Chapter 91

Wheatfield Homestay.

Blossom’s eyes widened in astonishment as she looked over the breakfast spread Zane had brought home, exclaiming, “Goodness, breakfast from the Jinpeach Restaurant? Did you really go out of your way to get this? And so much variety!”

“Yep, it’s the best breakfast in town, and Elysia hasn’t been home in ages. I wasn’t sure if her tastes have changed over the years, so I got a bit of everything just in case.”

Blossom tsk–tsked in amazement, “How could it not be delicious? A single muffin costs a fortune.”

Elysia gasped, “How much?”

Blossom gestured with her small hands, “One muffin, 800 bucks!”

“That expensive?”

“Mmm–hmm, hard to believe, right? Tarquin really knows how to rake in the dough–a true capitalist through and through!”

Jinpeach Restaurant was one of the businesses owned by Tarquin.

Elysia’s expression changed slightly, given that Tarquin was her husband.

With muffins priced at $800 each, Zane had bought six, in addition to three hearty oatmeal bowls and a dozen side dishes. The breakfast had cost them just shy of ten grand.

Elysia, trying to calm her nerves, said to Zane, “You’ve really gone all out.”

“We’re friends, no need for formalities. Come on, sit and eat before it gets cold.”

“You haven’t eaten either, have you? Join us.”

“Sure.”

As the three of them ate and chatted, Elysia asked, “Have you heard from Winona lately?”

Zane shook his head, “Not yet.

Blossom chimed in, “She’s been gone for over a year. You’d think she’d be back by now. A movie shoot usually only takes a few months.”

Zane replied, “This time it’s different. She said to brace myself, that it might be a year or two before she could return. If there were any complications, it could take even longer.”

“That long? Must be a major production.”

“Yeah, Winona’s always been ambitious, always challenging herself.”

“Has she been in touch with her folks?” Elysia asked.

Zana shook his head again. She signed a non–disclosure agreement and can’t contact anyone.”

Elysia looked embarrassed, not quite understanding the rules of their industry.

“How have you been these past years?” Zane steered the conversation towards her.

“Alright, I guess.”

“After the scandal, you disappeared so suddenly… we were all terrified…”

“I had a bad rep back then and didn’t want to drag you guys down with me, so I left. quietly.”

“You always saw things too black and white. We’re not just friends, we’re practically family. There’s no such thing as dragging us down. We know you, and there’s no way you’d do anything like ‘cheating within marriage. Winona and I even reached out to the best lawyers to help you fight your case, but then you went off the grid. And that was six years ago.”

Elysia felt remorseful as she said, “I was young and scared, not thinking about fighting the case or assigning blame; I just wanted to escape. I caused you all so much worry…”

“No need for formalities among friends. We never saw you as an outsider. If you ever decide you want to appeal, just say the word, and we’ll be there to help.”

Elysia smiled softly. “It’s all in the past now. I don’t want to appeal anymore. I’m living well now and don’t want to dwell on past troubles.”

“Good point. If you don’t want to appeal, then put it all behind you. We have to keep moving forward.”

“Exactly.”

“Got any plans for the future?”

“To live a good life with my kids.”

Zane looked surprised, “You have kids?”

The triplets were still snoozing in the bedroom, unseen by Zane, which explained his astonishment.

Elysia beamed, “Three boys, they’re five years old now.”

Zane was taken aback. “Five years old? They’re his, and… you went through with the pregnancy?”