Chapter 327: It Is Time You Returned It All
Cecilia knew Elliot, despite his love of pampering, rarely threw unreasonable tantrums. His illness already caused him so much pain; losing something he cherished was heartbreaking.
“Don’t cry, Eli,” she pleaded, her heart aching. “I’ll think of another way, okay?”
Calvin intervened. “Eli, how about your mom and I team up to help you win that plush toy?” he suggested warmly.
Elliot’s tears ceased; hope filled his large eyes as he looked at Calvin. “Okay,” he agreed, then turned to Cecilia. “Mommy, Daddy, good luck!”
Cecilia, faced with his determination, couldn't refuse. The three of them went to the event registration desk. After ten couples were assembled, the staff explained the rules.
The rules were simple: blindfolded men and women faced each other. The staff dropped items—apples, paper—which the couples had to catch and hold without using their hands.
Cecilia and Calvin joined the other couples. The first item was a large balloon, tethered by a string, making it relatively easy to catch. At the signal, everyone leaned forward, securing the balloon.
Elliot cheered, “Go Mommy, go Daddy!”
Cecilia, focused on winning the toy, played intently. They successfully caught several large items, though their methods were more physically intimate than strictly allowed.
Two teams remained. The staff announced the final challenge: “Now, you’ll have to catch a piece of paper!”
As the signal sounded, Cecilia felt paper against her face. Before she could react, Calvin’s arms enveloped her. He smoothly lowered his head, his lips gently pressing against hers.
For a moment, the world stilled. Cecilia only heard the staff announce, “Congratulations, you’ve won.” Elliot, holding Calvin’s phone, captured the tender moment.
Applause erupted, flushing Cecilia's cheeks. Removing her blindfold, she took time to look at Calvin.
On the way back to the hospital, Elliot clutched the giant plush toy, his face beaming. “Mommy,” he said softly, “can you and Daddy come play with me again next time?”
Still dazed, Cecilia nodded. “All right.”
After returning Elliot, Cecilia declined Calvin’s offer to drive her home. “I drove here,” she explained, avoiding his gaze. “It’s inconvenient to leave my car.”
Calvin understood her reluctance. “All right, but let me know when you’re free. We can visit Eli together,” he said gently.
“I’m not sure yet. I promised Vivian a visit,” Cecilia replied, using an excuse to avoid a direct response.
Calvin knew she wasn’t ready; he wasn’t in a hurry. “Whenever you have time,” he said.
“Okay.” Cecilia nodded quickly and left.
Watching her go, Calvin checked the picture Elliot had taken. A smile spread across his face.
His phone rang—an unknown number.
“Mr. Reese, I’m Mr. Rainsworth’s assistant. I’m warning you to stop seducing Cecilia. Mrs. Rainsworth is still married,” the voice said sternly.
Mason, working nearby, had coincidentally seen Calvin and Cecilia.
Calvin’s expression remained unchanged, but his voice held a challenge. “Is that so? Then please convey to Mr. Rainsworth that I have a peculiar fondness for what belongs to others.” His tone grew colder. “And it’s not just women. Rainsworth Group’s projects—I want those back too. What you took from me in the past, it’s time you returned it all.”