Elijah’s eyes locked with Albin’s in a frozen gaze; his fingers nervously adjusted his cufflinks. “So, what exactly are you implying?” he demanded.

Albin’s tone was urgent. “Elijah, this isn’t about proving anything. It’s about understanding what you truly want. Elizabeth is considering divorce because she feels neglected and unloved. If you’re serious about avoiding a divorce, you need to show her affection. Love isn’t solely about material gifts.”

His voice grew tense. “Emotions need nurturing and open sharing. You can’t replace emotional connection with money. Isn’t it necessary to invest your feelings as well?”

Elijah’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing. He understood each word, yet their combined meaning baffled him. The younger Elijah would have dismissed such concerns as trivial. However, given Elizabeth’s increasingly drastic reactions, he paused to reconsider.

For the first time, he questioned aloud, “What is love, really? It’s intangible. Are empty words more valuable than tangible support?”

He’d never considered whether he truly loved Elizabeth. Love was foreign to him; in the Norris household, matters of the heart were overshadowed by practical concerns. The relationships he’d witnessed seemed mere transactions—for personal gain, physical desire, or companionship. If this defined love, he was better off without it.

His relationship with Elizabeth was serendipitous. She was quirky, dramatically so, reminiscent of a melodramatic character, yet never annoying. He even felt a spark of energy near her. She was a wife he was content with, and he envisioned their life continuing unchanged. Yet, the possibility of Elizabeth leaving him over something as intangible as love deeply unsettled him.

Albin exhaled deeply, recognizing the futility of changing Elijah’s deeply rooted views with words alone. Draping an arm around Elijah’s shoulders, he offered his advice. “Elijah, you’re too entrenched in your own viewpoint to see clearly. Just hear me out. If you’re not ready to accept the divorce, simply humble yourself and express to Elizabeth that she matters to you. There’s a chance for reconciliation. Trust me.”

Elijah’s expression turned stormy; he remained silent, brushing off Albin’s hand. Albin remembered Elijah disliked physical contact, except with Sandra, Elizabeth, and his rarely mentioned sister.

Albin guided Elijah toward Elizabeth’s building. “Here we are,” he announced.

Elijah surveyed the building with distaste. “A building serving both residential and commercial purposes? How do people survive this madness?”

Albin defended it. “Elijah, give it a chance. It boasts remarkably tight security.”

Elijah’s skepticism was evident. “Really? And yet they let you through without a fuss?”

“I’m not exactly a nobody,” Albin retorted, shifting the topic. “Despite its mixed usage, this district commands a high price tag. It’s predominantly populated by ambitious young professionals and affluent individuals. Rumor has it, even celebrities live here.”

Elijah dismissed this with a wave of his hand. “What celebrity would settle for such a place?”

“Keep it down, Elijah,” Albin whispered. “If Elizabeth overhears you, you’re in for a heated debate.” Albin’s gaze shifted. “El-Elizabeth, what a coincidence!”

Elijah turned and saw Elizabeth burdened with several boxes and oversized plastic bags.