Chapter 96

“I can’t accept this.”

“Think of it as a loan, sweetheart,” Blossom insisted, her voice warm and soothing like a cup of chamomile tea. “When you’re back on your feet, you can pay me back. Also, cancel that Airbnb you’re staying at and come live with me. I’ve got a three–bedroom house with two rooms gathering dust. This way, I get to see my godsons every day, and I won’t be so lonely. It’s a win–win.”

Elysia’s heart swelled with emotion. She nodded, her words failing to capture the depth of her gratitude.

“Thanks, Blossom,” she murmured, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

“Mommy, Godmother, come play with us!” Evan called out to them, his voice echoing in the excitement of the arcade.

The two women exchanged a knowing smile and followed the sound of his laughter.

Elysia’s spirits were buoyed by her best friend’s generosity. Her biggest worry had been the kids‘

schooling, and now, with Blossom’s help, that concern was alleviated.

“Ah-”

A sudden shriek pierced the air.

Emmett had been pushed off a kiddie motorcycle by another little boy and landed with a thud on the carpeted floor. The usurper had already mounted the bike Emmett was riding, his hands gripping the handlebars, a triumphant ‘vroom vroom‘ escaping his lips, oblivious to the injustice he’d just committed.

Evan, with the temperament of a firecracker, didn’t take kindly to the sight. He marched. over and gave the boy a shove, sending him tumbling to the ground, chin meeting carpet.

“The nerve! Who do you think you are, picking on my brother?” Evan’s voice was fierce, his protective instincts in full display.

The little boy burst into tears as he cried out, “Mommy, mommy, he pushed me!”

A well–dressed woman hurried over, scooping up her son in her arms. “Oh, my poor baby, where did you get hurt? Tell mommy where it hurts!”

“My bum, it hurts,” he wailed, rubbing his backside.

The woman turned her wrath on Evan, her voice sharp as a knife, “You little brat, how dare you touch my son? You’re going to pay for this!”

Evan, undeterred, stood his ground. “You’re the brat, and so is your whole family!”

“Insolent child! I’ll-” The woman’s hand flew up, ready to strike, but Elysia caught her wrist mid–air.

no–50 Creding Emmett and shielding Evan behind her, Elysia glared at the furious mother.

What do you think you’re doing?”

“What am I doing? Your kid pushed mine, are you blind? As his guardian, you should teach him some manners. This is a public place, the rides are for everyone. What gives your son the right to stop mine from playing?”

Elysia was livid as she asked, “Who started it? My son Emmett was playing peacefully. until your son pushed him off. Who’s the one lacking manners now?”

The woman’s face turned scarlet with anger. “Do you know who I am to talk to me like that?”

“I don’t care who you are. We’re all trying to make it through life for the first time. I see no reason to coddle you; I’m not your parent! Your son wronged mine first, and If you so much as touch my child…”

With a swift move, Elysia shoved her away.

The woman, unsteady in her high heels, nearly stumbled, saved only by the quick reflexes of her nanny.

“You dare to strike me? You’ll regret this, bitch!” she seethed, ready to lash out at Elysia.

Blossom stepped forward, her own temper flaring. “Who are you calling bitch? You think you’re something special because you’ve got money? Try me, lady. I’m not afraid to stand my ground.”

Rolling up her sleeves, Blossom was ready to fight.

Seeing the determination in Elysia and Blossom’s eyes, the woman spat out a threat, “This isn’t over.

Just you wait.”

With a huff, she left with her son and the nanny, leaving Elysia and Blossom to calm Evan and Emmett, their hearts racing but their bonds stronger than ever.