Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Chapter 299

Chapter 299

Even an even-tempered guy like Irving became a bit angry. “But you’re my son. Shouldn’t you take my surname?” He couldn’t accept the fact that his son had taken the surname of another man. He could’ve lied. I would’ve been happy with it.

“The Winthrops raised me. I am greatly indebted to them, and I won’t change my name that easily.” There was determination in Edmund’s eyes but a hint of guilt as well.

Elspeth could understand his feeling. It was the same reason she refused to return to the Jonesons, and she sighed. “It’s alright, Uncle Irving. This just proves that Edmund is a kind soul. He’s grateful.”

Irving was still a little miffed, but he accepted the fact in the end. “Fine, if that’s what you wish, then so be it.” I still have Elias. At least someone will continue the bloodline. “But you still need to return to the family just for show. I shall be holding a banquet in Damoria a few days down the line, and I shall announce that you are my son then.” Irving wouldn’t budge on that.

Edmund wanted to say no, but then he needed the Coles’ name to do something, so he agreed to it. Elias stayed back, while Elspeth and Edmund returned to the Winthrop Residence. Since Callum had gotten a lot better, he had moved back in, and Elspeth ran into him the moment she entered the house. He had just returned from the meeting. They used to be a close couple, but now things were awkward between them. They stared into each other’s eyes, yet they said nothing.

“Callum,” Elspeth said. That was the only thing she could say.

Callum looked at her coolly. He didn’t even give her any response, not even a greeting.

Elspeth smiled bitterly. “If you don’t love me anymore, then we should break up.”

“I know you must be upset.” Callum’s eyes glinted. “But I can’t respond to your feelings as I am right now.”

Elspeth could understand that, but she still felt powerless and defeated. “I know. I’m sorry for pushing you.” She was about to leave, but Callum stopped her.

“Elspeth, if you can’t accept me as I am, I won’t hold you back if you want to break up.”

And yet you promised you wouldn’t let go of our relationship not too long ago. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn’t turn around. She tried her hardest to keep her voice steady as she said, “I can still wait.”

They barely said anything to each other in the next few days. Work was the only common thing they had in their schedule. Whenever Elspeth passed by him, she wanted to say hi, but she just couldn’t get the words out of her mouth. She realized she had no idea how to start a conversation with him.

Three days later, Edmund returned to the Coles. When Theodore found out that Edmund wasn’t his son, he fell into depression for a while. Margot cried her heart out, but they still let Edmund return to the family that birthed him. It was the right thing to do, even though they were heartbroken about it.

The Coles invited all their rich and famous friends to the banquet, including the Winthrops. Of course, Elspeth was invited as well. She should’ve gone with Callum, but they had nothing to talk about, and being in the same space was awkward, so she drove to the Cole Residence alone.

Callum didn’t stop her, but luck decided to play a trick on Elspeth that day. Her car died halfway through, and she had to stop at the roadside. It’s out of gas now? She smacked her forehead. Just when she was about to call someone to tow her car away, someone said coolly, “What happened?”

Great. I just have to run into him during my most embarrassing moment. Elspeth looked at Callum and smiled awkwardly. “My car ran out of gas, so I’m calling someone to tow it away. I’ll just get a taxi.”

Callum frowned. “Want me to give you a lift?”

He would’ve taken me into his car right away in the past, but now he’s just asking me if I need help. She shook her head. “No. I can do this myself.”

However, Callum insisted, “I thought you said I was your boyfriend. Shouldn’t I be helping you, then?” He didn’t like that they were supposedly dating, but he was her boyfriend and he had an obligation to fulfill.

How ironic. He’s only helping me because he’s my boyfriend, not because he loves me. She took a deep breath. “It’s alright.”

Callum gazed at her for a moment before nodding. “I see. I shall be going now.”

Elspeth saw him off, her heart saddened.

“Honestly, what are you doing here?” another familiar voice sounded.

Elspeth turned around to find Gilbert as tears welled up in her eyes. Look at her. What a loser. Gilbert rolled his eyes. “That was your boyfriend, wasn’t it? Why didn’t he give you a lift?”

A bitter smile curled Elspeth’s lip. “I told you yesterday, didn’t I? He wouldn’t help me now that he doesn’t love me anymore.”

“Then why are you still with him? He doesn’t love you anymore. If you keep tangling yourself with him, you’re only going to hurt yourself.” Gilbert might be poking fun at her, but still, he took her into his car. “Leave your car. I’ll call someone to tow it away.”

Elspeth looked at him, surprised. “You’re going to the banquet too?”

“Yep. I’m a Payne.” Gilbert revved his car up and held the steering with one hand while patting Elspeth’s head with the other. “Now cheer up. I can always take you back to Eden if you want.” Gilbert

was a little heartbroken to see her so sad.

Elspeth sniffled, but she said nothing. A while later, they arrived at the Cole Residence. Once Elspeth got out of the car, she saw a familiar figure talking to another woman. She wouldn’t mistake him. He was none other than Callum and standing before him was Emma. Elspeth felt her heart stop.

Gilbert leaned on his car, his hands tucked in his pocket. He too saw Callum and Emma, and he sneered. “Emma is his ex, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” said Elspeth silently.

“I see he’s getting a new girlfriend.” He pointed at Callum and Emma. Both were chatting happily and looking like a proper couple.

A bitter smile curled Elspeth’s lips, and she felt something tearing away at her heart.