Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 221
It wasn’t something one’d typically say when meeting an old acquaintance, but Claire couldn’t help but express her surprise.
The William Prescott in her memory was a slightly chubby, youthful boy with a soft demeanor, but the man before her now looked like someone tough, and physically built who could rip ropes apart with just his arm strength..
William gave a slight bow and answered.
“I’ve been on ships. After spending a few years on the sea, my body got stronger, and my face changed too.”
“I see. I’m glad to hear you’re safe.”
Erich, holding Elliott in one arm, extended his hand with a welcoming smile.
Elliott, with his worldview shattered, looked around in confusion.
“What’s wrong?”
“Captain Hook and Peter Pan don’t get along…”
What was the right answer? Erich, not sure how to respond, kept his mouth shut, though he didn’t roll his eyes.
Claire chuckled and helped ease the situation.
“Today’s a truce.”
“A truce?”
“Means they don’t fight. Since Dad can’t kick out Captain Hook, who Elliott likes so much.”
Erich sighed with relief, unnoticed by Elliott. Elliott, still puzzled, eventually broke into a wide grin again.
Claire spoke.
“Will changed his name.”
“Really? Was it because of family matters?”
At Erich’s question, William gave a vague smile.
“It would have been nice if you’d kept in touch with Claire. You’re one of the few friends she has.”
“Don’t talk like I don’t have friends. You’re different from me.”
Claire interjected, but Erich only narrowed his eyes and stared at her.
“I’m right though.”
“I think the Duke’s right here.”
William chuckled and said with a smile.
“The Duke can’t just toss around the word ‘friend,’ and you’re too cold to keep in touch.”
“When did I—”
“The one waiting for a reply is the one suffering.”
“It’s nice to know there’s someone who understands me.”
Claire opened her mouth and alternated between glancing at the two. She then ran a hand through her hair and placed her hand on her hips.
“Wait, who stopped keeping in touch?”
“William’s one thing, but if I contacted you, would you have answered?”
Erich asked sarcastically. Claire was left speechless.
“You’re not a friend.”
“That’s a nice thing to say.”
Erich responded shamelessly and then turned to William.
“You’re staying for dinner, right? If you have time, stay and eat. It’ll be evening soon.”
“It wouldn’t be right to interrupt your honeymoon, but I’ll gladly do so, Duke.”
“Just make yourself comfortable like before.”
“Understood, Senior.”
William smiled slyly and responded without saying ‘how dare.’
Elliott started wriggling in Erich’s arms, desperate to be let down.
Still not receiving a proper welcoming kiss, Erich set the child down with a puzzled look.
Elliott immediately ran toward William and jumped at him. Having held back while the adults were greeting each other, his patience had finally worn thin.
“Captain, tell me more about the ship! What happened to the sailor with the hook hand?”
“Oh, that hook hand…”
William gladly picked Elliot tup again and sat him on his knee, glancing briefly at Erich
Seeing the smile on William’s face, Erich clicked his tongue and stepped out of the room to change clothes.
“That damn Captain Hook.”
It’s not bad for the child to admire others, but…
Anyone who can fill the world with experiences is always welcome, and William was certainly a trustworthy person.
Claire, who had followed him out of the parlor, smiled and asked,
“Are you upset?”
“No.”
Erich denied it at first, but Claire caught him, pulling his cheek toward her and stopping his thoughts.
A quick, short kiss pressed against his lips and then pulled away.
“Today, I’ll take care of Elliott’s share.”
“And yours?”
He asked, pulling Claire closer by the waist. Claire smiled, using her finger to gently pull his lower lip open before kissing him slowly.
* * *
In the five years since William’s departure, it wasn’t just muscle that had grown.
Erich stated it openly, without hesitation.
“Can’t say it took five years to get married, though. Claire ran off eight years ago.”
“Claire ran off?”
Joanna asked with a curious look. William nodded.
“After graduation, she took the train to Delford that afternoon. She didn’t even say goodbye to me.”
“Oh my. There was a ball that evening, right?”
“Definitely a declaration of ‘I’m not going to enter the capital’s marriage market’.”
William laughed.
“So, I thought you’d chase Claire down that time.”
“Why would I?”
Erich replied with a serious face, almost as if he was about to grab a knife.
“She ran from me.”
“Oh, this is a bit funny. I did run, but not from you.”
Claire shook her foot in denial, then smiled brightly at William.
“I was the hot commodity that year in the marriage market. Proposals piled up so high they almost knocked over the silver tray.”
It’s rare for a woman to have both a title and a fief.
From the day of graduation, all the younger sons of noble families or those seeking upward mobility through titles scrambled to win her hand.
Of course, most of them were strangers to her.
In the end, even in the southern Arren’s society, she had to clear out all the nobodies who were trying to push her into marrying.
She even briefly considered marrying Charles for about five minutes, just to get it over with.
Erich said,
“They were all probably nobodies.”
“Is that what you’re saying about yourself?”
“…?”
Erich gave a look that said, ‘Isn’t that obvious?’ without even answering.
“I can’t believe it. I should’ve gotten married back then. There must’ve been at least a few humble, good-looking, and decent men.”
“I’d vote no on that.”
William chuckled.
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