Episode 58

Instead of speculating about others' marriages, Miss Elizabeth, perhaps you should concentrate on your own academic pursuits. Elijah's forthrightness was well-known; he spared no one's feelings, not even a distant acquaintance like Yara. He commented on their shared genes, implying Yara fell short of Elizabeth in both looks and intellect. His words stung, and Yara, despite her resilience, abruptly departed, leaving with a resentful glare.

Elizabeth's expression hardened as she turned to Elijah. "Mr. James, did you come here simply to witness my distress? I've had enough. I prefer you leave now." Elijah looked confused. "Why such a manner?" Elizabeth considered her sharp retort, but remembering his recent favor, she held back.

Sensing the shift, Elijah's tone softened. "There's a family event at the James estate tomorrow. I couldn't reach you by phone, so I came here." Elizabeth suppressed a scornful laugh. He'd thought of her only now, needing her as his wife for appearances.

Turning away, she murmured, "We're divorcing, Elijah. It's not a secret that can be kept indefinitely. You should inform your family. Our marriage was a one-year contract." Their agreement had expired. They should have separated months ago, but entangled in their own complexities, neither had initiated it. Now, Elizabeth acknowledged the futility of clinging to this pretense, a bitter acceptance that caused a faint ache.

Concern clouded Elijah's face as he recalled Melany's wishes. Speaking with restrained patience, he said, "Grandma heard about your fire accident and saw the headlines about me and Sandra this morning. She's upset. Let's go and set things straight. She shouldn't worry about our affairs."

Elizabeth's anger rekindled. What was there to explain? Were the rumors of him and Sandra—the paparazzi photos and gossip—not entirely fabricated? She swallowed her retort, choosing silence. Melany held a special place in her heart; she was the only James family member who had shown her genuine affection. Elizabeth remembered Melany's tender gift of a family heirloom bracelet on their wedding day, a gesture that had countered the less favorable attitudes of other family members. She saw in Melany a reflection of Gracie’s nurturing spirit, a love that had shaped her.

Driven by obligation and deep affection for Melany, Elizabeth felt compelled to reassure her. Perceiving her silence as consent, Elijah tactfully avoided their earlier argument. He gently inquired, "Oliver said you checked out of the hotel. Where are you staying? I can drop you off. Or perhaps you could stay at Bayview Villa tonight to choose an outfit for tomorrow?"