Meet me halfway (JELSA)

Chapter 28

24th November 2023

"You shouldn't have bothered, I know you're busy. Her driver would've picked her up"

"It's alright, Lily," Elsa smiled, cradling the four-month-old baby bundled in her arms. "I ran into Emma. And, well, it's been a while since I saw Bella."

"She's growing up so fast," Lily murmured, her gaze soft as she looked at her granddaughter, who was reaching out, tiny fingers stretching toward Elsa's hair. "See? She's already starting to reach for things."

Elsa chuckled, watching as the baby's little hand missed, a few strands slipping through her fingers. Bella's face lit up with a delighted smile at Elsa's laughter, making Lily's expression fill with awe. "She's so smart."

"She likes you," Lily said warmly, her voice laced with pride.

"God, I hope so," Elsa said, rocking her. "Babies this age are the cutest"

"I agree, but they turn into a chore when they start talking. Going through a child's 'why' phase isn't for the weak. You'll know when you have children"

Elsa nodded, smiling, pushing her thoughts down. She was already fantasizing about so many things, she didn't need one more concept. She slowly handed the baby to Lily, and smoothed out her clothes. "Is Catherine in? I wanted to say hi"

"She's busy at the moment, I think she's talking to one of her friends. You can stay back if you like"

"Oh," Elsa glanced at her phone and shook her head. "No, I've got to get going. Ari's got a game tomorrow, so I need to be in Michigan City early. I have to finish up some work tonight."

"I'll let Catherine know you wanted to say Hi"

"Thank you, Lily."

Elsa remembered the man in front of her all too well. He was an inch taller than her, with minimal grey hair in the midst of dark brown hair, wrinkled skin, and a clean-shaven face, his skin looking rough. Blue eyes. She'd noticed him as soon as he stepped out of the house, catching sight of her as she opened her car door. She froze mid-motion, her fingers gripping the handle, wondering why Mr. Williams was there. Slowly, she watched him stride toward her, each step deliberate and heavy, and for a split second, she debated turning and walking away. But her feet stayed rooted to the spot, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind as he approached.

"Good evening, Dr. Stenford. How are you doing?" he asked, his voice smooth yet laced with condescension.

Ugh, great. Now I have to greet him back. "Good evening, Mr. Williams. I am doing well-" at least until now. "How are you doing?"

"Good, Thank you" he looked at her with judgemental eyes. "What are you doing here?"

What does he mean by what she was doing here? What was he doing here? "I was just visiting my in-laws," Elsa replied, letting a hint of authority seep into her tone, hoping to rattle him a little. "It had been a while since I saw my niece. Were you visiting Catherine?"

"Funny, I keep forgetting you are married to Jack," he said, a fake smile blessing his face.

"Maybe because my last name isn't Frost?"

"Nice to know you don't let things go easily" He chuckled. "I always considered Jack my son-in-law. He was very happy with my daughter"

"Your daughter?" Elsa repeated, the pieces falling into place. Mr.Williams, Ruby Williams. Ruby fucking Williams. "Ruby Williams?" she paused, thinking about how she'd never made this connection. "I am sorry for your loss"

"I am surprised that you've heard about her"

Elsa narrowed her eyes, sensing his insinuation. "Not surprising at all. Jack and I are married to each other."