Chapter 250
Feeling self-conscious, Elyse turned and met Corrie’s piercing, jealous gaze. Corrie didn't bother hiding her jealousy; a sly grin revealed her feelings. Elyse felt uneasy, a sense of discomfort settling over her.
Just then, a beaming guest approached. "Mr. Owen," he remarked, "I must say, I envy the love you and your wife share." Another guest chimed in, "They say Mr. Owen is aloof, but he clearly adores his wife."
The guests showered Elyse and Jayden with praise. Suddenly, Corrie called out Jayden's name, drawing everyone's attention. He saw the sorrow in her eyes; a tear rolled down her cheek before she fainted.
The unexpected event shocked the crowd. Gasps filled the air as all eyes turned to Jayden and Corrie. "Corrie Bates!" he cried, startled by her collapse. Unlike Elyse, Corrie remained unresponsive. Elyse felt a profound disinterest in Jayden.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Jayden swept Elyse into his arms and kissed her. Their stunned faces mirrored the crowd's shock. "Whoa!" someone gasped, marveling at the display of affection. The depth of Jayden and Elyse's love was undeniable.
Elyse hadn't anticipated such a bold gesture, especially in front of such an influential crowd. Jayden was clearly making a statement: a public declaration of his love and commitment to Elyse, disregarding anyone else's opinion.
After the kiss, Jayden released her, but she remained dazed. He took her hand and led her away from the dance floor as the music played on.
Watching them, Brook smiled. "You two are really deep in love," he commented. Despite his usual indifference, he anxiously moved to assist Corrie. "Corrie Bates! What's she doing here? Isn't she Jayden's ex?"
"Yes, that's her. Could she have been so upset by Jayden's happiness that she fainted?"
"It seems she still has strong feelings for him. I thought they'd moved on."
A few words from their hushed conversation reached Elyse. They suggested Corrie fainted because she couldn't bear witnessing Jayden with another woman. This seemed to confirm Corrie's deep, unrequited feelings for Jayden. The words stung.
In many people's eyes, Corrie and Jayden were a perfect match, leaving Elyse questioning her place. Was she merely an obstacle between them? Next to her, Jayden seemed deeply concerned for Corrie.
Suddenly, Elyse realized Corrie's fainting seemed orchestrated, especially given Corrie's expression moments before. Snapping out of her thoughts, Elyse stopped Jayden and whispered, "Corrie's fine. Don't get so worked up."
Jayden frowned. "But she fainted," he scolded, his tone implying Elyse was being inconsiderate. His disappointment was clear. Elyse froze. She knew Corrie had feigned fainting, yet Jayden scolded her publicly.
Hearing about the fainting, Peyton, a doctor, quickly approached. After a brief examination, he couldn't determine the cause. Concerned, Jayden asked, "How is Corrie? Is she okay?"
"I'm not sure," Peyton replied. "We need to get her to the hospital." Corrie was taken to the hospital, with Jayden accompanying her.
Feeling uneasy, Elyse quickly followed, grabbing Jayden's hand. "Jayden, today's my birthday party," she pleaded. "Can you stay, or at least wait until afterward? Driscoll and Peyton will be there. With so many people, Corrie will be fine."
Jayden pulled his hand away, looking bewildered. "Why are you acting so cold-hearted? You used to be understanding and wouldn't overreact."
A pang of hurt struck Elyse. "Overreact, Jayden? Is this how you see me?" she asked, her voice strained.
Worried about Corrie, Jayden replied, "Corrie fainted at the party. I can't leave her alone. You stay home. We'll talk later." He hurried off without another glance.
A chasm opened between them. Despite their marriage, Elyse realized how little she knew about Jayden—his past, personality, thoughts, dreams, and ambitions remained a mystery.
Tracy, concerned for Elyse, followed closely. Seeing Elyse standing still, her concern grew. Understanding Elyse's distress, she approached cautiously. "Are you alright? I don't think Jayden…" Tracy tried to offer comfort, but Elyse interrupted. "I don't understand Jayden. Maybe I'll never get to know him." Her pessimism left Tracy unsure how to console her. All she could do was embrace Elyse warmly.