Chapter 115 What Are You Really Doubting?

Chapter 115 What Are You Really Doubting?

"So you're both ready to announce it?" Kent asked as they relaxed on the back patio. Rebecca had insisted Elliot and Audrey come for dinner.

Elliot stared at his teacup. "Yeah..."

Kent paused mid-sip, brow furrowing as he studied his son. "Why do you sound hesitant?"

Elliot startled slightly, then forced a smile, reaching for his tea again. "It's nothing..."

"You're trying to lie to your father?" Kent's voice shifted—firm, demanding.

Elliot exhaled long, setting down his cup. He leaned back in his chair.

"Nothing serious. Just—"

He hesitated again.

Silence stretched. Kent let his son take his time.

"Did Mom ever doubt anything you did?" Elliot's voice was barely a whisper.

Kent's eyebrow rose. "You think your mother stopped doubting me?" There was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Elliot turned to him, confused.

Kent smiled faintly, sipping his tea before continuing. "Listen, son. In any relationship, especially marriage, there are always small questions in our heads. Are we doing the right thing? Is our partner happy? Will this last?"

Elliot listened in silence.

"But what separates relationships that last from those that don't is our choice to stay. Even in the midst of that doubt." Kent set down his cup, looking seriously at his son. "So tell me. What are you really doubting?"

Elliot was quiet for a long moment, staring into the dark garden as if searching for answers.

"Audrey..." He exhaled again. "I thought I'd done everything for her. But she still seems to doubt me. My feelings. My decisions."

Kent raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Elliot looked straight ahead. "I just want her to be happy. To trust me completely. And her doubt makes me wonder... am I good enough for her? I don't know if she's truly let go of her past."

Kent smiled softly. "Son, no one can truly erase the past. But if you want to be part of someone's future, you just need to make sure that past is no longer an open wound."

Elliot processed his father's words.

"And whether you're good enough… that's not a question you answer yourself." Kent continued. "That's a question only Audrey can answer."

Silence again, broken only by the wind.

After a moment, Elliot nodded slowly. "I understand."

Kent patted his shoulder, offering a calm smile. "Being a good husband isn't about never doubting. It's about always choosing to stay."

Elliot considered this, then glanced inside—where Audrey was laughing with his mother and sister.

"Oh, and Vincent and Henry?" Kent asked, slightly startling Elliot.

Elliot's jaw tightened at the names.

"I've handed Vincent's file to the authorities. They haven't set a trial date yet. But he's under pressure. Some of his illegal operations are surfacing, though he's slippery enough to avoid direct charges."

Kent sipped his tea. "And Henry?"

"Still under the radar. But we’re still looking for him before he does anything stupid again."

Kent exhaled slowly. "You don't want to teach him a lesson yourself?"

Elliot's jaw tightened. "I do plan to see him before dealing with the media."

Kent studied his son carefully. He knew Elliot wasn't the type to let things slide without closure.

"And after that?" Kent asked calmly.

Elliot exhaled. "I want to make sure he never touches Audrey's life again. No matter what."

"Be careful, Elliot. Men like him—when cornered—can do unexpected things."

"I know." Elliot's eyes flickered with restrained emotion. "That's why I'll see him myself. I want to hear what he wants before it all ends."

Kent rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Are you sure that's wise? If you confront him and he realizes you're behind his downfall, he might fight back. In his own way. He already hurt Audrey once."

Elliot smiled—a dangerous smile. "Let him try. This time, I'm in control."

Kent watched his son in silence before finally saying, "Fine. If you need help, you know who to call."

Elliot nodded. "I'll handle it myself first. If anything changes, I'll let you know."

Kent patted his shoulder before standing. "Don't lose control, Elliot. We want to end this, not create new problems."

Elliot smiled faintly. "I know my limits."

But inside, he knew—if Henry ever threatened Audrey again, those limits might not matter.

"Elliot."

He turned.

"If you really want Audrey to be happy, protect her without making her feel controlled."

Elliot paused, then nodded. "I understand."

"Good." Kent patted his shoulder again, smiling proudly. "Let's go inside. Your wife will think I've been poisoning you with old man wisdom."

Elliot chuckled, standing to follow his father inside. But deep down, he knew the matter with Vincent and Henry wasn't truly over.

They joined the women in the living room.

Elliot immediately settled beside Audrey, arm draping over her shoulder. She shifted slightly, uncomfortable.

She nudged her shoulder, hoping he'd move. Instead, he added his other arm around her waist.

"Elliot!" She turned, whispering sharply, eyes wide.

He looked at her innocently. "What?"

She widened her eyes, warning him.

Everyone else just smiled knowingly.

Since they'd arrived, Elliot hadn't bothered hiding his affection. Arm around her shoulder, touching her hand, whispering in her ear.

Apparently, being in public didn't stop him.

"Elliot, stop..." She muttered, trying to remove his arm.

One eyebrow arched. He tightened his grip. "Why?"

"Embarrassing..."

"You're my wife. Why be embarrassed?"

"Ugh!" She pouted.

Arguing with Elliot was pointless. She gave up—though she kept trying to squirm away.

He chuckled silently, enjoying her flustered state. He even kissed her neck.

"God, Elliot! Get a room!" Laura finally burst out, though she was secretly happy to see her brother so changed. She didn't remember him being this affectionate with Javas.

All eyes turned to the newlyweds.

Audrey's face burned.

Elliot sighed dramatically, like he was being persecuted. "What? She's my wife."

"But it's weird seeing you like this!" Laura shrugged, then looked at Audrey. "Right? You know how he used to be. Like an ice cube!"

Audrey could only smile awkwardly.

Kent chuckled, watching his eldest son and daughter-in-law. He understood exactly why Elliot had changed.

"You should be happy your brother changed," he said softly, stroking Rebecca's arm. "I changed after marrying your mother."

He smiled meaningfully—Rebecca pouted slightly. "Yeah, changed into someone more annoying!"

Everyone laughed.

"Seems like you're addicted, Elliot?" Kent teased casually.

Audrey choked on her drink. She grabbed a naplet, covering her mouth, face crimson.

Elliot just patted her back calmly, completely unbothered by his father's comment.

"Kent," Rebecca warned. "Stop teasing them."

Kent shrugged, still smiling. "Just stating the obvious."

Audrey wished the ground would swallow her whole. But Elliot just grabbed her hand, holding tight.

"Honestly, I don't mind if they talk about this all night." Elliot shrugged casually. "But now I just want to go home."

"Don't bother. Your room upstairs is available. You can continue there." Kent added smoothly.

"These men!" Laura rolled her eyes.

Kent and Elliot chuckled. Rebecca just shook her head.

"Then don't delay. I'm waiting for grandkids." Rebecca's comment made Audrey flustered again.

"Don't worry, Mom. We'll practice often—ow!"

Audrey had pinched his waist hard.

Later on, in Elliot’s bedroom at mansion…

"You really don't waste time, do you?" Audrey whispered, breathless from the heated kiss they'd just shared.

She was beneath him now, pinned to the bed. In Elliot’s bedroom.

Elliot smiled, leaning closer until his warm breath made her shiver. "Just following Mom's orders..."

She pouted. "Excuses, excuses…"

He chuckled—then kissed her again.

That night, they drowned in each other once more.