Chapter 123
Chapter 123
By evening, Eliana had finally left the therapy center. Though she felt reluctant to go, at least she’d spent the first day of the new year where it mattered
most.
Just before walking out, she spotted the Christmas tree in the courtyard, adorned with ornaments holding Christmas wishes written by the counselors
and children.
She paused, picked up a pen and a piece of paper, jotted down a wish, and slipped it into one of the colorful ornaments, hanging it on the tree.
“What did you write?” Theodore asked from behind her.
“I wished for all the people I love and who love me to be safe and happy,” she replied.
His brows lifted slightly. “Does that include me?”
‘Is he fishing for an “I love you“?”
Having fallen for that trick a few too many times, Eliana was smarter now. “That depends. Do you love me?”
Theodore chuckled. “Learning to dodge questions now, huh?”
“Yeah, what else am I supposed to do? Keep falling for the same trick over and over?” she shot back with a grin. Then she held out the pen and paper to
him. “Wanna write one too?”
Theodore shook his head. “I don’t wish for things. If I want something, I make sure to hold onto it myself.”
His gaze sharpened with intent as he said it, and Eliana felt a sudden jolt run through her. ‘Why does he have to look at me like that?” she swallowed, wondering.
She quickly looked away, flustered. “Let’s go. Amberhold’s waiting.”
It was nearly 11 PM by the time their plane landed in Amberhold.
Wrapped in the thin blanket the flight attendant had given her, Eliana was still half–asleep.
“Wake up,” Theodore said gently. “You can sleep again when we get home.”
“Mmm.” She rubbed her eyes as he led her off the plane.
The cold air hit her the moment they stepped outside. She sniffled and instinctively curled in on herself.
Without a word, Theodore took off his black coat and draped it over her shoulders. “Keep warm, okay?”
“But what about you?” Eliana asked, gripping the collar of his coat, worry creeping into her voice.
“I’m fine.” He’d been training regularly lately and could handle the cold just fine.
Hearing that, Eliana didn’t hesitate. She slipped her hands into the oversized sleeves. The coat, which had only reached Theodore’s waist, practically
swallowed her whole.
“You look like a baby penguin,” Theodore said, clearly enjoying himself.
Eliana glanced down at her stubby legs and then sighed inwardly, ‘Yeah, not even gonna argue. I look like a stuffed animal on stilts.”
Just then, a young man stepped out of a nearby car and hurried toward them. “Mr. Russell! Mrs. Russell! You’ve arrived!”
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Noticing Eliana’s curious expression, Theodore leaned in and explained, “That’s Elliot Gellar, Mr. Gellar’s grandson!
“Wait… the grandson of that old man Merlin who pushed Theodore into showing up at Anthony’s engagement party?”
Elliot, clearly the friendly type, flashed her a bright smile the moment their eyes met: “Mrs. Russell, if you need anything during your stay, just let me know!”
Eliana gave him a polite nod. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Theodore led her into the car. With the heater on inside, Eliana finally started to warm up.
The ride ended in front of Willowmere Hall. As she stepped out of the car, she hesitated, tugging lightly on the hem of Theodore’s jacket. “If your grandparents see me wearing your coat like this, will they think it’s inappropriate?”
“They won’t,” Theodore said flatly.
If she only knew how much Daniel adored her. If he ever caught her shivering like that, he’d probably whack Theodore with his cane on the spot.
“Just walk in with me,” he said, taking her hand as they stepped through the front doors. Elliot followed behind with their luggage.
Inside the Hall, in the spacious living room, a poised elderly woman in her seventies–Margaret Russell–was holding up a property deed and asking, “Do you
think this is a good first gift for Eliana?”
Daniel glanced at the deed. It was for one of the most expensive villas in the heart of Amberhold.
Margaret still looked unsure. “Isn’t it a little too… casual?”
“Whatever you give her, she’ll appreciate,” Daniel replied. “Even if you gave her nothing, she wouldn’t blame you.”
“That’s not good enough!” Margaret scolded, glaring at him. “She’s Theodore’s lucky star and our family’s, too. Her parents were a mess. If we don’t treat her right, who will?”
Daniel raised his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. Give her whatever you want. I see what you’re doing. You’re hoping that if you give her a villa in
Amberhold, she’ll visit more often.”
Margaret didn’t deny it. “And why not? With how easy flying is these days, she and Theo could pop in whenever they like.”
Just then, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Margaret said eagerly.
Daniel tapped his cane on the floor. “What’s the rush? Let’s both go.”
Margaret shot him a knowing smile. “You’re just as eager as I am.”
The door opened. And there he was, her precious grandson, Theodore.
Tears welled up in Margaret’s eyes. She remembered the way he used to be–moody, angry, even destructive. He had yelled at her before, told her not to come around anymore.
“Grandma,” Theodore said softly.
“Oh, my boy…” Margaret cupped his face with both hands, her fingers trembling
as she brushed them across his eyes. “Are you really okay now?”
Theodore masked all the bitterness and simply said, “I’m sorry. For everything these past two years.”
Margaret wiped her eyes and then looked at Eliana.
She looked completely swallowed up in Theodore’s coat, like a child bundled up for winter. The sight made Margaret’s heart soften.
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Feeling Theodore squeeze her hand gently, Eliana cleared her throat and said sweetly, “Merry Christmas, Grandpa. Merry Christmas, Grandma
Margaret beamed. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart!”
Daniel was a little surprised. He remembered how, last time they met, Eliana had still called him “Mr. Russell.” Clearly, the relationship had progressed.
Then he noticed Margaret reaching for the deed again and nearly rolled his eyes. “It’s freezing. Let’s let them come in first.”
Inside the living room, Merlin poured hot chocolate for both Theodore and Eliana..
After a few sips, Eliana felt the warmth return to her limbs. She slipped off the coat and turned to Theodore. “I’ll return this after it’s clean.”
He raised an eyebrow. He didn’t mind if his coat came back with her scent on it.
Soon after, Daniel said, “You two must be tired. Go get some rest. We can talk more tomorrow.”
That had been Theodore’s plan anyway. He nodded and led Eliana to the room he used to stay in.
As they walked through the Hall, Eliana noted how, despite its size, it felt surprisingly simple and calm. A far cry from the constant eyes watching her in Russell Manor.
Once inside the room, she remembered something. She opened the suitcase Elliot had brought up and pulled something out, handing it to Theodore. “Here. Merry Christmas,” she said with a smile. “This is for you.”
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cond gift
