Elise held her tongue. Since Elizabeth had chosen to move on, she wouldn't make her friend regret that decision.

"You and Samantha don't need to worry about me. I'll be perfectly fine. Only when I've reached a complete dead-end will I come knocking on your doors without hesitation," Elizabeth said cheerfully.

"Alright," Elise replied.

"I should go now. I need to learn how to cook properly."

"What?"

"Right now, when I'm unsure what to do next, I'm starting by mastering basic life skills," Elizabeth explained seriously.

She genuinely seemed determined to live her best life.

If Nathan could truly bring light into Elizabeth's world, Elise would wholeheartedly support them.

"I won't keep you from your culinary education then," Elise teased gently.

"Next time, I'll invite you and Samantha over for a home-cooked meal."

"Looking forward to it."

They ended the call.

Elise breathed a sigh of relief, only then realizing how exhausted she felt.

Between the court case and everything that happened to Elizabeth afterward, she hadn't slept properly in weeks.

She yawned deeply and slept until she woke naturally.

Stretching lazily, Elise considered ordering takeout when she remembered Elizabeth learning to cook...

While she'd never been interested in cooking before, the thought of William visiting frequently made her reconsider.

She couldn't keep feeding him delivery food forever. After a moment's hesitation, she changed clothes and headed to the nearby grocery store.

The moment she opened her door, she found a tall man and a small boy standing right outside.

Elise frowned.

It was Saturday.

Why had William brought James over? And without even texting her first.

"I'm flying overseas tomorrow," William explained. "I brought James to stay with you for the week. Charles happens to be visiting his hometown this week too."

Elise suddenly remembered William had been overseas when her legal troubles began.

He'd returned briefly, and now he was probably finishing his unresolved business abroad.

Complex emotions stirred within her, but she simply said, "Okay."

"Mommy, are you going out?" James asked, noticing her outfit.

"Yes, I am."

"Where? Can I come too?" James asked excitedly.

"I'm going... grocery shopping," Elise continued. "To cook dinner."

"Mommy, you're going to cook?" James practically vibrated with excitement.

William gave her a meaningful look. He was undoubtedly remembering the kitchen disaster she'd created last time.