Chapter 301:
Seeing the repulsion in Elyse's gaze, Theo eased his hold, a hint of self-deprecation in his eyes. Taken aback by his demeanor, Elyse was speechless. "What's going on with you? I haven't done anything to warrant this. Can you stop acting like I've hurt you?" Theo nodded. "Fine." His words were accompanied by a cautious scrutiny of her expression, as he feared her reaction.
Elyse wanted to avoid Theo. She turned to leave, but heard a distinct click. Alert, she turned back to see a figure in black wielding a camera and snapping pictures frantically. "Stop!" she shouted, chasing after him. Realizing he'd been caught, the paparazzo quickly hid his camera and escaped.
Elyse stumbled and fell, clutching her knees in agony as sweat beaded on her forehead. Theo rushed to her side, noticing her bruised knees. "Let me take you to the hospital," he said worriedly.
"Stay away from me!" Elyse glared, her eyes brimming with disgust and resentment. "Did you see what that man was doing? He was secretly taking pictures of us. There's bound to be negative press, and it will only make things harder for me." She struggled to her feet and limped toward the elevator, intending to use the infirmary upstairs.
Knowing he'd contributed to her injury, Theo silently followed, vowing to protect her. Unaware of his presence, Elyse continued, her steps faltering as the pain intensified, tears streaming down her cheeks.
As Darren emerged from the elevator, he saw her crying and clearly distressed. Rushing to her side, he asked with concern, "What happened to your knees?" Elyse explained about the paparazzo and her unsuccessful chase.
Darren was shocked. "Paparazzi? Inside the building?" He took out his phone to call security, but noticed Theo standing behind them. Confused, he asked, "Who's this?"
Elyse knew who he meant. "Ignore him. I need to go to the infirmary." Darren nodded and escorted her, with Theo closely behind. Despite Elyse's repeated requests for him to leave, he insisted on staying. Darren suspected Theo might have feelings for Elyse—but wasn't she married?
The infirmary was empty. Elyse sat, waiting for the doctor. A message arrived: more paparazzi were trying to enter, having heard about Elyse and Theo. Elyse managed a bitter smile, anticipating the online backlash.
Theo offered reassurance. "Don't worry. I won't let them tarnish your reputation. You'll be okay." Elyse remained skeptical and turned away. The doctor arrived, coincidentally at the same time as Troy Happer, the hacker sent by Jayden.
Troy said, "Mr. Owen sent me to recover the security footage. Can you show me the way?" Darren patted Elyse's shoulder. "Stay here and rest. I'll take him to the monitoring room." Elyse watched them go.
The doctor examined her injuries. "These are quite severe. You should seek further treatment at the hospital," he advised.
Theo immediately offered, "I'll take you to the hospital."
"I don't want you to take me to the hospital. Just leave. I don't want to see you," Elyse firmly replied.
Theo was hurt. His voice heavy with sadness, he struggled to speak. "I just want to protect you. Can you accept my help?"
Elyse met his gaze. "Who are you to protect me? I'm married. I have a husband. It's over between us. Can't you understand?"
Theo shook his head, still unable to believe her rejection. Elyse sighed, expressing her helplessness. "Theo, please don't be so persistent. After you left me at the altar, it's clear we can never be together."
Theo's eyes welled up. He declared stubbornly, "We can be together again. I'll make you fall in love with me again."
She remained silent. The tension in the infirmary was palpable, making the doctor, unaware of their history, feel uneasy. He wondered if they shouldn't discuss this privately, and whether they weren't embarrassed to air their personal issues in front of him. He was unsure whether to leave or stay.