The next morning, the joyful and vibrant atmosphere in Erick's place continued as the family of four enjoyed their breakfast together, happily conversing. Erick's parents were so focused on Elle, most especially Sarah. She was giving her all the attention as if Elle was her most precious daughter.
Last night, Elle explained to Sarah and Raymond what happened to her two years ago. One night was not enough to tell them about the story of her life since the moment she went missing. So she decided to tell them first about her experiences in the past two years. She told them how she fought hard and persevered just to recover from the harmful effects of the toxin inside her body.
Sarah and Raymond could only sigh with relief after hearing her story. They were grateful that she was able to recover. She was a survivor all her life. She escaped death 18 years ago from the hands of her family's murderers. She stayed alive even after getting the bio-weapon inside her body.
It was already 2:00 in the morning when the four of them decided to take a rest. They lost track of time as they were so engrossed listening to Elle's story. Erick didn't scold her yet for what happened last night but he made sure to punish her by feasting on her with three rounds of lovemaking sessions before they went to sleep, both of them were exhausted.
Erick already wanted to have a baby with her so he was trying his best for these past few days. He wanted to be a father. He was also thinking that maybe Elle would refrain from doing dangerous things if ever she got pregnant. He was hoping that she would forget about her revenge once she bore their child and just live with him happily together with their children.
Elle didn't notice what Erick was trying to do. She also loved the thought of having children with Erick but for now, her mind was still focused on getting her revenge and bringing justice for her family's tragic death. She wanted to know who ordered the hit and what was the main reason for doing that. She wondered what grievances that mastermind had against her family.
"Dear son, are you not going to work today? Both you and Elle woke up very late. Sorry if we didn't let you rest as early last night," Sarah apologized to Erick and Elle, thinking that they were the cause why the couple woke up late this morning.
Erick's lips twitched upon hearing his mother's apology. He was fighting a smile. Meanwhile, Elle was the one who responded to Sarah, "No Mom, it's not your fault. It's just that we overslept because it felt good to be home once again. I missed this home." Elle said, partly true and partly lie. Then she turned to Erick, giving him a sharp glare. 'It was all Erick's fault.'
Erick just feigned innocence, ignoring the threatening look coming from Elle.
"Mom, I decided to report at the office after lunch. I already informed my colleagues. So don't worry. Same with Elle, she will go to work by the afternoon."
They were still in the middle of finishing their breakfast when they heard the ringing of the doorbell. They got a visitor this morning.
Ding Dong! Ding Dong!
Raymond was the one who stood up in order to receive their visitor. "If the person outside is one of your colleagues, should I let him or her in or not?" Raymond asked Erick first because he was aware that Erick's colleagues had no idea that Aliyah was Elle. They were the only ones who knew this truth.
"I'm finishing up Dad. I'll follow you after. If that's the case, please entertain that person on the balcony first." Erick responded to his father's query.
"Ok. Got it!"
It did not take long when Erick followed his father and went to see their visitor. Erick was surprised that the person outside was Mr. Carter, the middle-aged man that he saved from the thugs before.
"Oh, here is my son. He just finished eating breakfast." Raymond said to Mr. Carter.
"Hello, young man!" Mr. Carter greeted Erick cheerfully.
"Mr. Carter! I'm glad to see you here." Erick returned his greeting with enthusiasm.
"By the way, Mr. Carter, this is my Dad, Raymond Lee. Dad, he is my friend, Matt Carter." Erick introduced them to each other.
"Yeah, we introduced ourselves to each other already. Haha," Mr. Carter said.
Raymond also nodded with a smile. Then he simply glanced at his son, asking him if they should invite him in or not. Erick got his father's message with that one look so he turned to Mr. Carter and said, "Let's go inside. Elle is also here."
When Raymond and Mr. Carter heard that, they were taken aback for a moment. Raymond was surprised because he didn't expect that this person also knew Elle. On the other hand, Mr. Carter was wondering if Elle and Erick reconciled already and if they were already living together once again.
"She's also here? Your wife? Wow… I'm so glad! Sure, let's go in." Mr. Carter said while putting his arms around Erick's shoulders. He was really fond of Erick. And he felt at home whenever he was with him. Maybe because he could see Erick as a good and amazing person.
Raymond just watched both Erick and Mr. Carter who were both walking inside. He was intrigued by Matt Carter. He seemed friendly and approachable. He could see that he was very fond of his son, Erick. They were getting along very well. The most surprising thing was he knew that Elle and Erick were husband and wife. Now, he wondered how Erick and Elle met that person.
Raymond was still rooted in his spot, watching Erick and Mr. Carter when he suddenly frowned while rubbing his chin.
"Matt Carter… Hmm… wait… Why do I feel like I already heard this name somewhere? Sounds familiar." Raymond tried his best to recall.
After racking his brain hard, a certain name popped up in his mind- Mateo Hiroshito-Aganaki Carter. Then after a while, Raymond shook his head while laughing inwardly.
"No, I think I'm just obsessed with this case. Well, there are lots of Mr. Carter here in the world." Raymond mumbled, shrugging his shoulders before following them inside the house.