Gracie hadn’t fully recovered yet, so their visit was brief. After exchanging pleasantries and wishing her well, they said their goodbyes.
The news that Elijah and Elizabeth were planning for a baby had noticeably lifted Gracie’s spirits.
As they reached the parking lot, Ms. Sandra paused just before getting into the car, her expression lighting up as she turned to Elizabeth.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I’m heading to a friend’s house tonight for a gathering. Mrs. Quinn—you remember her? She brought the supplements last time.”
Elizabeth nodded, a little uncertain why Ms. Sandra had suddenly mentioned this.
“Yes, I remember.”
Ms. Sandra’s tone turned thoughtful.
“Her family has connections with several top-notch doctors. I’ll ask if any of them specialize in Gracie’s condition. Send me a copy of her medical records later.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened with gratitude.
“Thank you, Ms. Sandra.”
Ms. Sandra, however, shifted into her usual no-nonsense tone as she slid into the car.
“Don’t just thank me with words. If you really want to thank me, focus on giving me a healthy baby boy.”
Elijah grinned at the comment.
“What? What if it’s a healthy baby girl?”
“Don’t play games with me,” Ms. Sandra shot back with a pointed look. Then, her tone shifted to something more serious.
“And take care of your injury. You’re not a child anymore, Elijah. Act like an adult.”
Though Ms. Sandra hadn’t addressed her, Elizabeth replied sincerely,
“I’ll make sure he’s careful.”
Ms. Sandra glanced at Elizabeth and gave a curt nod before closing the car door.
As Ms. Sandra’s car rolled out of the hospital courtyard, Elizabeth turned and got into Elijah’s car.
She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her messages. A notification caught her eye—it was a reminder about Daxton’s upcoming birthday.
She paused, thinking of all the ways Daxton had helped her, from saving her on the ship to supporting her during difficult times. While giving him a gift outright might seem too calculated, using his birthday as an opportunity felt natural. A small token of gratitude would be appropriate—and something Daxton wouldn’t refuse.
She turned to Oliver.
“Oliver, let’s stop by Evergreen Plaza.”
Elijah glanced at her as he settled into the seat.
“Is there something you need? I can have it delivered to the house.”
Elizabeth waved a hand dismissively.
“I just want to go shopping.”
Elijah didn’t argue, accepting her explanation with a nod.
When they arrived at the mall, Elijah moved to get out of the car with her, but Elizabeth stopped him.
“I’ll just grab what I need and be right back.”
Elijah frowned, “Don’t you enjoy shopping?”
Elizabeth didn’t bother with a lengthy excuse.
“This is a girl thing, don’t worry about it.”
His face darkened, displeased at being excluded.
To soften the mood, Elizabeth coaxed him like a child.
“I’ll cook for you tonight. Be good.”
Elijah’s expression immediately shifted, his mood improving as he grinned.
“I want steamed egg with sea urchin.”
Elizabeth recalled they were out of sea urchin and casually improvised.
“Your hand’s injured; sea urchin isn’t good for you right now. How about steamed egg with minced meat?”
“That works too,” Elijah agreed, oblivious to the ploy.
Elizabeth smiled at his compliance and, on impulse, reached out to ruffle his neatly styled hair. His soft black locks fell into disarray under her fingers. For a moment, she thought he might protest, but Elijah simply sat there, letting her do as she pleased, like a big, obedient dog.
In the front seat, Oliver watched the scene unfold through the rearview mirror and nearly choked on his own breath. It had been years since anyone dared to touch Elijah’s hair like that—not even Ms. Sandra had tried since he was in middle school.
This act was like pulling fur from a tiger.
But what stunned him even more was that Elijah didn’t mind. He sat there calmly, his usual icy pride melted into something almost tender as Elizabeth mussed his hair.
Oliver glanced away quickly, hiding his thoughts.
So, this is what happens when a man realizes what he almost lost. If he’d acted like this before, Ms. Sandra would have never brought up divorce.
Still, Oliver kept his musings to himself. Elijah might tolerate anything from Elizabeth, but Oliver wasn’t foolish enough to test his patience.
