Chapter 1353:

Elyse paused, choosing her words carefully. “To affirm that would only give you false hope, a tale far from the truth.”

The caller persisted, his voice tinged with hope and desperation. “Given all that’s been said, could you not reunite with your ex? Remember, I am still waiting.”

Concern etched Elyse’s features as she pondered his intimate knowledge of her life.

The host eyed the ticking clock and announced, “Our time is up; we need to wrap this up. We’re saying goodbye now, Mr. S.”

“Just one last thing, please!” the caller pleaded.

Elyse gave a gentle nod. “Go ahead.”

His voice, earnest and filled with emotion, broke through. “I love you, Elyse, with a depth you might not fully grasp!”

The host intervened firmly. “We appreciate your call, Mr. S, but that’s all the time we have. We’re disconnecting now.”

Once the line went silent, the host turned to Elyse, his tone light yet curious. “Well, Elyse, Mr. S is quite the ardent admirer, declaring he’ll wait for you. Any idea who he could be?”

Elyse offered a strained smile, her mind racing. “I’m as baffled as you are. If it were up to me, I’d wish he’d channel his passion toward someone who could return it. I doubt I’m the right person for him.”

The host pondered aloud, “Strange are the ways of the heart. It’s not uncommon for one to fall for another, logic aside.”

After a brief exchange with the host, their session concluded.

In the solitude of the dressing room, Chloe approached, her eyes alight with curiosity. “You truly have no clue about the last caller’s identity?”

Elyse laughed softly, a laugh tinged with frustration. “Not a clue. He seems familiar with me, even claims we’re friends. Despite racking my brain, his identity eludes me.”

Chloe offered a speculative thought. “Perhaps he’s someone so unassuming that he’s simply escaped your notice.”

Elyse hesitated, then offered a thoughtful observation. “Perhaps this mysterious person knows both Jayden and me. He finds courage only behind the anonymity of the radio waves.”

Chloe agreed with a slow nod. “Exactly, and that makes him a coward. He tosses hints about his feelings to catch your attention, yet he cowers behind a pseudonym, never daring to reveal his true self. The epitome of cowardice.”

Dismissing the topic with a wave of her hand, Elyse said, “There’s no point in pondering his motives. My work here is done. Let’s head home.”

They wrapped up and left the dimly lit corridors of the building. As they stepped into the cool evening air, they found Jayden waiting by the entrance, his back against the cold stone wall.