Chapter 21:

The following morning, Elyse awoke to find Jayden sleeping beside her. Instantly alert, she impulsively nudged him, sending him tumbling to the floor. He clutched his side, attempting to rise, but the reality of his paralyzed legs hit him hard. He met Elyse's innocent gaze and clenched his jaw. "What was that about?"

"I had a nightmare," Elyse explained, shrugging. "I didn't mean to shove you."

Jayden, rubbing his brows, hoisted himself back onto the bed. Elyse was taken aback by his effortless movement. Locking eyes with her, Jayden suspected she was lying. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"How could you think that? You left me last night! I wasn't upset, and now you're accusing me!" Elyse retorted, her voice laced with hurt.

Jayden sensed her fury and knew a quick reconciliation was unlikely. Elyse, determined to avoid further conversation, dressed and went downstairs, seeking refuge from Jayden on the film set. She found Tracy amidst the filming and sat down, waiting.

Soon, Morgan approached, script in hand. "Mind if I have a word?" she asked.

Elyse nodded, surprised. Morgan sat down and looked intently at Elyse. Though not uneasy, Elyse felt uncertain.

"What's with the intense look? Do we know each other?" Elyse asked, perplexed.

Morgan shook her head. "No, we haven't met. But it's odd. I feel a strange familiarity, like I've seen you somewhere."

Elyse was speechless. After a long silence, Morgan continued slowly. "The truth is, I lost some memories. My husband found me by a river; he saved my life. I was in a coma for a month. My past is a blur."

Morgan reached out, her eyes tender, and touched Elyse's face. "I thought I'd live without answers, but seeing you, I feel hope of uncovering my past, discovering who I am."

Elyse, caught off guard, stared at Morgan. She scratched her head sheepishly. "Honestly, I don't recognize you. I'm pretty sure we've never met."

"It's okay," Morgan reassured her, smiling gently and tousling Elyse's hair. "Seeing you sparks a familiar feeling. Maybe I'm just looking for a connection." Elyse, amused, added Morgan as a friend on her phone, promising to help her remember.

As they talked, Tracy approached. "Wow. There's a Maybach parked outside. It's stunning."

A passerby chimed in, "I saw a guy in a wheelchair get out. He's handsome—even better-looking than the actors!"

Elyse panicked. Tracy, noticing her reaction, leaned in discreetly. "Is your husband here? My role is small. Does he need to be here?"

Elyse grimaced. Recalling their argument, Tracy speculated, "Did you two fight? Did he come to find you?"

Elyse replied awkwardly, "Maybe he's not here for me."

"Stop deceiving yourself," Jayden interrupted, grabbing her shoulders and lifting her up. "Let's discuss this at home."

Elyse felt a twinge of guilt, but then anger surged. "I'm not at fault! Why should I cooperate with you?"

Tracy discreetly tugged at Elyse's clothes, urging caution. But Elyse's eyes blazed with discontent.

Jayden, amused by her reaction, tightened his grip. In a low voice, he said, "I've had a change of heart. We'll deal with this in the car."

Elyse trembled, her defiance crumbling. ...