Chapter 1067:
He sighed, noting the pain in Elyse’s eyes. “I understand if my methods seem incomprehensible to you. As long as they kept you safe, the reason didn’t matter. I offered an eight-million-dollar bounty for your safe capture, ensuring no one would dare harm you. This hefty sum was a deterrent against recklessness, giving the illusion of danger while actually providing you the utmost security. This was my way of protecting you when I couldn’t be there.”
Elyse, struggling to articulate her feelings, remained silent for a moment. “I’m worn out. I need a shower, something to eat, and then I’m going to bed.”
“Alright. I’ll show you to my room,” Jayden agreed.
Frowning, Elyse questioned, “Isn’t there a room just for me?”
Jayden explained, “We’re not at my place; this is one of Garret’s properties. Many areas here are restricted. Given the ongoing crisis, it’s safer to stick together.”
Speechless, Elyse found her thoughts in even greater turmoil.
“It’s really annoying to share a room with you,” she complained.
Jayden exhaled deeply. “Things are just this way for now. If we were at my place, I’d set things up differently. Just bear with it. Once everything settles, I’ll make it right.”
“You always tell me to just deal with it and wait it out. I’m sick of it,” Elyse retorted sharply, her frustration evident. “Where’s the shower? I need that shower!”
“I’ll show you,” Jayden responded, leading her upstairs.
Once they reached the room, Jayden opened the bathroom door. “Go ahead and shower. I’ll find some fresh clothes for you.”
As Elyse closed the door behind her, she missed the fleeting, sly look that crossed Jayden’s face.
Under the warm spray of the shower, Elyse felt her emotions swirling. The events of the past weighed heavily on her, and although she wanted to cry, no tears came. She simply stood there, numbed by the stream.
After showering and changing into fresh clothes, Elyse found a bowl of clam chowder waiting for her on the table.
“This clam chowder…” Elyse began, taken aback.
“I made it myself,” Jayden revealed.
Surprised, Elyse realized she had never known Jayden to cook. This was a first. She took a spoonful, and the taste pleasantly surprised her, enhancing her appetite.
“It’s delicious, isn’t it? If you enjoy it, I could cook for you daily,” Jayden proposed.
Elyse frowned upon hearing “daily.” She was all too familiar with such promises—beautiful yet empty. She had become immune to his often unfulfilled promises.
Jayden observed quietly as she ate. Once finished, he suggested, “Now you should rest. Garret will be back tonight, and you’ll have a chance to meet him then.”
. . .