chapter 682

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👼 MY ANGEL 👼

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👼 MY ANGEL 👼

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting the Callahan manor in a warm, amber glow. Elsa found herself drawn towards the grand balcony, her footsteps soft against the plush carpeting as she ascended the sweeping staircase.

Stepping outside, she was met with the cool evening breeze, ruffling her hair gently. Her eyes scanned the expansive grounds, searching until they landed on a solitary figure seated on the ornate stone railing.

"Jeremy," she breathed, relief mingling with the hint of trepidation in her voice. She approached him slowly, her hands clasped nervously before her.

Jeremy turned at the sound of her voice, his expression unreadable. "Elsa," he acknowledged, the simple utterance of her name laced with a heaviness that made her heart sink.

Elsa hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to bridge the palpable tension that now hung between them. "I... I've been looking for you," she murmured, her gaze dropping to the intricate tiling beneath her feet.

"Have you?" Jeremy replied, his tone laced with a touch of bitterness. He turned his face back towards the gardens, his fingers drumming against the stone railing in a rhythmic pattern.

Elsa took a tentative step closer, her fingers aching to reach out and touch him, to bridge the divide that had somehow crept between them. "Jeremy, please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Talk to me."

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. "I'm upset, Elsa," he confessed, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "I'm upset that you didn't come to me with this. That you felt you had to fight this battle alone."

Elsa felt a sharp pang of guilt pierce her heart. "I-I didn't mean to shut you out," she stammered, her fingers twisting anxiously. "I was just... I was so overwhelmed, and I didn't want to burden you with-"

"Burden me?" Jeremy interrupted, his gaze snapping back to hers, his brow furrowed in a mix of hurt and frustration. "Elsa, you're my wife. To be you're still my wife. We're supposed to be a team. How could you ever think that you'd be a burden to me?"

Tears stung Elsa's eyes as she met his intense stare. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I'm so, so sorry. I never meant to make you feel that way."

Jeremy's expression softened, and he reached out, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek. "I know, love," he sighed, the tension in his shoulders beginning to dissipate. "I know you've been through so much, and I just... I want you to know that you don't have to face it all alone. I'm here for you, Elsa. Always."

Elsa leaned into his touch, her own hand coming up to cover his. "Thank you," she whispered, a single tear escaping to trail down her cheek. "I promise, I'll do better. I'll be better. For you, for our family."

Jeremy pulled her into a warm embrace, and Elsa melted against him, allowing the comfort of his familiar scent and the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe her. They stood there in silence for a long moment, simply holding each other as the night settled around them.

Eventually, Elsa pulled back, offering Jeremy a watery smile. "Come on," she murmured, her fingers lacing through his. "Let me make you dinner. Something to make up for my... my stubborn ways."

Jeremy chuckled softly, the tension in his features giving way to a more playful expression. "Alright, then," he acquiesced, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Lead the way, my love."

As they made their way back into the manor, the sounds of laughter and gentle conversation drifted up from the main living area. Elsa couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing that while her family had found moments of respite, she had allowed the weight of their situation to isolate her.

But now, with Jeremy's steadfast presence by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination. They would face this challenge together, as a united front, come what may.

In the cozy kitchen, Elsa set to work, her nimble fingers expertly chopping and sautéing. The aroma of simmering spices and fragrant herbs soon filled the air, eliciting a contented hum from Jeremy as he watched her move with practiced grace.

"You know, you don't have to do this," he murmured, his gaze soft and admiring. "I'm not mad at you, Elsa. I just... I want you to know that you can come to me with anything. No matter how difficult or overwhelming it might be."

Elsa paused in her task, turning to meet his earnest expression. "I know, Jeremy," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.

Jeremy responded with a warm smile, his hand coming up to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I love you, Elsa," he murmured, the sincerity in his voice leaving no room for doubt.

Elsa leaned into his touch, her own hand covering his. "I love you too, Jeremy," she whispered, her heart swelling with the profound gratitude she felt for this man who had chosen to walk beside her, through all of life's trials and tribulations.

As they continued to prepare the meal, their movements in perfect sync, Elsa couldn't help but marvel at the way their bond had only grown stronger in the face of adversity.

The warmth of the kitchen enveloped Elsa as she stepped back inside, Jeremy's hand in hers. The familiar sights and sounds - the sizzle of the stovetop, the gentle clanging of pots and pans, the comforting aroma of spices - immediately began to soothe her frazzled nerves.

"Alright, chef," Jeremy murmured, his lips curving into a playful grin as he released her hand. "What delightful culinary creation do you have in mind for us tonight?"

Elsa couldn't help but smile at his teasing tone. "Well, if you must know," she replied, her own eyes twinkling with mischief, "I was thinking something hearty and comforting. Maybe a rich, fragrant stew?"

Jeremy's expression lit up, and he eagerly sidled up beside her, peering over her shoulder. "Ooh, stew, you say? My favorite!" he exclaimed, his arm snaking around her waist. "In that case, how can I be of assistance, my future yet still considering present wife?"

Elsa chuckled, giving him a gentle nudge. "Well, for starters, you can fetch me the onions and carrots from the pantry," she instructed, already moving towards the stovetop to retrieve a large pot.

With a dramatic sigh, Jeremy pulled away, his fingers trailing along her side in a featherlight caress. "As you wish, love," he responded, his tone laced with a playful lilt.

As he disappeared into the adjacent pantry, Elsa set about her task, deftly retrieving the necessary ingredients and utensils. She couldn't quite suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips - Jeremy's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support never failed to lift her spirits.

A moment later, Jeremy reappeared, his arms laden with an array of vegetables. "Your humble servant returns, bearing the spoils of the pantry," he announced grandly, eliciting a giggle from Elsa.

"Why, thank you, kind sir," she played along, accepting the proffered items with a gracious nod. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to start chopping those carrots, I'd be ever so grateful."

With a dramatic flourish, Jeremy placed the vegetables on the counter, quickly locating a cutting board and knife. "Your wish is my command, milady," he purred, his fingers deftly gripping the knife's handle.

Elsa shook her head in amusement, turning her attention back to the simmering pot. As she began to add the aromatic herbs and spices, the rich, savory scent began to fill the air, causing her own stomach to growl in anticipation.

"Mmm, smells divine already," Jeremy commented, his gaze fixed on her movements. "You know, I have to say, I do love watching you cook."

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