Chapter 522: Is My Mummy Beautiful?

The father and son gazed at each other. Elvis remained patient, allowing Nathan time to speak. Seconds ticked by before Nathan opened his mouth, but no sound emerged. Elvis showed no disappointment; he understood Nathan needed encouragement. This was a significant first attempt. Elvis gently grasped Nathan's small shoulders, conveying his love. "It's alright," he reassured, "Daddy can read your lips. When you want to speak, open your mouth wider; Daddy can understand you. Now, tell me, what do you want to ask?"

Nathan, sensing his father's love and patience, opened his mouth again, silently forming two words. Elvis understood: Nathan was speaking of his mother. His first words were a question about her. Elvis's expression remained unreadable. He released Nathan's shoulder and stood. Nathan looked up with his large, dark eyes, silently asking, "Is my mummy beautiful?"

Elvis pursed his lips, hesitant. Nathan persisted, silently repeating, "Daddy, is my mummy beautiful?" A beautiful face, a charming smile, flickered in Elvis's mind. He nodded, "Yes."

Nathan pressed further, "Then, isn't my mummy the most beautiful woman Daddy has ever seen?" Nathan struggled; speaking was still difficult, his mouth stiff, but he widened his lips, fearing misunderstanding.

Elvis's gaze softened as he met his son's bright, watery eyes—eyes remarkably similar to Olive's. He had never seen a woman more beautiful.

Nathan, satisfied, received his answers. "Okay," Elvis declared, ending the conversation. "Hurry and shower. Go to bed early." Nathan, remembering Olive's bedtime rule, nodded. From tonight, he would sleep earlier. After his bath, Elvis carried Nathan to bed. "Get dressed. I'll shower." He'd gotten Nathan's bathwater on his trousers and chest.

In the bathroom, Elvis showered with cold water, his eyes closed. The image of a woman in a black sleeveless dress, from the Emperor's Clubhouse, filled his mind. He recalled kissing her; her mouth still tasted sweet. Ten minutes later, dressed in black silk pajamas, he emerged. His desire for women had waned in the past three years, but he still occasionally satisfied himself. This time, it had been hasty and unsatisfying.

He dried his hair and looked at Nathan, already asleep under the covers. Elvis tucked him in, kissing his forehead. He was grateful for Nathan's presence in his life, a constant companion during difficult times. He paused before leaving the room. He retrieved a drawing from under Nathan's pillow.

In his bedroom, Elvis sat and sketched on the drawing, enhancing Olive's figure, refining her arms and hands. He then cut out a picture of himself, adding it to the scene, making himself appear to stride ahead of Olive and Nathan. He found the image dazzling. A smile played on his lips, quickly replaced by a frown. He recoiled from his actions. Had he forgotten the pain Olive had inflicted three years ago? She had left him pregnant, he recalled, and now lived happily with Derrick Domino and their child in Visionary while he relied solely on surrogacy for Nathan. He tore up the drawing, throwing it in the trash. He saw Olive's return as a manipulative tactic to control him using Nathan.

The next morning, Nathan, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt that read, "I'm the most handsome kid in kindergarten," was led downstairs by Aunty Layla. Elvis, reading a newspaper, looked up at his son. The shirt suited him perfectly.