Chapter 170:

Jayden looked at Clive with a puzzled expression. "What makes you think I have feelings for Elyse?"

Clive replied, "If not, why are you so invested in her?" He echoed Peyton's words in his mind. "If your feelings for Elyse are genuine, you must tell her the truth about your condition. Are you willing to keep this from her indefinitely?"

The reminder gave Jayden a headache. Massaging his temple, he asked, "Do you think now is the right time to tell her?"

Clive couldn't read Jayden's thoughts, but he sensed a deep love between Jayden and Elyse. Keeping such a secret seemed wrong. "When do you think would be the ideal time?" Clive asked sincerely.

Jayden considered this but couldn't answer. He felt uncertain and worried about the dangers involved. Revealing his deception to Elyse felt like endangering her. He couldn't be that selfish.

Finally, Jayden dismissed Clive, telling him to take a taxi. "Get a taxi."

Standing by the roadside, Clive asked, "Why can't I go with you to see Elyse?"

Jayden was perplexed. "Why would you want to come with me?"

Clive was speechless. He just wanted to see Jayden try to please his wife. Was that too much to ask?

Jayden's practical response crushed Clive's hopes. He watched Jayden's car drive away, leaving him in the exhaust fumes.

Jayden arrived and entered as Elyse's family member. He knew the orchestra's rehearsal studio well and searched for Elyse, but couldn't find her.

Eventually, he found her in a quiet corner of the garden, absorbed in her own world. She sat on a bench, engrossed in her phone, unaware of his approach.

Elyse sensed someone nearby. Startled, she looked up, panicked, only to see Jayden. Relief washed over her, evident in her sigh. "You scared me, Jayden."

"Has someone been bothering you?" Jayden asked directly.

"Not exactly. It wasn't quite bothering," Elyse avoided his gaze. She added unconvincingly, "The director, Merlin, suggested I withdraw from the concertmaster competition so another candidate has a better chance."

"Isn't that bothering you?" Jayden asked.

Elyse paused. "I didn't agree to Merlin's conditions," she said firmly.

Jayden lightly flicked her forehead, looking helpless. "He'll pressure you more after you refuse. You're my wife. Why can't you confront him more assertively, using my support?"

Rubbing her forehead, Elyse felt embarrassed. She wondered if Jayden had much influence in the music industry.

Frustrated, Elyse said, "This opportunity is something I've worked hard for. Despite Merlin's attempts, I won't give it up. I have to persevere."

Jayden asked, "Then why did you text me about my whereabouts and say how much you missed me?"

Elyse's voice was vulnerable. "I really did miss you," she admitted softly.

Jayden stared at her intently. As he continued to look at her, Elyse's cheeks flushed crimson, the warmth spreading to her ears. He finally asked, "Elyse, don't tell me you've fallen in love with me."

"What?" Jayden's blunt question revealed her inner turmoil, panicking Elyse. His directness caught her off guard, making her wish she'd kept her secret better. Anxiously, she explained, "I just blushed. Why do you assume I have feelings for you?"

Seeing her bewildered expression, Jayden's interest was piqued. He playfully teased her, gently brushing his finger against her cheek. A rush of warmth went through her; her temperature noticeably rose. "What...what are you doing?" Elyse's shyness was clear, though she tried to seem indifferent.

Her voice trembled, and she struggled to stay calm. A mischievous smile played on Jayden's lips as he watched her, his eyes full of intrigue. "Elyse, I can hear your heart racing. Is your affection for me really that strong?"

Startled, Elyse instinctively covered her chest, feeling her rapid heartbeat. Tears tinged her cheeks. "Why are you doing this? Are you just teasing me?" Her voice wavered as she nervously bit her lip.

Jayden nodded, his smirk confirming her suspicion. "Yes."

Elyse glared at him, retaliating by pinching his thigh hard, her eyes full of resolve. "I don't have feelings for you, okay?"

Jayden endured the pain silently, letting Elyse continue. But she persisted, pinching mercilessly. She genuinely thought he was incapacitated.

In a fit of rage, Jayden grabbed her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and fiercely kissed her. He didn't care about the consequences; he only wanted revenge.

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