Chapter 129


    Tarquin furrowed his brow, his face a mask of impatience. “What now?”


    Elysia stood frozen, disbelief etching her features. “You drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn to


    cook, and now you want to sleep?”


    Without a word, Tarquin’s frown deepened.


    Last night, after meeting Elysia, he had brought Elijah over, then spent the entire night perched on the


    living room couch.


    His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about his mother, Elijah’s illness, and the woman who haunted


    his heart.


    Sleep had eluded him all night.


    That’s why he had sought out Elysia so early.


    Elysia, unaware of his turmoil, felt a surge of indignation. He had deprived her of sleep, only to now


    im it for himself. “Is this how you treat people? If you’re tired, sleep in and then call for me. Instead,


    you drag me here and decide to snooze off. What am I to you, huh? I…”


    “A debt peon.”


    Her brewing speech was cut short by his rebuke, silencing her mid–vent.


    “Fine! You’re the big shot! You’re the boss! Happy now?” she shot back, unable to contain her irritation.


    “If you’re not happy, pay off your debt,” Tarquin retorted coolly.


    Elysia was livid.


    “Who said I’m not happy? Which eye of yours saw me unhappy? I’m totally content, and I’ll have your


    know!”


    “If you’re content, watch your attitude.”


    “You…” She was itching to p him into next week.


    “What do you want?” he finally asked.


    Elysia swallowed her anger. “What do you want for breakfast? What should I make?”


    “You’re the cook, not me. Figure it out yourself.”


    “How am I supposed to know what you like?”


    “I don’t need ttery; it’s pointless and annoying.”


    “I’m not trying to tter you! I want to know what Elijah likes!”


    Tarquin’s brow creased. Elijah wasn’t particr about anything except his mother. He showed little


    interest in anything else.


    “Just make whatever!”


    With a loud bang. Tarquin closed the bedroom door.


    Elysia was about to retort when the door swung open again, and he warned, “I’ve got an hour left to


    sleep. Don’t disturb me.”


    Elysia was left gritting her teeth in rage.


    How do you deal with the urge to hit someone? Right now, she wanted to throttle him!


    Who knows a way to get rid of him without facing the consequences? Looking for advice, ASAP!


    Stuck at the doorway, she couldn’te up with a n.


    Resigned, she consoled herself internally. Don’t let anger get the best of you… Stay cool, a princess.


    doesn’t lose her temper.


    Unsure of Elijah’s preferences, Elysia decided on making pancakes–a safe bet.


    The batter was taking a beating, as if she was channeling her frustration at someone through the mix.


    An hourter.


    Just as Elysia finished preparing breakfast, two adjacent bedroom doors opened simultaneously.


    Tarquin and Elijah appeared in their respective doorways.


    Elijah resembled an emotionless machine. Except for the odd mishap due to his condition, he woke up


    at 6:30 every morning like clockwork. Tarquin had adapted to this routine.


    “Morning, Elijah,” Tarquin greeted him, his eyes softening.


    Elijah remained silent, his expression nk, aloof, and detached.


    The little guy headed towards the bathroom but paused mid–step as he noticed the activity in the


    kitchen.


    His brow furrowed, and his expression shifted rapidly. ncing at Elysia’s back, then back at Tarquin


    with a surge of anger…


    “Elijah, this is the new housekeeper Uncle Benjamin found for us,” Tarquin exined. “Daddy’s got a lot


    of work and can’t be with you all the time. We need someone to help with the cooking and We need


    someone to help with the cooking and chores.”


    “Let her go!” Elijah’s rage red instantly, his body shaking violently.