Chapter 1282:

Jayden’s voice trailed off, and a haunting silence filled the room. His eyes dulled, the light within them extinguished by the weight of his memories. “That evening,” he said softly, “I held the cake in my trembling hands, smeared with blood. My teeth chattered from the terror as I stared at it. Enzo had come down from his quarters to the kitchen. He wanted to see me break.” A shiver ran through him as he added, “I can still see the disdain on his face. That expression… it’s burned into my memory. I’ll never forget it.” With a voice thick with scorn, Enzo had said, “Jayden, you’re paying the price for your disobedience. Neither sweets nor the bunny are yours to claim.” Jayden’s hatred for Enzo surged to unprecedented levels. He longed to destroy him, to avenge the death of his cherished bunny. Yet, at that time, he was nothing more than a defenseless, vulnerable child. Elyse watched Jayden closely, her heart heavy with turbulent emotions. Whatever notions she had of his past were nothing compared to the cruel realities Enzo had imposed on him. Without thinking, she drew Jayden into an embrace. “Are you alright now?” she asked softly. Jayden sighed, his voice tinged with lingering pain. “I’m not sure if I can ever fully recover, but Peyton reminds me that Enzo’s influence lingers in my behavior.” “But I killed Enzo. He’s gone!” Elyse insisted, her voice firm. “He may be gone physically,” Jayden replied, his tone laden with resignation, “but he still haunts me. His presence lingers in my flesh, in my memories. His stain is something I’ll carry forever.” Overwhelmed, Elyse found herself speechless. A tense silence enveloped them, heavy with unspoken feelings. After a moment, she mustered her courage, cradled his face in her hands, and kissed him gently. Jayden, surprised yet pleased, blinked in mild confusion. “Why did you do that?” “That’s your reward,” Elyse whispered softly. “Your history is burdensome, and while I can’t change it, I’m grateful you opened up to me.” Jayden’s mouth opened slightly in surprise. “A kiss? That’s all I get after sharing so much?” Elyse’s eyes widened slightly. “What more do you expect?” Jayden moved closer to her, his eyes alight with a renewed passion. “You’ve stirred something in me again. Why did you have to be so enticing?” Elyse was utterly baffled. Before she could respond, Jayden had already acted. By the time she realized what was happening, she found him inside her again. When Jayden finally finished, the evening sun cast long shadows across the room. Elyse, utterly drained, immediately passed out. Feeling content, Jayden got up from the bed. After a refreshing shower, he made his way down to the living room, where Driscoll had been waiting patiently. Driscoll greeted him with a slight nod. “Half an hour ago, Peyton called. He said he wanted to talk to you.” Jayden quirked an eyebrow. “I thought he was going on a trip. What does he want to discuss now?” Without further delay, Jayden walked into the study and called Peyton, who answered almost immediately. Jayden’s tone was teasing. “You’re on vacation and still thinking about me?” . .noveldrama .