Chapter 203


    Chapter 203


    “I will,” Elliot promised solemnly with a nod. He understood where Nigel wasing from, and the


    reverse was also true.


    “What if you marry her tonight and she tells you that she doesn’t want any more kids? Will you


    choose to respect her decision?” Nigel went on to ask, wishing desperately that Elliot could do all


    the things for Anastasia that he couldn’t.


    Once again, Elliot nodded and said, “I will respect every single one of her thoughts and decisions.”


    Nigel’s gaze was piercing as he eyed his cousin somberly. “Also, do you promise that you’ll protect


    her, take care of her, and love her forever?”


    Elliot could tell how much Nigel loved Anastasia. As his heart sank, he pped a hand on Nigel’s


    shoulder. “Nigel, you’ve known me since we were kids, and you know what I’m like as a person.” An


    apologetic look shed in his eyes as he added quietly, “I’m sorry, Nigel.”


    They had been as close as brothers since they were little, and now that they were in love with the


    same woman, it couldn’t be easy for Nigel to let go.


    Nigel, on the other hand, leaned against the balcony rail behind him as a bitter smile yed on his


    lips. “You don’t have to apologize. I know Anastasia has always seen me as nothing more than a


    friend, and there are far worse things than to see you treat her right and love her in all the ways I


    can’t.”


    Upon hearing this, Elliot reached out to pat his shoulder, but he couldn’t find the words tofort


    him.


    At that moment, they fixed their gazes on the woman who was seated on the living room couch.


    While these two men were talking about their feelings for her, Anastasia was entirely oblivious as


    she admired the interesting and somewhat whimsical painting on the wall. She looked dazzling and


    alluring in the morning light, and she looked like she could make anywhere her own space.


    Nigel was reluctant to give up his feelings for her, but at the same time, he was incredibly relieved.


    He nced at Elliot and said, “I’ll leave her to you, Elliot.”


    Elliot’s smoldering gaze was still on Anastasia, and there was no mistaking the possessiveness that


    burned in his obsidian orbs. He acknowledged what Nigel said. She can only be mine, and I won’t


    allow any other man to get close to her.


    Presently, Anastasia watched as the two men walked up to her, their silhouettes backlit under the


    morning sun. She found herself staring at them like how one might be captivated by stunning works


    of art. The Presgraves have such outrageous genes. she mused.


    Both cousins were tall and broad-shouldered, and their trimmed waistlines, as well as mile-long


    legs, made them incredibly fine specimens. In particr, Elliot, who was the taller of the two, looked


    like a Greek god in the morning light.


    When she caught herself daydreaming, she quickly retracted her gaze. She could feel nothing when


    she stared at Nigel, but her heart would inexplicably start beating wildly whenever she looked at


    Elliot. What’s going on?


    D


    She ignored the butterflies in her stomach as she asked aloud, “Hey, Nigel, can I go up and check


    on Jared?”


    “Sure thing. He bunked in with me in the master bedroomst night,” Nigel replied casually with a


    smile.


    When Elliot heard this, he frowned and quickly stopped Anastasia. “Wait here. I’ll go and get him.”


    Nigel didn’t want to miss an opportunity to aggravate Elliot, so he said, “Ignore him, Anastasia. Just


    go up and take a look around my room.”


    “What is there to look at in your room?” Elliot shot his cousin a dark look as jealousy seized him.


    Anastasia had no idea why they were bickering all of a sudden, but before she could say anything,


    Elliot had already walked up the stairs. She didn’t want to go with him, so she turned and said to


    Nigel instead, “Thanks for babysitting Jaredst night.”


    “Don’t worry about it. We’re family, after all.”


    “Excuse me?”


    Nigel’s eyes widened as he frantically exined, “Oh! I mean, uh, we’re kind of like a family


    anyway.”


    She smiled when she heard this. “You’re right. You’re already like an uncle to Jared!”


    Exasperation welled up in him. All I’ll ever get to be is his uncle! It’s not like I have a choice now.


    It wasn’t long before Elliot descended the stairs with Jared in his arms.


    “Mommy!” Jared greeted happily when he saw his mother in the living room.


    Anastasia beamed at him lovingly, and there was a gentle look in her eyes as she reached out to


    hold him.


    However, Elliot seemed intent on keeping the little boy in his arms as he turned to say to Nigel,


    “We’ll get going then.”


    Nigel could only nod as he walked them to the door. Then, he stood on the front step and watched


    the three of them leave. He found himself thinking that they looked just like a family. I hope things


    work out between you and Anastasia, Elliot. I can’t wait to have her as a cousin-inw.


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