Chapter 223

Corrie turned sideways, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips. “Do you know why Tess is so fond of me?”

Elyse, after washing and drying her hands, turned off the tap. “Couldn’t care less. Not my business.”

Corrie’s laugh was almost musical. “It’s because I used to date Jayden. We were together for almost two years.”

Elyse’s heart skipped a beat. Corrie’s words echoed in her mind.

Lost in her memories, Corrie continued. “It was a whirlwind. Jayden and I were both being pressured into arranged marriages by our families. A mutual friend suggested we pretend to be in love to avoid them.”

With a wistful sigh, she added, “And we played our parts for nearly two years.”

Jealousy burned in Elyse’s chest, but she maintained a cool facade. “Two years is a long time. Why didn’t you two just get married?”

Corrie clenched her fists, frustration evident. “Why didn’t we get married? Oh, that’s right—because Jayden had a life-altering car accident. Who in their right mind would willingly marry a disabled man? Especially one as cold-hearted as Jayden. He was like an icebox, devoid of warmth or affection.”

Corrie came from a powerful family where competition was fierce. Since childhood, she’d been taught to fight for what she wanted.

“My relationship with Jayden wasn’t just about escaping my family’s matchmaking. It was also about leveraging his status.”

Little did she know, Jayden’s accident changed everything.

“To escape my family and Jayden, I quickly decided to study abroad,” Corrie explained, her voice tinged with regret. “I wanted to finish my education and then marry Jayden, but he ended up marrying you.”

Elyse remained composed. After a pregnant pause, she offered a strained smile. “Well, you certainly picked an opportune moment to leave, coinciding perfectly with Jayden’s accident.”

Corrie shrugged, showing no remorse. “Such is fate, isn’t it? Sometimes we just miss each other by a hair’s breadth.”

Elyse nodded curtly and started to leave, but Corrie stopped her with a disingenuous smile.

“Do take care of Jayden for me. He’s not the easiest person to deal with. Patience is key.”

Elyse’s brows furrowed. “My relationship with Jayden is none of your concern.”

It was clear to Elyse that Corrie had ulterior motives.

Elyse returned to the room where Jayden awaited her. She sat down, seemingly unnoticed until Corrie also returned. Corrie’s face, however, betrayed her inner turmoil; her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

Sensing her distress, Tess immediately sprang into action, tossing her fork aside. “Did someone upset you?” Tess demanded, her tone protective. “Come here, my dear. Let me hug away all your problems.”

Corrie rushed to Tess, seeking solace in her embrace. She wept openly.

Tess’s ire turned towards Elyse. “What have you done to Corrie? Have you mistreated her?” she demanded, her voice laced with indignation.

Elyse glared icily. “Accusations require proof. You can’t just accuse me. When did you become a police officer?”

Tess bristled. “How dare you speak to me like that! You must have said something to Corrie.”

Elyse remained calm. “Where’s your evidence? Did I physically or verbally abuse her? Show me proof,” Elyse said calmly.

Tess faltered, speechless.

Corrie, having dried her tears, gathered herself. “I apologize. I wasn’t crying because of Ms. Lloyd, but because…”

She glanced at Jayden, then away, unable to meet his gaze.

Jayden raised an eyebrow. “Me? Did I upset you?”

Tess’s expression softened. “Don’t be upset, my dear. If you have any grievances, tell me. I’ll talk to them for you. If they’ve wronged you, I’ll demand an apology.”

Corrie sniffled, hesitating before admitting, “I just feel that now that they are married, I’ll never have the chance to care for Jayden. I still owe him, and I fear I’ll never be able to repay him.”