The Marvelous Elijah’s Return

Both men sat in  silence before Elijah finally spoke, asking, “What do you want to tell me?”

Quietly, Mr. Maxwell stood from the couch, walked over to the desk and picked up the tv remote off it, holding it loosely in his hand, staring at the screen in a trance, and said, “Son, I know over the years we have not been as close as we should have been, but I am sorry. For everything. I’m sorry for not being there for you.”

Turning to look his son directly in the eye, Mr. Maxwell sighed heavily and admitted, “I have been too hard on you.”

“You were only making a man out of your son. A man that is capable of great deeds… a man that can lead, and a man that is respected and honorable. You did nothing wrong, father.” Elijah replied,  sighing as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Huffing weakly, Mr. Maxwell sat on the couch, still staring intently at the tv before answering, “I am glad to hear.”

Then he pressed play on the remote, playing the news, listening as the reporter said, “Today was a memorable day, the day Melina Hayes, CEO of Investverse company, divorce her husband, Elijah…”

“Do any of us know his last name?” Another reporter interrupted.

A frown settled on Elijah’s face as he watched the reporters nervously dart their eyes back and forth between each other.

“Well, no. And that’s why I said from the very start that their wedding was a rush, and they were too fast into the whole thing.” A woman said in an irritated tone.

“At first I thought Miss Hayes was pregnant, that is why she got married to someone with no background, status, and wealth… Like did he blackmail her or something?” The reporter continued talking.

Shaking his head, Elijah sighed as he took the remote out of his father’s grip and turned off the tv.

“I thought I failed as a father for the way that I helped raise you, but I have been following your every step since you left this house, and I don’t know if you know this, son, but you are truly my blood.” Mr. Maxwell told him.

Looking straight into his eyes, Elijah felt speechless as he tried to understand what had just happened.

“Did you actually follow my every step for years…? because if you did, then you will know how Melina treated me and how pathetic I acted in my relationship with her!” Elijah questioned, trying to make sense of everything.

“Do you know why I didn’t block your accounts and seal your access to our family money when I kicked you out?” Mr. Maxwell asked, looking straight into his son’s gaze.

Squinting his eyes,  Elijah shook his head and mumbled, “No. Why?”

“Because it was never about the money. It was always about you.” His father explained, placing a gentle hand on his son’s knee. “I gave you access to wealth and told you to experience the life of a poor man to see how much self-control and  maturity you could possess when life got rough.”

“But she-”

on you. I know. And yet, you never did abuse your wealth to prove a point to her, and still had a

words from his father, and Elijah closed his eyes for a moment while drawing a deep

said, “But the thing is, I got

to great lengths to seal your identity, and it took you years to decide to

father. This was not what he expected, and it was shocking to hear the pride in his father’s

passed, Elijah broke free from his awe and said, “So you’re saying

we are moving

expression remained neutral and inquisitive as he said,

because he expected an argument from Elijah or

returned and he started talking again, “With a hundred million, I need you to leave Bordoria and establish a company of

be?” Elijah asked curiously, his

moment before replying confidently, “You find out… I have no say in where, how you run your company, and what you do with your money… Your

Elijah said no words,  simply nodding his head lightly, giving

me proud, son.” Mr.  Maxwell whispered, smiling at his son as

dishes, most of them Elijah’s favorite, and Mrs. Maxwell

more  mashed potatoes?” She asked sweetly, reaching for the bowl and

served him

she set the bowl back down after filling it up, she looked across the table at her husband and smiled softly

you were in love… and married…” Mrs. Maxwell started,

to meet her eyes, she  quickly added, “And you didn’t

mom, that you didn’t attend the only wedding your son will have and has had in his lifetime,” Elijah replied calmly, keeping eye contact

in disbelief. “You are

enough experience of love to take me for

talking silly, son! Just because a woman broke your heart, you can’t

“Mom, please!”

dining room grew quiet as both mother and son looked at each

my only son, I care for you so much, it hurts…” Mrs. Maxwell said, pausing when Elijah dropped his fork

also hear that she divorce me today?” Elijah

change of mood, and then she stared at her son with pity

you let me breathe from this disaster before asking me for anything else? Please!” Elijah pleaded

course.” Mrs. Maxwell said,  nodding her head. “I am

once more, everyone remaining quiet until Elijah