Chapter 477 Honeymoon
Michael held her close as they walked out. "Let's head home first. We can talk more there."
In the car, Michael told Elizabeth that Jesse had taken full responsibility for Derek's murder.
Elizabeth was stunned. "He's such a greedy guy. Oh, I'm sorry, Michael, I didn't mean to insult him, but he really is..."
Michael cut her off. "I get it. I see him the same way. To us, he's always been someone who only cares about money. I never thought he'd do something like this."
Elizabeth whispered, "Michael, did he do it to protect you? To clear your name and stop people from slandering you?"
Michael nodded. "Yeah. He didn't have to come forward. So many years have passed, and there was no evidence left from that night. I always thought I was the one who killed Derek."
Elizabeth was shocked. "That's what you told me before. Is that not the truth?"
Michael looked at her. "Jesse said that when I hit Derek, he happened to be passing by and saw everything. He was afraid Derek would keep tormenting me, so he pretended to take Derek to the hospital but suffocated him on the way. So, I only knocked Derek out. Jesse was the one who actually killed him."
Elizabeth asked, "That's so irresponsible! Didn't he think about what you would face if Derek really died?"
"Maybe he didn't think that far ahead. He just didn't want Derek to threaten my safety anymore."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. People's hearts are hard to predict. We thought Jesse was a threat to you, but he turned himself in for your sake. William seemed honest and obedient but betrayed you behind your back."
She rested her head on Michael's shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Michael held her tighter. "Jesse did it because I'm his son. William betrayed me because he knew about my true heritage. I'm not a Thomas. He had no reason to protect me anymore. Before, he didn't confront me because he wanted to maintain the Thomas family's reputation."
"I heard Jesse asked you to take care of his two kids? How old are they? They must be adults by now. Why do they need your care?"
Michael tightened his embrace. "I won't let them take advantage of me. Jesse's older son is even older than me and can take care of himself. He's just lazy. Jesse's younger daughter is only nineteen."
Elizabeth looked up from his arms. "You could help his daughter, though."
Michael kissed her forehead. "Before turning himself in, Jesse contacted Matthew. He handed his daughter, Sherry Reed, over to Matthew. Surprisingly, Matthew agreed."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Matthew? Does he know Jesse? Why would he take care of his daughter?"
Michael shook his head, deep in thought. "I can't figure Matthew out anymore."
Elizabeth snuggled back into his arms. "Let's take it one step at a time. Maybe Matthew will explain his reasons to you someday."
Michael smiled. "Yeah, we're almost home. The kids must be missing us. Today is our first day as a married couple."
Elizabeth suddenly remembered. "That's right! We're officially husband and wife now!"
Michael grinned. "Yep, we can openly do what married couples do."
Elizabeth playfully pinched his side. "What are you thinking?"
Michael pretended to be in pain, letting out a dramatic "ouch." He held her tighter. "What do you think I'm thinking?"
They walked hand in hand back home. Pearl and Nolan were at school, and Francis was playing with his fingers after having his formula.
Michael pulled Elizabeth onto the couch. "Do you want to go on a honeymoon?"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Of course! But..." She looked at him. "Do you have the time? I'm afraid you won't be able to take time off."
Michael thought for a moment. "I can't take a long break, but a short one is possible. How about ten days?"
Elizabeth nodded happily. "That works."
"Elizabeth, is there a place you really want to go?"
Elizabeth pondered. "Let me think. I never thought you'd take me on a honeymoon, so I haven't considered it."
Michael looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I always neglect your feelings."
Elizabeth hesitated. "How about Aetheria?"
Michael looked puzzled. "Aetheria? It's so far, and it's not a big country. There aren't many tourist spots. Are you sure?"
Elizabeth was thinking about the package Louis had sent from Aetheria. She wanted to take the opportunity to see Louis and ask about Eloise.
She didn't believe Eloise was really dead. She felt there was still a glimmer of hope.
She decided not to hide it from Michael. "Louis was in Aetheria..."
Michael immediately sat up, excited. "He's in Aetheria? That far away? Is he afraid I'll catch him and make him pay?"
Elizabeth felt like she was the one who had done something wrong. She lowered her voice. "I want to take this chance to see Louis and ask about Eloise. I always feel..."
Michael was still agitated. He grabbed Elizabeth's hand. "You think Eloise is still alive, don't you? I always had a feeling that Eloise is somewhere in this world, quietly breathing, waiting for me to find her."
He angrily punched the couch, his face full of rage. "That damn Louis! He not only hurt Eloise but also took her away! I'll make him pay when I find him! I won't let him off!"
Elizabeth was frightened by his anger. She whispered, "So, are we still going on our honeymoon?"
Michael suddenly realized. He apologized and hugged Elizabeth. "Of course, we are! It's a rare opportunity! I was just venting my frustration with Louis. Don't take it to heart."
Elizabeth's voice was muffled. "I thought you wouldn't care about Eloise anymore since you found out she's not your real sister. I was wrong. Your feelings for her are deep, and I can't compare."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
