Keith's eyes twinkled with mischief before he broke into a grin and asked, "So, you've mistaken me for Elijah's dad, huh?"
Elysia felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Keith's laughter softened the awkward moment. "Seems like Ms. Thorne has fallen for him. That's great. He is the kids' father, after all. If you two got together, it would be like a family reunion. Best wishes to you both."
Elysia's eyes widened in shock at Keith's words, nearly forgetting that he knew her secret! It was a reminder that she couldn't afford to get too close or offend him easily.
"Our family situation is a bit... complicated," Elysia managed to say.
"I know, Elliot filled me in. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I won't gossip or spill anything. I'll help you keep it under wraps," Keith reassured her.
Elysia thanked him politely, then asked why he had come over.
Keith had brought over a cake, apologizing for dampening the mood when he first moved in and wanting to make amends.
Elysia was looking for a way to decline the cake when Blossom suddenly appeared.
"Keith?"
She had planned to catch up on the latest gossip with Elysia and Tarquin, so Keith's presence took her by surprise.
After a brief exchange at the door, Blossom warmly invited Keith inside.
The kids, hearing Keith's voice, came to greet him. "Hey, brought you guys some cake," Keith announced cheerfully.
"Thanks, Keith! Come on in, let's chat for a bit," Elliot welcomed him eagerly.
The kids were taken aback by his candid admission.
Keith continued, "He punched me today because I disrespected your mom in my words. If a man doesn't love a woman enough, he wouldn't care what anyone says about her. So, you can rest assured, he truly likes your mom."
Evan frowned, "So, the disrespectful things you said about our mom, you did that on purpose?"
Keith feigned surprise, "You knew?"
The kids exchanged puzzled looks.
Keith's open and straightforward demeanor didn't seem deceitful at all, leaving the kids with mixed feelings.

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