After leaving the cemetery, Elizabeth and Elijah met back up with Albin and Camille.
Camille had found a local barbecue spot hidden within a residential district, renowned for its longstanding presence and genuine taste. Back when Elizabeth was a student, she and her friends would scrape together their allowances to enjoy meals there.
Despite his usual fondness for cleanliness, Elijah relaxed his standards at this humble county eatery.
He discreetly cleaned the table and chairs with a wet wipe, making no fuss about it.
Their strikingly parked cars attracted attention during the bustling dinner hour. Onlookers, on their way home from school or work, paused to observe, with some even taking pictures.
Amid the murmurs, someone commented, “That car looks like it was owned by a rich businessman, doesn’t it? Why would someone so wealthy come to our small county instead of staying in larger cities or traveling overseas?”
Catching this, Elizabeth, while enjoying a piece of grilled eggplant, turned to Elijah and playfully inquired, “Mr. James, the locals are curious… why do you visit these secluded rural places?”
Elijah, dressed simply in a black shirt, sat effortlessly elegant, his demeanor devoid of any flashy adornments. His presence alone seemed to uplift the modest setting.
As he dabbed at some sauce that had spilled near Elizabeth, he said, “Remember how you once shared about your simple beginnings here, and how much you wished to see it developed? You mentioned that if you had the means, you’d support the growth of this place and its surroundings.”
He carefully left out part of her past comments to preserve her pride.
Elizabeth had previously expressed, saying, “If only I had the resources, I’d develop my hometown and the impoverished areas around it… Unfortunately, I married young and have to focus on my family. I hope someone capable will come along to uplift this area. I’d be eternally thankful to such a person.”
Surprised by his recollection, Elizabeth looked away, feeling a bit awkward.
Meanwhile, Camille, who had been playfully pushing with Albin for a chicken wing, momentarily lost her grip on her fork, allowing Albin the opportunity to scoop the wing into his bowl.
Camille looked at Elijah skeptically. “You’re saying you came all the way out here, inspired by something Elizabeth once mentioned, out of charity?”
Elijah held a momentary silence, then added, “There was another person who influenced my decision.”
This revelation extinguished the faint warmth that had begun to grow in Elizabeth’s heart.
She found comfort in the idea; it was easier if Elijah remained emotionally distant, preventing any feelings that might challenge her resolution to pursue divorce.
Camille slammed her fork down, her voice laced with irony. “Oh, let me guess, it was that manipulator, right? Elijah, why mention her now, just to upset us?”
Elijah responded calmly, “It’s not about her.”
Unconvinced, Camille scoffed, “Sure, typical man, always lying.”
Albin, who had been enjoying his chicken, hastily set it aside and covered Camille’s mouth with his hand, scolding, “Don’t jump to conclusions, please.”
Camille, annoyed, bit into Albin’s hand.
“Ouch! What’s with you biting me like a dog?” Albin exclaimed, flinching as he noticed the two teeth marks on his hand.
Ignoring Camille’s outburst, Elijah took a leisurely sip of his water, his gaze casually falling on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, acting as if she hadn’t noticed his gaze, quickly polished off her meal. “I’ll go tidy up the apartment… though it’s quite small, just two rooms.”
Oliver immediately interjected, “Mrs. James, I’ll book a room in the nearby hotel.”
Albin, tugging at Camille’s sleeve, suggested, “We should stay at the hotel too.” Camille retorted, “Who said I wanted to stay in a hotel? You planning something sneaky?”
In a flustered tone, Albin replied, “Something sneaky? What are you even talking about? Stop spouting nonsense. I’ve booked two separate rooms!”
He quickly steered the conversation back on track. “After a whole day on the road, if you stay at Elizabeth’s, she’ll need to prepare an additional room.”
“Okay, I’ll just book at the hotel,” Camille said.
Elijah remained quiet, and Elizabeth assumed he would choose the hotel as well. She turned to Oliver and said, “Could I have the car keys? I need to get my things from the car.”
Oliver looked at Elijah before answering, “Mrs. James, please go ahead. I’ll bring your luggage to you in a moment.”
“Alright,” Elizabeth responded, then addressed the group. “I’ll sort things out at the apartment tomorrow. Everyone else can plan as they wish. Don’t worry about me. I’ve got instant noodles, so I’ll be fine on my own.”
With a pout on her lips, Camille listened as Albin leaned in and whispered, “She came back to visit her mom’s grave. It’s only natural for her to feel emotional at this time.”
Accepting his explanation, Camille held back her complaints and simply said, “Alright.”
After this exchange, Elizabeth rose from her seat and departed.
Looking towards Elijah, Albin inquired, “Where are you planning to stay tonight, Elijah?”
“It doesn’t concern you,” Elijah answered sharply, casting a stern glance at Albin before standing and walking out.
