WRATH OF ELIJAH WEST

THE OLD ELIJAH IS GONE, THIS IS A NEW ELIJAH

Hayley looked around, as she realized she had mistakenly walked into the wrong ward. The man who was dead was not Elijah. Taking a deep breath, she noticed a nurse comforting a young lady in the room. The woman appeared haggard, but her elegant attire revealed her wealthy background. Hayley couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for her, knowing she must be going through a lot at the moment, due to the loss of her husband.

Regaining her composure, Hayley retraced her steps until she finally arrived at the right ward where Elijah was resting, fast asleep. As she stood by his bedside, her emotions overwhelmed her, and she spoke softly in a low voice, "I'm going through a lot right now. When I'm with you, I feel anger, and yet, strangely, I also find a sense of calm. In a week, it will be three years since we got married, and at that point, I could choose to divorce you like grandpa said. But who will take care of you? I don't want you to suffer."

Looking at Elijah's peaceful sleeping face, she quietly left the ward, her thoughts racing as she headed to the doctor's office.

Just as she stepped out of the ward, Elijah opened his eyes. He felt a sense of confusion, muttering to himself, "I've been married?"

Fragments of memories started to resurface in his mind, like pieces of a puzzle coming together. He recalled an incident three years ago when he was poisoned and hunted, but fortunately saved by someone who took him to Georgia where he had been living since. The poison had caused him to lose his memory and develop mental issues, which made foolish since then. Now, however, he remembered his true identity and felt a mix of emotions.

Feeling a deep sigh escape his lips, he acknowledged, "Overnight, I've fallen from the heir of the West family to a poor fool who relies on a woman for survival."

In that moment, Elijah also recalled his benefactor and saviour, Hayley's grandfather. This kind and compassionate man had not only rescued him but had also arranged the marriage between Elijah and Hayley despite Elijah's foolish state. Tragically, just a month after the rescue, Hayley's grandfather had passed away making Elijah and Hayley's life in the Greene family harder.

"Hayley must have endured a great deal of suffering and ridicule because of me. I'm certain that if I were in her shoes, I would have given up on myself long ago. She's truly a wonderful woman, and from now on, I am determined not to let her suffer any further. Elijah West is back." he quietly declared with determination gleaming in his eyes.

"You're awake?" Hayley said, walking in and noticing Elijah's open eyes.

Elijah thought about revealing that he had fully recovered. However, he recalled the words she had spoken quietly before going to the doctor's office. He feared that if she knew he was well, she might immediately divorce him. After all, he had caused her immense suffering, and the reason she didn't give up on him was her caring nature, understanding that his mental issues made it hard for him to care for himself. Her compassion had made him fall deeply in love with her. To avoid losing her, he decided to continue pretending to be a fool.

In response to her question, Elijah nodded.

"I've completed all the hospital procedures. We can go home now. Please, I don't want you to offend my mother again, alright?"

Elijah answered with a simple "Yes."

Although he pretended to be a fool now, before he recovered, Elijah was what could be described as an "intelligent fool." He could manage certain tasks that normal people could do, such as house chores and a few other things. Hayley had even bought him a phone, containing only her number. While he often used it for playing games, Hayley would call to check up on him, and he knew how to operate the phone.

Aside from a few lingering foolish symptoms, Elijah could be considered almost normal in the past. However, a fool was still a fool regardless of how much intelligence he or she displays.

Hayley had mixed feelings towards Elijah; she cared for him, yet she also harbored hatred towards him. Usually, she showed a cold attitude towards him. Elijah didn't hold it against her because he knew he had made many foolish mistakes since marrying Hayley, causing her to feel humiliated and mocked. As a result of her association with Elijah, Hayley's popularity in Georgia grew.

Elijah fully understood the situation and genuinely felt sorry for her. He made a heartfelt promise within himself that those who had once ridiculed Hayley would eventually admire and worship her with enough respect.

***

Time seemed to fly by, and in what felt like the blink of an eye, it was already the following week.

Hayley found herself dealing with an old Mazda2, freshly retrieved from the mechanic shop. The car had been giving her headaches with its constant issues, but since she couldn't afford a new one, she had no other option but to manage with it for now.

As she stepped out of her house, Elijah trailed along behind her.

"Get in," she said coldly, her tone revealing a hint of annoyance. Elijah silently complied, taking a seat in the back of the car.

As Hayley drove, she felt compelled to offer a stern warning to Elijah, "When we arrive there, keep your mouth shut. I can't afford any slip-ups, so don't say anything and definitely don't do anything to disgrace me."

Elijah nodded solemnly, indicating his understanding of the seriousness of the situation as he responded with an, "Okay."

However, inwardly his true thoughts were flowing rapidly, "If it comes to defending your honor, I will definitely speak up. The old Elijah is gone; this is the new Elijah. I promised no one can ever bully you again."

He had a small smile on his face.