Chapter 1298:

Pearce’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Perhaps, but Elyse has flourished regardless. She possesses strong convictions and embraces accountability for her path. Her strength commands my respect. Since you care for her, try to appreciate this remarkable quality in her.”

Before stepping into Jayden’s car, Elyse carefully confirmed her work schedule with Chloe, her demeanor calm and deliberate. Only after everything was finalized did she turn and enter the vehicle. Jayden followed closely, his presence a shadow tethered to hers.

The car doors closed with a faint thud, and as the engine hummed to life, Elyse turned her gaze toward the passing cityscape. After a moment of silence, her voice broke the stillness.

“I didn’t expect you to say all that to my grandmother. Were you being sincere?”

Jayden turned slightly, his expression measured. “She deserves my respect.”

Elyse shifted her gaze to meet his, her face calm but unreadable. “But she’s made it very clear she’s dissatisfied with you and doesn’t want me to marry you.”

A long pause settled between them, as though Jayden were carefully choosing his words. Finally, he spoke, his voice deliberate. “When you left to go abroad, and I found myself pursuing you, I had a deep conversation with Peyton. He said something that has stuck with me—something I’ve been reflecting on ever since. He told me that from the very beginning, you and I were destined to be husband and wife, but neither of us was ready for the weight of that bond. We weren’t equipped to face the challenges of marriage, especially since our relationship lacked the solid foundation that other couples often take for granted.”

Elyse’s lips parted slightly in surprise, the candor in his words catching her off guard. Peyton’s insight seemed to cast a light on the flaws she hadn’t fully understood. Back then, the anxiety of marrying Jayden without truly knowing him, without the time to nurture their relationship, had plagued her. When the inevitable conflicts arose, she felt overwhelmed, unprepared for the gravity of what lay ahead.

Elyse felt unarmed and unprepared to handle the challenges that had come with their marriage. More than that, she had barely known him. Their divorce had been a painful but necessary decision. Continuing the relationship had felt like steering a sinking ship—it was better to abandon it than to go down with it.

After a pause, Elyse’s voice, tinged with fragility, broke the silence. “And then?”

Jayden began, his tone steady. “Peyton suggested something that made sense. He said that if the divorce was inevitable, I should start over. Court you, like a normal couple would. Build something real and strong—day by day, step by step. He advised me to work through problems as they come, and only once the relationship is on solid ground, bring our families into the equation.”

Jayden’s voice softened, carrying a vulnerability Elyse wasn’t accustomed to hearing. “Right now, Felicia is your most important family member. Even if she disapproves of me, I need to win her over. No woman dreams of marrying without her family’s blessing.”

As his words settled in the air, Elyse felt an unexpected warmth seep into her heart. A part of her, long encased in skepticism, softened at the earnestness he displayed. Perhaps, just perhaps, Jayden was indeed changing. Slowly, yes, but the shift was unmistakable.

Her eyes glistened, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I never thought you’d be so serious.”

Jayden chuckled, his tone tinged with self-deprecation. “Peyton warned me—if I mess this up, I’ll face the consequences.”