Chapter 229

Elyse left without a backward glance, coldly dismissing Mabel. Mabel watched her go, crying out in frustrated anger. Elyse, unfazed, heard Mabel's curses fading behind her. Disappointment in her family had been growing for some time.

Outside, she spotted Jayden in his wheelchair, casually smoking a cigarette and flicking his fingers at her. The gesture felt like a pet summons. Puzzled, she hurried over. "Why are you here?" she asked.

Jayden lifted his eyes, took her hand, and squeezed it. "We received an anonymous package today; it's addressed to you."

Elyse's confusion deepened. "A package for me? What's inside?"

"A ruby necklace," Jayden replied, pausing before adding with a hint of jealousy, "The card said it was a late birthday gift."

Elyse was taken aback. "A birthday gift?" Her birthday had passed a few days ago, but the rigorous rehearsals and upcoming national tour had eclipsed it.

Seeing her stunned expression, Jayden felt no anger. "Get in the car," he instructed softly. "It's my fault. I should have been more thoughtful than a stranger."

In the car, she said calmly, "We've never discussed these things. It's understandable you didn't know about my birthday."

Her mood dampened. Their relationship had begun abruptly; unlike other couples, they hadn't experienced a romantic courtship before marrying. Many moments had slipped by unnoticed; they had never allowed each other to see their vulnerabilities.

"Like an untouched path stretching before us," Jayden declared firmly, "we have miles to tread and depths to explore. I'm going to organize a birthday party for you soon. I want to tell everyone you are my wife."

Elyse was lost in thought. After a moment, she said softly, "Let's hold off for a few days. The first stop of the tour is the day after tomorrow, and I don't want any distractions."

Jayden frowned, pondered, then reluctantly agreed. "Alright, I'll make it up to you after that."

Elyse remained silent, gazing out the window. Jayden felt a surge of irritation at her quiet demeanor. They hadn't argued recently, yet he sensed her unhappiness. They seemed less connected than before.

At home, Elyse noticed the package on the table. Inside was a ruby necklace adorned with diamond petals. She picked it up, inspected it for a long time, then asked, "Have you discovered who sent it?"

"No," Jayden leaned in. "Whoever it was concealed their identity. Any idea who it might be?"

Elyse shook her head. "I'm at a loss. I can't think of anyone who would send me a ruby necklace."

Jayden rubbed his chin. "The sender has hidden their name. It seems they don't want you to know who they are. Could it have been Theo?"

Elyse quickly dismissed the idea. "Theo? He would never send something so expensive."

"Was it not Theo?" Jayden still doubted it. His instincts pointed to Theo, yet he chose to trust Elyse's judgment. "Forget it. It's supposed to be a birthday gift. Just accept it."

After some thought, Elyse carefully placed the necklace back in the box. "Okay, I'll take your advice."

Jayden moved to the sofa, intending to discuss the party details. However, Elyse went upstairs with the jewelry box, oblivious to his intentions.

Feeling utterly disregarded, Jayden clenched his teeth. "She's been quite haughty lately. How dare she ignore me like this?"

Driscoll, who had observed everything, said reassuringly, "Sir, don't be upset. I believe she simply didn't notice you. She was fixated on the necklace."

He continued, "Whoever sent the gift obviously knows her well and understands her tastes."

Jayden grew even more irate. "It's simple to give her something she likes. I can easily choose a gift she'd appreciate too."

With a smile, Driscoll remarked, "Since you love her so deeply, you'll surely find the perfect gift for her."

The extraneous website address has been removed. The punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice have been improved for clarity and flow.