Chapter 1137: noveldrama

Edward scoffed. “What, afraid of ruining that pretty-boy look?”

Jayden’s reply was measured. “If my face gets injured, Elyse will worry and blame herself, thinking it’s her fault.”

Edward’s retort died on his lips, leaving him speechless.

At dawn, Elyse stirred and stepped from her room. As she passed the grand bed, her eyes fell on Jayden, cocooned in blankets. An inexplicable force drew her to him.

What began as a simple glance at his sleeping face soon shifted as her attention fixed on the red-tinged marks on his bare shoulder. Her senses sharpened as she crouched closer, finding more bruises along his arms.

Frowning, she carefully peeled back the covers. Jayden’s eyes flew open, a mixture of shock and caution flashing across his face as his grip on the sheets tightened.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Jayden asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

“Where did these marks come from? What were you doing last night?” she demanded.

Jayden’s expression hardened. “Nothing. I didn’t do anything.”

“Then explain the bruises,” Elyse pressed.

His response was firm. “You’re imagining things.”

She reached out, lightly pressing a bruise. Jayden winced, pain flickering across his face, but he stayed silent, his eyes defiant.

Elyse let out a cold laugh. “So, you’re not going to tell me the truth? What am I to you, Jayden?”

He avoided her gaze, pulling the covers tighter without another word.

Disappointment weighed heavily on Elyse’s chest as she realized this was just another instance of Jayden dodging her questions. She stood, sighed, and went to freshen up.

When her footsteps faded, Jayden exhaled in relief. Pain surged through him as he shifted, and when he looked down, he saw the bruises decorating his torso—remnants of Edward’s attack.

Lost in thought, Jayden was startled when Elyse returned. She glanced at him, still bundled up, before casually approaching.

“I’m heading to Anthony’s. Do you want to come?”

Jayden hesitated, then muttered, “I’ll catch up later. Still feeling a little out of it.”

Elyse shrugged. “Alright, I’ll let you rest.”

A faint smirk tugged at her lips. She suspected he had been up to something the night before.