Episode 58

Miss Elizabeth, instead of speculating about the stability of others’ marriages, perhaps it would be wiser to concentrate on your own academic endeavors. Despite sharing half the genes, your appearance and intellect don’t seem to measure up to even half of what Elizabeth possesses.” Elijah’s reputation for his forthrightness was no secret; he spared no one’s feelings, regardless of their status or connection to him, including a distant acquaintance like Yara. His words clearly cut deep, and despite her usual resilience, Yara found herself unable to remain any longer.

With a sharp, smoldering look of resentment, she glanced at Elizabeth and stormed away. Elizabeth watched Yara leave, her expression turning frosty as she faced Elijah. “Mr. James, did you come here just to revel in my distress? You’ve seen enough. I’d prefer it if you left now.” Elijah’s face clouded with confusion, his eyebrows knitting together. “Why must you speak to me in such a manner?” Elizabeth parted her lips to retort, but considering he had just done her a favor, she bit back her sharper reply. Sensing the shift, Elijah’s voice grew gentler. “There’s a family event at the James estate tomorrow. I couldn’t reach you by phone, so I decided to come here directly to fetch you.” A scornful laugh bubbled up inside Elizabeth, but she suppressed it. Apparently, Elijah had thought of her only now, conveniently because he needed her as his wife for the occasion.

Turning her head away, she murmured, “We’re divorcing, Elijah. It’s not a secret that can be kept indefinitely. It would be wise to inform your family sooner rather than later. After all, our marriage was nothing more than a contract for a year.” The terms of their agreement had expired. They were supposed to have gone their own ways by now. Last year, entangled in her own complications, and Elijah, likely overwhelmed with his commitments, neither had initiated the separation. Now, as Elizabeth reconciled with the facade of their relationship, she acknowledged the futility in holding onto something so insubstantial. This bitter acceptance caused a faint ache in her heart. As shadows of concern crossed Elijah’s face, he remembered Melany’s expressed wishes.

Despite the tension, he spoke with restrained patience. “Grandma caught wind of your accident in the fire and also saw the headlines about me and Sandra this morning. She’s quite upset. Let’s go back and set things straight. She shouldn’t have to worry over our affairs.” At these words, Elizabeth felt a resurgence of anger just as it had begun to wane. She wanted to confront Elijah—what was there to explain? Did she need to tell Melany that the rumors of him and Sandra were entirely unfounded, that the paparazzi shots and viral gossip were crafted lies? Nevertheless, Elizabeth swallowed her retort, choosing silence over confrontation. Melany held a unique place in her heart. She was the one member of the James family who had shown her genuine affection. Recalling the day she and Elijah had made their union official, Elizabeth remembered how Melany had tenderly handed her a cherished family heirloom bracelet, affirming her acceptance in front of the entire James family. This heartfelt gesture had fortified Elizabeth against the less favorable attitudes of other family members, who, despite their disdain, never crossed the line into overt hostility.

Elizabeth, nurtured by Gracie’s steadfast love, often saw reflections of Gracie’s nurturing spirit in Melany. Motivated by deep emotional bonds and a sense of obligation, Elizabeth felt compelled to visit the James Mansion to reassure Melany, hoping to ease her worries. Perceiving Elizabeth’s silence as acquiescence, Elijah tactfully avoided revisiting their earlier exchange. He gently probed further, “Oliver told me you’ve checked out of the hotel. Where are you staying now? I can drop you off. Or you could consider staying at Bayview Villa tonight to pick out a suitable outfit for tomorrow.”