Chapter 230

Tarquin wanted to give Elysia the health supplements to repay her kindness with his own thoughtful gesture, ensuring they were even–steven.

As he walked in, Heath made a quick exit, mentioning something about heading over to the villa to whip up a comforting soup for Elysia.

Elijah, who had been gazing out the window, seemed to sense Tarquin’s arrival, turning his head at the sound. The sight of the food container in Tarquin’s hands subtly shifted his expression, a flicker of eagerness passing through his eyes.

Without a word, Tarquin set the container on the dining table and proceeded to open it. Elijah, catching the cue, washed his hands and took his seat at the table, clearly looking forward to the meal.

However, Tarquin didn’t immediately serve the food. Instead, he sat down across from Elijah, his gaze serious and intent.

“A few days ago, she was under the weather, which is why she couldn’t cook for you,” Tarquin began, referring to Elysia. “She wanted me to tell you that if you enjoy her cooking, she’s more than happy to make you meals.”

Elijah remained silent, prompting Tarquin to continue.

“But here’s the thing, Elijah. The person cooking for you is a woman, a young and attractive one at that.

You’ve met her before, remember? The one who showed up out of the blue.”

Elijah’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Elysia, clearly recalling their encounter.

“First off, I want to make it crystal clear: there’s nothing between her and me. We’re just friends, and if it weren’t for you, our paths would rarely cross. She’s cooking for you because she cares, and as a man, if you can’t accept her kindness or even stand to be around her, then you shouldn’t accept her generosity. It’s only fair. No one should be expected to offer their kindness without some level of acceptance in return.”

Elijah looked displeased, but Tarquin held his gaze, unflinching.

“I want you to understand that love and care should be mutual. And more than that, I’m hoping Elysia can do more than just cook for you. Maybe, just maybe, she can help heal some of the pain you’re carrying, much like Corbin found his way back to happiness.”

Elijah remained quiet, prompting Tarquin to add, “If you can’t accept her, then I won’t let you enjoy her meals, no matter how much you might want to. It wouldn’t be right, not if you can’t offer her the same sincerity in return. And if she decides to leave because of that, adapting to someone else’s cooking will be tough, as you’ve experienced these past few days.”

With that, Tarquin slid the food container closer to himself, distancing it from Elijah as a symbolic gesture. He was trying to teach a hard lesson, one steeped in love and long–term thinking, knowing all too well that Elysia, an independent spirit, might not always be around.

Elijah’s frown deepened, clearly upset by the turn of events.

Tarquin hated to see him distressed but felt these truths needed to be aired. Elijah wasn’t oblivious; he understood the message, even with his struggles.

10:55 After a tense moment, Elijah stood and retreated to his room, leaving Tarquin staring at the closed door, wondering if his son would rather go hungry than accept Elysia’s kindness.