Chapter 291:

Elyse was surprised that Rebekah had confessed her love. "Did Freddy accept her?" she asked.

Freddy's response was ambiguous, his intentions unclear. He didn't reject Rebekah outright, but said he needed time to consider, which pleased her.

Perplexed, Darren asked, "Didn't he dislike her? Why didn't he reject her?"

Elyse was speechless; the revelation was too startling. After a moment, she cautiously suggested, "Perhaps Freddy was trying to spare Rebekah embarrassment. He may have wanted to be respectful, especially in public."

Darren remained unconvinced. Having spent considerable time gaming with Freddy, he knew him to be resolute and decisive. To Darren, Freddy's actions suggested ulterior motives, but he refrained from speculating.

"You could call Freddy for clarification," Darren suggested mischievously. "We all asked him earlier this afternoon, but he was tight-lipped."

Elyse was astonished. "He didn't tell you anything? Do you think he'd tell me anything if I asked?"

Darren's voice dropped, a sly grin in his tone. "Maybe he'd open up to you. Remember when he had feelings for you?"

Elyse felt deeply embarrassed. It seemed like ages ago. How could Darren still remember? Moreover, after marrying Jayden, she had established clear boundaries with Freddy, considering him only a friend. Darren bringing it up amplified her discomfort. Thankfully, Jayden wasn't present; she dreaded the consequences if he had overheard.

"Okay, I'll call him and ask," she said, ending the call with a feeling of guilt.

She found Freddy's contact information. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to call. She was curious about his lack of rejection of Rebekah, especially considering his previous animosity toward her. A sense of unease lingered.

Upon connecting, Elyse greeted him warmly. "Hey Freddy, what are you up to?"

A sneering, mocking voice answered—a woman's voice. It sounded familiar. Uncertain, Elyse asked, "Rebekah? Is that you?"

"Don't be so bold, Elyse," Rebekah snapped. "As a married woman, how dare you call Freddy at midnight? You're despicable, still pining for him after marriage. Aren't you repulsed by yourself?" Rebekah's words were sharp and rapid.

Elyse rubbed her ears, her tone impatient. "Can you speak more softly? And I called Freddy for a reason. Why are you answering his phone?"

Rebekah's tone softened, becoming conciliatory. "I usually answer his phone. We're in a relationship now. Don't you want to know what he's doing? He's showering right now. Does that answer your question?"

Elyse was taken aback, silent for a moment before speaking. "Please give the phone back to Freddy."

Rebekah, visibly irritated, retorted, "I'm telling the truth. Whether you believe it or not, he's my boyfriend. Stop calling him. Don't you realize how pathetic this makes you look?"

Elyse's expression was conflicted. "Then let Freddy confirm your relationship himself," she said.

Rebekah, momentarily flustered, quickly recovered her composure. "As I said, he's showering; it's inconvenient for him to answer. Do you have a message for him? I'll pass it along."

Elyse couldn't entrust her message to Rebekah. Rubbing her stiff face, she said, "Nothing serious. I won't bother you."

Rebekah, sensing Elyse believed her, felt relieved. As soon as she heard the bathroom faucet turn off, she quickly ended the call and deleted the call log.

Freddy emerged from the shower, drying his hair. "Who called earlier?" he asked.

Rebekah affected civility. "It was a prank call. I told them off and hung up."

...