Chapter 1164:

Edward smiled warmly. “That’s alright. Now’s your chance to get to know me better, as a friend, as someone you can trust.”

Elyse momentarily stiffened, then unknowingly sighed in relief. Realizing what she had done, she was even more surprised.

Edward chuckled. “I’m guessing you felt relieved when you heard I was stepping back to just be a friend?”

Blushing, Elyse quickly took a bite of her food, trying to cover her embarrassment. “How could I possibly think that?”

“You wear your emotions on your sleeve, so it’s easy for me to read your feelings.”

The waiter began serving the dishes again, and they paused their conversation to quietly savor the food.

As the main course arrived, Edward suddenly said, “Jayden loves you more deeply than either of us thought.”

Elyse glanced up nonchalantly. “You noticed?”

“No, he nearly beat me to a pulp that night.” Edward paused and continued, “Though I nearly did the same to him. We fought intensely, each trying to eliminate the other as a rival.”

Elyse frowned. “You two are out of your minds?” She recalled Jayden’s injuries and couldn’t help but complain.

Edward said, “I don’t recall how long we fought. All I know is that we were both drained, aching all over. Despite the rush of adrenaline, all I wanted by the end was to just lie down and rest.”

After he finished speaking, he fell silent. Elyse couldn’t contain her curiosity and asked, “Then what happened? Did you two end up in a tie?”

Edward gave a rueful smile. “At that moment, I was physically drained. My determination was strong, but my body felt weak. Just as I considered sitting down to rest, Jayden, his eyes red with exhaustion, got to his feet.”

Elyse’s face took on a complex expression.

“Jayden was hardly in better condition than I was. His breathing was so labored that I feared he might need medical attention if he continued. Yet, he not only stood up but approached me, ready to keep fighting.”

As Edward retold this, his expression blended completely with admiration. He continued, “At that moment, as I faced Jayden, it dawned on me that I’m not his equal. While I wanted to rest, he was determined to keep going. He couldn’t bear the thought of stopping because it would mean defeat.”

Edward’s voice was thick with emotion. “In that instant, I knew I had lost to him, to the depth of his love. His love was stronger than mine.”

Elyse was taken aback by the night’s undisclosed revelations. She comforted Edward, saying, “Even though I don’t feel romantically towards you, I don’t believe your love is any less profound or meaningful than anyone else’s. Your love isn’t lacking.”

Edward managed a smile. “I understand. My love might be clumsy, but it’s a treasure to whoever holds it.”