Chapter 14:

"It's not that I look down on you," Jayden replied. "I'm merely speaking the truth. You don't trust me, do you? That's why you don't want me to get too close or do anything for you."

Elyse retorted, "What does it matter? Our marriage isn't about love. We got what we wanted, so let's focus on business interests. No need for unnecessary gestures."

Jayden glanced up casually, surprised by her keen observation. "Yet you've made such gestures," Elyse argued. "You intervened to help me the other day, and you've been very generous with my father, offering resources and projects that don't directly benefit you."

"As I've told you before," Jayden explained, "I won't allow anyone to bully my wife. It wasn't personal. Consider it my way of returning the favor."

Elyse, remembering Driscoll's comments about Jayden's inherent kindness, smiled genuinely. This seemed to make Jayden uneasy; he averted his gaze, his conscience pricking him. "Alright then," she said, her voice carrying a note of gratitude. "Thanks for giving me the opportunity to repay your kindness."

Jayden almost laughed at her cheeky wink but restrained himself, maintaining his usual cool demeanor. Stepping closer, Elyse confidently poked his inner thigh and proclaimed, "You felt that. I'm confident that in time, you will recover completely."

Jayden was speechless. She was touching his sensitive inner thigh. He quickly grabbed her hand. "Stop. Do you realize what you're doing?"

Seeing his reaction, Elyse seemed to have found leverage. "If you don't listen to me," she threatened, "I'll keep poking until you do."

"Are you a child?" Jayden's lips pressed into a thin line, his tone souring, nearing anger.

Suddenly, Jayden winced, clutched his crotch, and his expression darkened. Realizing her mistake, Elyse immediately withdrew her hand and stepped back, alarmed. "I didn't mean to," she blurted out. "It was an accident."

Jayden took several deep breaths before glaring at her fiercely. "How dare you!"

Elyse awkwardly stood, dodging Jayden's reach. Feeling guilty, she announced, "Well, today's massage is over. Have a good rest. I'm leaving now."

Jayden's icy stare sent a chill down her spine, making her flee without looking back. "Now you want to run away?" He felt humiliated, anger simmering within him. Without hesitation, he boarded his wheelchair and chased after her. This was his house; where could she possibly hide? She had made a blunder, and now she would face the consequences.

Elyse hurried to the first-floor living room. Driscoll noticed her descending the stairs and approached with a warm smile. "What would you like to drink?"

Still flustered, Elyse just wanted to escape. "Some coffee, please."

Driscoll nodded, misinterpreting her flushed face as romantic interest. He mused that perhaps a baby might soon be on the way, his smile widening. He set off to make the coffee, encountering Jayden coming downstairs as he finished. "Mr. Owen," he greeted him.

Hearing the sound, Elyse spun around in shock. "Why are you here?"

... ... ...