Chapter 151:

Elyse reacted with surprise. "So you're saying you don't have any feelings for her?"

Jayden replied, "Let me repeat myself. I wasn't exactly nice to her, either."

Skeptical, Elyse challenged, "So why did you let her take my place at dinner? And you just sat there while she picked on me."

Jayden, feeling trapped, responded, "Why didn't you stand up for yourself?"

Taken aback, Elyse questioned, "What are you saying?"

With a composed demeanor, Jayden explained, "In public, I expect you to carry yourself as a refined lady. However, at home, there's no need to maintain that facade. If someone encroaches on your belongings or space, feel free to reclaim what is rightfully yours."

"So you think it's my fault for not standing my ground? You're giving her a free pass to take my things. And if I reclaim them, you're going to fault me for being narrow-minded, right?" Elyse inquired, seeking clarity.

Jayden scoffed, "Do you really see me as that kind of person?"

"Who can say," Elyse replied uncertainly. She felt unjustly treated and began to doubt the solidity of their relationship. In her heart, she knew their bond was delicate, likely to crumble under pressure. It wouldn't take much for them to fall apart. She kept these thoughts from Jayden, sensing a wall had risen between them.

Just then, Driscoll and the staff approached, grinning widely and carrying bouquets. "Mrs. Owen, these flowers are courtesy of Mr. Owen. Aren't they splendid?"

Elyse was moved, holding the vibrant pink roses close, tears welling in her eyes. Jayden felt a sting of disappointment. "What do you take me for? Didn't I get you pink roses, too?"

Tears streamed down Elyse's face. Her voice quivered, "Did you really plan this surprise for me?"

"Who else?" Jayden replied, his gaze tender.

Observing Elyse's emotional reaction, Driscoll pondered that Jayden might not have the softest voice, but he was changing, making an effort. With a camera in hand, Driscoll suggested, "Today is unforgettable. Why not capture it in a photo?"

The suggestion took Elyse by surprise, prompting her and Jayden to exchange glances. Seizing the moment, the servants nudged the pair closer. Side by side, they grappled with a mix of feelings.

Camera in hand, Driscoll took command. "Let's see those smiles!"

Flushed with embarrassment, Elyse mustered a stiff smile.

"You look lovely when you smile," he said. Glancing at the camera, Driscoll chuckled at Jayden's solemn face. "Come on, Mr. Owen, a smile, please."

Elyse peered at Jayden, who was usually quick to smile, but now his face was unreadable. In a whisper, she urged, "Smile."

Jayden, not keen on losing his composure but equally unwilling to disappoint them, cleared his throat and offered a restrained smile. At the sight of Jayden's grin, Driscoll snapped the photo without hesitation.

Holding a bouquet of pink roses, Elyse smiled with refined grace. Jayden, seated beside her, smiled sincerely, his joy evident. Driscoll looked over the photograph, immensely pleased, convinced the two were a match made in heaven.

Elyse was toying with the flowers when Jayden gently reminded her, "Why don't you give the flowers to the maid temporarily and come have lunch?"

With a slight nod, Elyse handed the blooms to the nearby maid and took a seat beside Jayden, wondering if their close seating was intentional. While seated, Elyse's gaze was drawn to the intricate patterns on the tableware, bringing a smile to her face.

Driscoll approached, giving Jayden the camera to show him the photo. He hinted pointedly, "Mrs. Elyse, you might not be aware, but Mr. Owen crafted those two figures himself."

Elyse, caught by surprise, looked up. "Did Jayden make these?"

Jayden, caught off guard by Driscoll's disclosure, coughed to cover his bashfulness and scolded, "Driscoll, you weren't supposed to tell her that."

With deference, Driscoll replied, "Mr. Owen, if you don't share your efforts with her, she'll remain oblivious. After all, you toiled over them all afternoon."

Touched by the gesture, Elyse asked, "You really designed them?"

Jayden, feeling such matters were beneath him but unable to deny his handiwork, struggled to maintain his composure. He confessed, "Yes, I mulled over it all afternoon but couldn't find inspiration. In the end, I used your likeness."

To ensure she understood, he explained further, "With your likeness, it's unmistakably yours. I intended nothing more by it."

...