EuropeNovelThe Whitaker family's christening celebration was nothing short of lavish, with a steady stream of well-wishers filling the grand hall.
They were, after all, a prominent family-made all the more illustrious by their connection to the Silversteins, a distinguished clan in their own right. The guest list reflected their status; everyone who was anyone wanted to be seen here.
When Elodie arrived upstairs, her great-aunt was busy greeting guests. The moment she spotted Elodie, she broke into a warm smile and waved her over. "Just you? Where's Jarrod?" "He's parking the car, he'll be up soon." Elodie returned her smile with a gentle one of her own, handing over a carefully wrapped gift. "A little something from both of us." Her great-aunt accepted it, beaming. "You didn't need to bring anything. Your grandmother's health isn't what it used to be-sending you both is blessing enough." With that, she took Elodie by the hand and led her further inside.
She gestured for Alaric Whitaker-the baby's father-to bring over the little one.
Elodie gazed at the tiny bundle, so cherubic and delicate, and for a moment, she was utterly captivated. Her lips curved into a spontaneous smile, her whole demeanor softening.
Her great-aunt nudged the baby into her arms. "Want to give it a try?" Elodie hesitated, nervous-she had never held a newborn before. Still, she nodded and carefully cradled the baby, who was warm and impossibly soft. The sensation melted her heart.
She couldn't resist gently stroking the baby's cheek.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJarrod arrived just in tto see this scene.
Elodie was never one for showy displays; she tended to be reserved, a little aloof. Moments like this, so tender, were rare.
He walked over, shifting his gaze away from Elodie. "Aunt Caroline, Alaric." Alaric clapped him on the shoulder in greeting.
Aunt Caroline tutted playfully. "See how much Elodie adores babies? When are you two going to have one of your own? It'd make your grandmother so happy." Alaric teased, "We're the sage, you know. I'm already on my second kid at twenty-nine. You'd better catch up." Jarrod offered a faint, polite smile but didn't respond. He clearly wasn't interested in pursuing the topic.
Aunt Caroline and Alaric exchanged a knowing look-they'd heard enough rumors about Jarrod and Elodie's distant marriage. Seeing Jarrod's indifference, they could only sigh inwardly. Why was it so hard for them to grow close? Elodie understood Jarrod well enough. It wasn't that he disliked children.
He just might not want to have them with her.
She glanced down at the cooing baby in her arms, lost in thought for a moment.
Would she ever have a child of her own-one this sweet? Elodie and Jarrod took their seats at the main table with the rest of the family.
After a few rounds of wine, Jarrod checked his watch. "Aunt Caroline, I have simportant matters to handle. I'll need to leave a bit early." Elodie thought for a moment, then decided to stay; if she left too, it would seem rude.
Aunt Caroline pulled out two small silk pouches and handed one to each of them. "These are fertility charms, specially blessed. Keep them close-good luck comes to those who believe." Elodie felt as if she'd been handed a hot coal.
After all, no one here knew she and Jarrod were already divorced. Wearing a charm like this was pointless.
Jarrod, ever the diplomat, accepted his with grace.
Elodie stayed quiet.
She might never be able to have children.
But Sylvie could.
Of course Jarrod would accept the charm-it couldn't hurt his luck.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
As he left, Jarrod glanced back at Elodie, as if reconsidering whether to leave her behind. "I'll have Keith cEn pick you up later." He never failed to cover all the details. Elodie answered calmly, "No need. I'll manage." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, but didn't press. He turned and walked away.
Elodie sent Esmeralda a message, asking her to cby in half an hour.
After saying her goodbyes to Aunt Caroline and the others, Elodie took the elevator downstairs.
Esmeralda was already waiting in the lobby, waving enthusiastically. "Over here!"
Elodie was about to cross over when she bumped into a group emerging from one of the other banquet halls. The sight of them made her instinctively frown. Sylvie was there, arm in arm with her mother, Selma.
Maurice, Joseph, and the rest of the family followed close behind.
And beside Sylvie, walking with his usual calm authority, was Jarrod.
Elodie's expression flickered. So Jarrod hadn't left at all—he'd simply left her at the christening to join Sylvie's family.
Selma's eyes swept over Elodie, appraising her before she finallym spoke, her tone smooth and unhurried. "Elodie, isn't it? It's been a while."
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