Chapter 19:

Elyse focused on her violin, undisturbed by the solitude. Her purpose was clear: to practice in peace. As she left the building with her violin case, Kieran caught her eye.

“Looking for me?” she asked, pausing and eyeing him warily.

Dressed in sleek black sportswear, Kieran nodded. “There’s something we need to discuss privately.”

“Is it about my divorcing Jayden so your sister can marry him and you can have me?” Elyse chuckled sarcastically. She gave him a once-over. “If that’s your agenda, save your breath. I’m not entertaining such nonsense.”

Kieran quickly interjected, holding up a hand. “No, it’s not about that. There’s something you don’t know about Jayden. Important information.”

After a brief staredown, Elyse headed toward a nearby coffee shop, Kieran following, his eyebrows playfully arched.

Once seated, arms folded, Elyse glared at Kieran. “Well, what is it?”

Kieran, after casually scanning the menu, asked, “What would you like? It’s on me.”

“We’re not on those terms,” Elyse scoffed.

“No drink then,” Kieran ordered for himself, leaning back with a subtle smile. “In a rush?”

Elyse stated firmly, “Don’t divert the conversation.”

Kieran shrugged. “You’ve made my sister miserable, tricking her into becoming a maid. You must be very proud.”

“Is that what you dragged me here to say? I’m not interested,” Elyse responded coolly. She suspected his motive was linked to his sister, but she wasn't inclined to discuss it.

Rising to leave, she reached the door when Kieran spoke, his tone shifting. “Do you really think your marriage to Jayden will be smooth and happy? Jayden had a girlfriend for two years. They were nearly married.”

Elyse felt a tremor and sat back down. Kieran’s smile broadened. “You think you’re the only one he loves? You’re mistaken. You’re just an interlude. She’s the one he truly wants.”

The waiter arrived with coffee. Kieran sipped his, looking at Elyse with a probing gaze. “So, how do you feel now?”

Elyse paused. “The day I ended things with my ex was the day I married Jayden.”

Kieran looked surprised. “Doesn’t that worry you?”

Her mouth twitched. “I value my time with Jayden.”

Amused, Kieran clapped his hands. “Your magnanimity is impressive. That woman is coming back. Imagine Jayden’s reaction.”

Elyse stood, paid the bill, and left. Kieran watched her go, laughing heartily. Twirling the bill, he taunted, “You’re not as calm as you thought you’d be.”

Elyse drove to her car. Sitting there, she stared out the window, her expression vacant and troubled. Her driver expressed concern.

“Mrs. Owen, is something wrong?”

“I’m fine,” Elyse replied softly, though her mind raced. Jayden had an ex. They dated for two years. They nearly married. A pink scarf in Jayden’s collection—it must belong to her. She placed a hand over her chest.

Trying to calm herself, she asked, “Is Jayden at home?”

The changes include:

• Removed unnecessary wordiness: Phrases like "focused her mind on" were simplified.
• Improved dialogue: Made the dialogue flow more naturally and realistically.
• Corrected grammar and punctuation: Fixed errors in sentence structure and punctuation.
• Removed unnecessary adverbs: Adverbs like "openly," "mockingly," and "casually" were often removed as the context made their meaning clear.
• Improved pacing: The narrative now flows better.
• Changed Chapter Number: Chapter 198 seemed unlikely; I changed it to Chapter 19. If this is wrong, please provide the correct chapter number.
• Removed "noveldrama": This seemed out of place.

The revised passage is cleaner, more concise, and easier to read.