My Baby Daddy Isn't Human-Chapter 88: Words Unsaid

Raelynn pushed the glass doors leading to the backyard open, clutching the book she borrowed from the library earlier in the day. A soft breeze greeted her, carrying the fresh smell of cut grass and flowers in bloom. A gentle glow from the fairy lights lined the backyard, barely bright enough to chase away the shadows. It was the perfect place to relax, or so she thought.

As she stepped onto the patio, her gaze landed on Elion, sitting on one of the couches near the edge of the garden. His back was straight, one arm draped casually along the backrest, while the other rested on his knee. He wasn't looking at anything in particular, his gaze distant and unfocused. A nearby lamp threw shadows across his sharp features, making him seem even harder to read than usual.

"Oh," Raelynn murmured softly, caught off guard by his presence. She wasn't expecting anyone else to be here. Gathering her nerves, she smiled and called out, "Hi."

Elion didn't look startled—he rarely did. He just lifted his head and gave her a quick nod, then went back to staring whatever invisible point he had been staring at.

Raelynn hesitated, holding the book tighter against her chest. She considered retreating back inside but decided against it. Taking a deep breath, she moved a little closer. "Uh… mind if I sit here?"

Elion's eyes flickered to her briefly before he leaned back in his seat. His expression was as neutral as ever, though there was a flicker of something in his gaze—something she couldn't quite place. "Go on. It's not like I'm taking up the whole place."

His words sounded casual, but something in his tone made her stop. Shrugging it off, Raelynn settled into the seat opposite him, crossing her legs and setting the book on her lap. The muted thump of the cushion beneath her seemed louder than it should in the silence that followed.

Raelynn opened her book and stared at the page, but the words blurred together as her thoughts wandered. She couldn't help but glance at Elion from time to time. He was uncharacteristically quiet tonight. He'd always been reserved, but this silence felt different—heavier.

She shifted slightly, the book still unopened in her hands. "You've been quiet," she said, attempting to break the ice.

Elion didn't answer right away. His jaw tightened, and his gaze remained fixed on the garden. Finally, he responded, "I didn't realize it required commentary to sit in silence."

Raelynn's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by his blunt response. "I didn't mean it like that," she said softly, looking down at the book. Her fingers traced the edges of the cover, feeling awkward and unsure of what else to say.

The silence stretched on again, and Raelynn debated whether to stay or leave. She'd tried engaging him earlier during dinner, but he'd brushed her off with similar short responses. Now, it felt like he was deliberately keeping her at arm's length, and she didn't understand why.

Just as she was about to give up and retreat into her book, Elion spoke, breaking the quiet. "How was your visit to the library?"

Raelynn glanced up, surprised. His tone wasn't as sharp as before, but it still lacked the warmth she hated herself for wanting. "Oh, it was fun," she replied, grateful for the opportunity to talk. She leaned back, relaxing slightly. "There were just so many books… It felt like the shelves went on forever."

Elion let out a vague sound, his eyes narrowing a bit but staying quiet. Raelynn smiled at the memory, her excitement bubbling up despite the tension. "And Axel—he's really good at his job. He recommended this book to me," she added, holding up the hardcover in her hands. "He has a knack for picking out exactly what you're in the mood for."

The moment the name "Axel" left her lips, Elion's posture stiffened. She saw his fingers curl a little, his knuckles brushing his pants. She faltered, her words trailing off as his expression darkened.

Out of nowhere, Elion got to his feet. The sudden movement made her flinch, and she watched as he shoved his hands into his pockets, avoiding her eyes.

"Elion?" she called out hesitantly, her brows furrowing. "Did I say something wrong?"

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He didn't answer. Without a word, he turned and headed toward the house. Raelynn sat frozen, staring after him in confusion. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving her alone with the book.

Her chest tightened as she stared down at the book in her lap. What had just happened? Elion's behavior had been puzzling all evening, and now he'd left without so much as a word. She replayed their conversation in her mind, searching for anything that could have upset him.

The only thing that stood out was her mention of Axel. Could that have been it? But why? She couldn't figure out why Elion would care about her or her new friend. Her lips pressed together in frustration as she leaned back against the couch, staring up at the sky.

The stars barely showed tonight, their shine drowned out by the city lights. Normally, she found the sight calming, but now it only reminded her of the strange distance growing between her and Elion. She had believed they were growing closer, creating something deeper than just co-parenting. But now, it felt like he was deliberately pulling away, shutting her out.

Raelynn sighed and opened her book, determined to focus on something else. But the words on the page refused to hold her attention. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Elion—his sharp tone, his distant gaze, and the way he'd walked away without an explanation.

Had she done something to upset him? Maybe there was something else on his mind, something he wasn't willing to share with her? The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving a hollow ache in her chest.

Funny thing was, she couldn't even figure out why it bugged her this badly.