Chapter 1224:

Ignoring Peyton’s comments, Jayden planned a breakfast spread for Elyse, including extra bacon and sausages. He hurried back to his room with the food. Elyse was awake, sitting on the bed, her gaze unfocused. Jayden approached with a bright smile, holding up the tray. “Honey, I brought you breakfast. Eat something while it’s still hot.”

Elyse massaged her forehead and glanced at the tray dismissively. “I’m not hungry. You eat.”

Jayden’s concern deepened. “Are you okay? Should I get Peyton to check on you?”

“No, it’s not necessary,” Elyse murmured, her voice flat. “I just don’t feel like eating.”

Jayden urged gently, “Please, try to eat something. You know you haven’t been well.”

Elyse’s patience thinned. “Jayden, I think we should go our separate ways.”

Her statement hung in the air, not as a question or a challenge, but as a simple, definitive declaration. Jayden’s voice cracked slightly. “Why?”

Elyse sighed, her fatigue evident. “I’m tired, Jayden. I can’t do this anymore. We need to part ways.”

Panicking, Jayden offered, “You just need some space, right? I’ll go now, and you can have some peace. I’ll check on you later this afternoon.”

Elyse’s voice was resolute. “I’m talking about us—in any form. It’s time to end everything.”

Jayden was baffled. “Why? We’ve cleared up the misunderstandings. We can sit down and discuss everything.”

Leaning back against her pillow, Elyse’s tone was dismissive. “I don’t want to discuss anything with you.” Panic surged through Jayden; he feared her feelings had changed, yet he couldn’t accept it. He approached her, his voice tinged with desperation. “Can’t we solve anything with a conversation?”

Frustration flashed in Elyse’s eyes. “Now you want to talk? What about all those times I tried to reach out and you shut me down? You dictated the start and the end. Why should I have to dance to your tune?”

Jayden shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. I just wanted to sort everything out and then discuss it with you—all at once.”

Elyse’s patience snapped. “Did you ever consider how agonizing it was for me, waiting for your explanation?” As Jayden reached out to her, she swiftly pulled her hand back. . . .