Chapter 1037:

Elyse, her emotions a tangled web these past few days, failed to notice the subtle machinations behind Louise’s offer. After expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Louise, Elyse retreated to her bedroom, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

That afternoon, Edward, dressed in his sharpest attire, stood at Elyse’s door, beaming with excitement. His enthusiasm was impossible to miss.

Elyse opened the door with her purse slung over her shoulder. Catching sight of his bright smile, she paused briefly before commenting, “You seem unusually happy today.”

“Of course!” Edward grinned even wider. “It’s our date day. I’ve been looking forward to this for ages!”

Edward had pulled out all the stops for the occasion. He’d even devised ways to keep Louise occupied, worried she might follow them and disrupt the day. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, Edward added, “Today will be a day you’ll never forget.”

Elyse raised a brow in suspicion. “You’re not planning something embarrassing, are you?”

“Why would you think that?” Edward shot back, feigning offense. “I have excellent taste. I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass you.”

Elyse remained skeptical, knowing full well that Edward’s excitement often led to impulsive decisions.

Once they were in the car, Elyse sat quietly, gazing out the window. Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Edward’s giddiness, but for some reason, it tugged at his heart.

He found himself stealing glances at her profile, mesmerized. “You know,” he said after a while, his voice soft, “you look really beautiful, Elyse. I could look at you forever.”

Elyse smirked, her tone dry. “You’ll get tired of it eventually.”

“Not me,” Edward replied, shaking his head. “Other men might get bored easily, but I’m different. I’m the most devoted guy you’ll ever meet.”

His cheesy words both amused and annoyed her. After a long pause, Elyse sighed, “Please stop. If you keep talking like this, I’ll kick you out of the car.”

Edward chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave. But if I tell a real joke, will you at least smile?”

Elyse shot him a glare. “The point was for you to stop talking.”

“Got it.” Edward mimed zipping his lips, settling into silence.

The quiet felt strangely comforting to Elyse, giving her a brief reprieve from the whirlwind of emotions that had been gnawing at her since learning of Jayden’s possible fate. She still hoped for answers, anything to confirm he was alive.