Chapter 217:

"I know it's hard to believe," Jayden said with a resigned tone, "but I'm not interested in Corrie."

Elyse asked calmly, "You're not interested in her? What's your relationship with her, then? What happened between you in the past? When will you explain everything to me?"

Jayden's patience wore thin. "Why so many questions?" he asked. "I'm your husband; I'll always protect and care for you. Isn't that what matters?"

A deep breath failed to quell Elyse's rising emotions. She thumped the sofa back hard, venting her anger. "Jayden, do you really consider me your wife?" she asked, her voice resigned.

He nodded emphatically. "Indeed, you are my wife." He was certain he'd spend the rest of his life with her.

"You say I'm your wife, yet you keep me in the dark," Elyse said, her voice breaking. "You make it hard to connect with you, to feel close even when we're together." Her calm eyes, filled with sadness, weakened her knees, and she sank to the floor, clutching them. "Jayden, you're hiding secrets. You don't consider me your wife if you're building walls around yourself."

For a moment, Jayden was flustered. Did she know his secrets? He quickly dismissed the thought. Elyse wouldn't have questioned him like this if she knew. His secrets were indeed hidden, but had she sensed something was amiss?

His feelings for her were strong, but he wasn't ready to reveal his secrets. "I'm not hiding anything from you," he said flatly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I'm lucky to have you as my wife."

Those words, once moving, now fell flat. Elyse felt dismissed, ignored. She felt he was giving her the runaround, and that if she made a fuss over this, it would be her fault for making a mountain out of a molehill.

Tears welled in her eyes. He didn't love her enough to let her into his life. At that moment, she understood why Jayden was considered cruel by his colleagues. He was cruel not only to his enemies but to her as well.

Her crying made Jayden frown. He pulled her close and soothed her gently. "Don't cry. This won't happen again, I promise."

Elyse wanted to speak, but it felt pointless. He didn't understand her needs as his wife. He only gave her what he thought was best.

Jayden's patience snapped as her tears continued. "Elyse, am I too tolerant? Don't push your luck. Who do you think you are?"

A tear fell onto Jayden's pants as Elyse fought back her frustration. "Who do I think I am? You just said I'm your wife! Does that make sense?"

Jayden was stunned. He'd spoken recklessly. He regretted his words and gently patted her back.

It took Elyse a while to calm down. She sat up, sadness in her eyes.

Jayden met her gaze silently, gently running his fingers through her hair. "Are you alright now?" he asked hesitantly.

Elyse's heart was a whirlwind of emotions. She'd considered his background, his parents' influence, and found a plausible reason for his caution. She couldn't believe she'd avoided facing reality for so long.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied.

Jayden was relieved. "Your temper has worsened lately. You fight over trivial things at the slightest provocation. Is this how our future will be—long periods of silence after arguments?"

Elyse retorted, "Why would I stay angry if you don't provoke me?"

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