Chapter 245:
Theo realized Elyse was teasing him. He clenched his teeth and snapped, “Do you have any idea what happens if you push me too far? This isn’t your place. If you want to be arrogant, go somewhere else. Otherwise, I’ll have security throw you out.”
Elyse replied coldly, “You’ve really changed since marrying Jayden Owen.” Anger surged in Theo. In the past, she had been gentle and soft with him. Even when furious, she would just cry. Now, she was bold enough to speak sarcastically.
“Theo, I don’t care about you anymore,” Elyse sneered. “Why do you keep showing up? Don’t you realize how ridiculous you look? Who put those words in your mouth? Jayden, I bet.”
Seeing Theo grow more paranoid, a crazy idea suddenly crossed Elyse’s mind. She blinked and asked cautiously, “Are you actually in love with me?”
Theo was taken aback. He instinctively took a few steps back and stared at her. He wanted to call her conceited. How could he be in love with her? He just thought she was okay and had gotten used to her presence, so he figured he could let her come back to him.
However, Theo found himself unable to utter those words. A voice inside urged him to make a move; he had to tell her the truth, to tell her how he felt. He clenched his fists, his expression grim. “How could I ever fall in love with you?” he retorted. Elyse sneered. It made sense; no matter how wild he might have been, he couldn’t possibly love her.
“Theo, where are you?” a woman’s voice called out. The voice was familiar to Elyse; she remembered the woman from the parking garage of the mall they had recently visited.
“Quick, get going,” Elyse told Theo, “Your date’s looking for you.”
Theo glanced at her without speaking, then opened the door and left. As soon as he was gone, Elyse leaned against the back of a chair, feeling weak and lightheaded. Reaching for the dessert on the table, she took a bite. Her thoughts were consumed with Jayden. “Why hasn’t he returned yet?” she wondered.
“Mrs. Owen, it’s time,” Driscoll said awkwardly, opening the door.
Elyse, setting down her dessert, asked, “Where’s Jayden?”
“I haven’t been able to reach him. His phone is off,” Driscoll replied. “I’ve asked Dr. Ellis for help. Please don’t worry.”
Elyse shook her head. “I’m okay. Nothing can go wrong today. This party was organized by Jayden. He invited many influential figures. Even if he isn’t here, I, as his wife, need to keep the party going.”
When Elyse appeared in her evening gown and pearl crown, she captured everyone’s attention. Whispers circulated: “Is that Mr. Owen’s wife? Didn’t they say he didn’t love her? That dress isn’t cheap.”
“Those are just rumors,” another voice countered. “Just like the gossip about Jayden mistreating his wife—it seems like jealousy, marrying such a beautiful spouse.”
“But why isn’t Jayden here? Where is he?”
“Yes, I didn’t see him either. The party has started.”
In a corner of the hall, Peyton and some other men were calling Jayden. Peyton’s frustration was evident: “Jayden’s lost it! Why is he busy elsewhere during his wife’s birthday party? His phone’s off!”
Despite Jayden’s absence, the party continued. Driscoll stepped onstage on Jayden’s behalf and offered best wishes, drawing applause. But when it was time for the dance, Jayden’s absence was glaring. The original plan was for Jayden to be seated in a wheelchair while Elyse danced around him. Skipping this would make his absence obvious. The party was for Elyse’s birthday; Jayden’s absence implied she wasn’t important to him. Driscoll found himself in a difficult position.
However, Elyse remained incredibly calm. She had anticipated this, just as she had anticipated Theo abandoning her at their wedding, and now Jayden deserting her at her birthday party. As the murmurs grew louder, speculating about Jayden’s feelings, someone approached, holding a glass of wine, and smiled, “Mrs. Owen, it’s been a while. Why haven’t I seen your husband around?”
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