Chapter 210:

Peyton realized Jayden hadn't grasped it; he hadn't anticipated this level of obtuseness. After a moment's contemplation, he asked, "Corrie called you, and now you're here. Why did you do as she asked?"

Jayden responded calmly, "Certainly, there's a motive."

"What motive?" Peyton pressed.

Jayden remained silent, pivoting his wheelchair. "I'm avoiding drinks," he stated. "You'll handle the aftermath."

Speechless, Peyton pleaded, "Oh, come on. All I wanted was some homebound gaming."

Jayden departed without looking back, waving a farewell. Peyton considered leaving, but Corrie grabbed him, forcing him to sit beside her.

"Peyton, long time no see. How's the doctor gig treating you?" Corrie slurred, leaning heavily on him.

With a grim expression, Peyton tried to push Corrie away, but failed. "You reek. Have you been throwing up?"

Clutching him tighter, Corrie protested, "That's harsh, Peyton. How could you say that? I don't stink."

Suddenly, a thought struck her. She hadn't found Jayden. "Where's Jayden?" she asked.

Pinching his nose, Peyton didn't mince words. "Why are you after Jayden? He's married now. He's not at your beck and call anymore."

Corrie was taken aback. Struggling for clarity, she asked, "Jayden's married? When did this happen? Why wasn't I informed?"

Pushing aside a bottle, Peyton massaged his throbbing temples. "Because you've been studying abroad."

Corrie looked blank, overwhelmed by the news. After a moment, she composed herself. "But Jayden's bound to a wheelchair for life. Who would willingly marry him?"

Peyton scoffed. "Love conquers all. What do you know? And don't pull that stunt again. Jayden's off-limits now that he's married," he warned.

Intrigued, Corrie raised an eyebrow. "Do you have photos of her? I'm curious to see Jayden's true love."

Peyton's response was firm. "No, she's none of my concern. Why would I have her photos?"

"Boring," Corrie muttered, her demeanor somber despite the festive atmosphere. "Hey, sober up. Go home. I'm leaving," Peyton declared, checking his watch and rising to leave.

As he started to leave, Corrie stopped him. "What did I do? I sense your dislike. Was it because I called Jayden in the middle of the night?"

Turning to face her, Peyton hesitated, then finally said, "Don't you realize you woke me up? I was asleep."

Corrie was surprised but quickly recovered. "My bad. I didn't know you were sleeping."

With a sigh, Peyton said goodbye and left. As he left the bar, rain began to fall. He tilted his head upward, whispering, "Corrie's back. Time to visit Louis."

Upon returning home, Jayden found Elyse asleep, breathing steadily, her face partly hidden by the covers. He approached the bed carefully, gazing at her peaceful face, struck by her beauty.

Unable to resist, Jayden lightly touched her cheek. "You're not mad, are you?" he whispered to himself.

Elyse mumbled and shifted in her sleep. Amused, Jayden chuckled. He gently lifted the covers and put his arm around her waist.