Room for You
Chapter 73

Chapter 73

As he watched Anastasia walk away, Elliot could sense the tenacity andstrong will from her despite her petite figure, which made him feelhelpless. At that moment, a maid came over to him and announced,“Young Master Elliot, Old Madam Presgrave is waiting for you in thedining area.”

While Elliot nodded and walked away with the maid, Hayley was on herway to the parlor but became lost in the huge garden. Therefore, shewas forced to follow her gut while making her way out of there,somehow replaceing her surroundings rather quiet. Then, she saw anancient-looking pavilion not far away and thought that she could asksomewhere there for directions.

However, just when she approached, she heard an old lady's voice frombehind the curtains. “Old Madam Presgrave, are you sure you're goingto make Young Master Elliot marry Miss Tillman? What about MissSeymour?”

Then, the old madam firmly replied, “My decision remains the same.The only woman whom Elliot should ever marry is Anastasia. As forHayley, I'll make sure Elliot makes it up to her with money and comfort.For some reason, I just don't seem to click well with Hayley as I can'thelp but feel that she is a little too scheming and manipulative. Anyway,Anastasia is the only granddaughter-in-law I'll ever approve of.”

Upon hearing that, Hayley held her breath in horror as soon as sherecognized Harriet's voice. Oh dear! Despite the show I tried to put thismorning, she is still not satisfied with me? What's worse is that she onlywants Anastasia to be her granddaughter-in-law.

Hayley was overwhelmed by her resentment when she suddenly heardfootsteps approaching her. Thus, she quickly hid in the bushes under atree and tried to remain as still as possible

“Are you looking for me, Grandma?" Elliot's voice was heard.

Harriet looked at her grandson and lectured, “What happened backthen, Elliot? How did you end up doing something as absurd as havinga one-night stand with Hayley?”

“I'm sorry, Grandma. I was set up and deprived of my sober mind tothink straight.”

“Well, you're taking the responsibility you should for your mistake, so Idon't blame you for that, but how are you going to settle your issuewith Miss Seymour?” Harriet -questioned her grandson harshly.

“I'm already doing what I can to make it up to her.”

“Alright, I'm not going to interfere with your matter, but I want you toremember one thing-the only granddaughter-in-law I'll ever approve ofis Anastasia. If she agrees to marry you, she'll become the YoungMistress of the Presgrave Family, but if she doesn't, you better treat herright for your whole life,” she spoke to Elliot in an unwavering manner.Although Hayley couldn't see the expression on the man’s face, she feltlike she had just fallen into a pool of ice water. I only want to live acomfortable and wealthy life, but why won't Anastasia stop getting inmy way? No! I will not let Anastasia take away what's mine!

Soon, she heard Elliot's terse reply that sounded as if it was a sharpblade that plunged through her heart. “Okay.” So, Elliot has no plan tomarry me from the beginning. Not long after that, she quietly sneakedaway and ran into a maid, whom she asked for directions to make herway back to the parlor.

While lunch was ready a few moments later, Anastasia eventuallydecided to stick around due to her awkward schedule in spite of herinitial reluctance to do so. After everyone had gathered around thedining table, Harriet politely told Hayley to dig in. “Please help yourself,Miss Seymour. Just make yourself at home.”

“Alright, Grandma.” Hayley smiled and nodded while hoping that theold madam was dead.

"You too, Anastasia. Help yourself.” Harriet gazed at Anastasia, as if shewas her own granddaughter.

“Alright, sure.” Anastasia proceeded to help herself with the meal.

After lunch, Harriet went on to treat the two ladies to some dessertwhile Elliot made his way upstairs for some rest. Lying on the couch, theman appeared to be disturbed and distraught as he couldn't stopthinking about Hayley and Anastasia. The most there is between meand Hayley is the one-night stand we had five years ago, but I doubt I'llever replace the same breath I had with her that night from now on. Forsome reason, it seemed to Elliot that Hayley felt more like a strangerrather than someone he shared a strong chemistry with.