Chapter 209 I Have To Go (CALIA)

Chapter 209 I Have To Go (CALIA)
Dinner was incredibly fun and lively. Lea ate heartily, especially with Elion sitting right beside her. My baby girl had never looked so happy. She fed Elion a piece of chicken and clapped happily as he chewed it.
“You know, this reminds me of our dinner at the ranch.”
“Our dinner at the ranch was fun, but not quite this lively.”
“Daddy, open your mouth.”
“I’ll eat my own, honey.”
“No, open your mouth.”
I laughed, watching him unable to refuse his daughter’s wish. He opened his mouth and ate the mayo salad Lea fed him.
"I hope you like the food, Elion."
"You’re the best cook."
"Not Edward?"
"You’re even better, because not only are you a great cook and a brilliant surgeon, but you’re also amazing in bed."
"Elion..." I tossed my napkin at him.
"Why? It’s true."
"Don't say that in front of Lea."
"She doesn't understand yet."
"But she’ll ask me about it someday."
"Then just answer honestly. Why panic?"
I rolled my eyes in exasperation.
"She ought to know that her mom is very naughty and sexy in bed."
"Mommy’s naughty?"
"Yes, Mommy’s very naughty."
"But Mommy’s nice to me."
"Mommy’s only naughty with Daddy."
"Elion..." I growled. I wanted to tape his mouth shut, so he’d stop saying such weird things in front of Lea.
"You’re corrupting Lea with that dirty talk.”
"With parents like us, she needs to get used to that sort of thing."
I couldn't deny that I preferred this playful Elion over the cold, stiff version. He seemed more human. And most importantly, he was enjoying his new role as a father.
After dinner, I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Elion kept Lea company while she watched her favorite cartoons in the living room. Lea was eating a brownie, and she managed to get Elion, who dislikes sweets, to eat some of it. Even though it was just a single bite, it was still a remarkable achievement, considering I couldn't even get him to eat cake. He always stuck to healthy foods that looked far less appetizing.
"Lea’s asleep."
Elion stepped out of Lea’s room. I closed my journal and set it on the table.
"Thanks for today. Lea was so happy you kept her company all evening."
He coughed and furrowed his brow.
"What’s wrong? Are you sick?"
"I’m fine."
I touched his cheek; he took my hand and kissed my palm.
"I have something for you."
"What is it?"
He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box.
"This is the reason I was in London at that time."
He opened the box, and I was stunned by what was inside.
"It’s a beautiful necklace with a red gemstone."
"I fell in love with this necklace. And you were the first person who came to mind. I pictured you wearing it."
"Me?" I pointed at myself in surprise.
"Even though I didn't know if we’d ever meet again, I really wanted to get this necklace and give it to you."
"It must be expensive. I don't feel worthy of it."
"No. You’re worth even more than this necklace."
I touched the red gems on the necklace with trembling fingers.
"May I?"
"Oh, sure."
I lifted my hair, and Elion fastened the necklace around my neck. It was too lavish for everyday wear, but it would be perfect for a formal dinner.
“That necklace was truly meant for you.”
“Thank you.”
I hugged him tightly.
“I don’t want you to go home.”
“I have to go.”
“Oh.”
I let go of the hug, feeling disappointed.
“Why do you look like that?”
“I thought you were going to stay here.”
“I have things to take care of tonight.”
“Will you come over for dinner tomorrow?”
“I have a three-day business trip to Barcelona. I’ll let you know as soon as I’m back in Chicago.”
“Is it mafia business, or something else?”
“Something else. I’m starting a new business and collaborating with a businessperson from Barcelona.”
“That’s good. Take care of yourself.”
I hugged him. For some reason, I felt so sad seeing him leave. I had hoped he would stay at my apartment.
“Don’t go flirting with pretty girls in Barcelona.”
“I won’t.”
He planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.
It wasn’t that I disliked him kissing my forehead, but I had expected a kiss on the lips. However, Elion had been coughing ever since he stepped out of Lea’s room, and he looked like he was in pain every time he coughed.
“I know you’re not a child and can take care of yourself, but I still worry about you. You look thin. Eat well. Forget about dieting.”
“I’m fine.”
I walked him to the door and watched until his back disappeared behind the elevator doors. I let out a soft sigh and closed the door. Three days. I had to be patient and wait three more days for him to return.