drag than the wind changed course, sending the smoke billowing straight into Elysia’s face.

She coughed violently, her delicate features reddening with each sharp intake.

Tarquin’s brow furrowed in concern, but Elysia just waved him off. “Don’t mind me. If it helps you relax, go ahead.”

Still, Tarquin hesitated for a brief moment before crushing the cigarette under his heel.

Elysia couldn’t help but sneak another glance at him, noticing a softness in his demeanor that was uncharacteristic of the man she knew. Her pulse quickened as she recalled the words Keaton had said over the phone just before her arrival at the hospital, making her all the more anxious.

Breaking the silence, Tarquin spoke, “I owe you one for today, for helping Elijah.”

“It was nothing!”

“What do you want in return?”

“I don’t want anything.”

“Come on, you’ve earned a favor. I’ll see it done whatever you ask.”

Elysia blurted out, “That won’t be necessary!”

“Oh?”

She looked straight into his eyes, her expression serious. “You may not think much of me, and the feeling is mutual. So let’s forget about any grand gestures of indebtedness. I can’t accept that!”

Before coming to the hospital, Keaton had called her out of the blue. He had thanked her for saving Elijah and then hinted that someone was interested in a more… personal form of gratitude. But Elysia wouldn’t entertain the thought of being with that someone, not even for a second. She wanted to clear the air before things got awkward.

But Tarquin hadn’t considered that angle at all. His eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, “Are you suggesting that I should offer myself to you?”

Elysia’s face flushed, her eyes widening in disbelief as she denied, “No, not at all! Don’t twist my words.

Or was it you who was dropping hints?”

“Me? Never.”

“But you just said I could ask for anything. Doesn’t that mean you were expecting me to bring it up?”

Tarquin was at a loss for words.

Was she being naive or was there a hidden meaning behind her words?

Regardless, he wouldn’t offer himself to anyone. “My heart belongs to Elijah’s mother. There’s no chance of me being with another woman, so let’s put that idea to rest. I was referring to other kinds of favors.”

“That’s a relief!”

Tarquin gave her a probing look before adding, “But since you saved Elijah, I am willing to grant you any 09:52 Chacher 197 favor but that‘

1ddit save him for a reward.”

All she wanted now was to get a divorce from Tarquin, but Tarin didn’t know Tarquin. And though she was in dire need of money, Tarin was broke and burdened with Elijah’s medical bills. She couldn’t bring herself to ask After all, saving Elijah had been her own choice, without any expectation of compensation Tarquin watched her for a moment, then said, “Fine, consider it a debt I owe you. If you ever need anything come to me 1 don’t need your favors either.”

It was surprising to him. Many would bend over backward for the chance of such a debt, yet she was indifferent What he didn’t realize was that in Elysia’s eyes, he was nothing more than a pauper now.

“However Tarquin continued, “if there’s ever a conflict between us, I hope you’ll compromise once!

Elysia’s brow furrowed as she spoke with a seriousness that belied her usual demeanor She was thinking of the kids. If it ever came down to a custody battle, she hoped he’d be on her side and grant her the right to keep them.

“What kind of conflict?” Tarquin asked, puzzled.

Elysia pursed her lips and lied, “I don’t know yet. Just if.”

“Fine” he agreed. “If that day comes, I’ll let you have your way.”

“A gentleman’s promise is his bond,” she reminded him.

He nodded in acknowledgment, “You have my word.”