Chapter 34:

In the evening, Elyse awoke, blinking in the dim light filtering through the window. Night had fallen; a glance at her phone showed it was well past nine o'clock. Stretching to ease the numbness in her limbs, she saw the bedroom door creak open.

Jayden wheeled himself in slowly, his face illuminated by the soft moonlight. Despite the tranquil scene, his eyes betrayed simmering anger as they met Elyse's, taking her aback.

"You've been upset with me for two hours," he said, his voice firm. "Quite bold, isn't it? No dinner until you've pacified me."

As he approached, Elyse's anxiety grew. She instinctively retreated, backing into a corner, her gaze pleading. "I... I just dozed off," she stammered. "Skipping dinner wasn't intentional."

Jayden remained cold. "Elyse, don't think you can sway me by skipping meals. If necessary, I have ways to ensure you eat. Don't provoke me."

A pang of helplessness struck Elyse. Her explanation seemed to fall on deaf ears. She hadn't meant to skip dinner; upon returning to her room hours earlier, feeling tired, she'd simply fallen asleep.

Seeking solace, she reached out, gently grasping his little finger. "I know I was wrong. Please don't be angry. You're frightening me," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Observing her distress, Jayden softened slightly. As Elyse looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, he saw desperation beneath her fear.

"Why so afraid? Are you a child?" he asked, his tone gentler.

Elyse bit her lip, her head drooping. "You were so aggressive; it was intimidating."

Was it entirely his fault? Jayden took her hand, controlling his own emotions. "Get up and come downstairs for dinner."

"I'm not going. You don't like my cooking," Elyse protested.

Jayden gazed at her intently. "I'll eat it."

Elyse was surprised. "What?"

"I said I'll eat what you've prepared," he repeated firmly.

After a brief silence, she said, "If you don't like it, you can decline."

"Enough talk. Come downstairs now," Jayden insisted.

With a nod, Elyse rose and followed him downstairs. In the dining room, the table was set with her reheated dishes, still steaming. The household staff were absent.

Elyse sat beside Jayden and asked, "Where is everyone else?"

"None of your concern. Just eat," Jayden said tersely.

"Fine," she acquiesced, beginning to eat.

Jayden fetched a bottle of wine and poured himself a glass. The light purple liquid exuded a fragrant aroma.

"Thank you, Jayden," Elyse said, her hand cradling her chin as she looked at him. No one had ever shown her such kindness before; he was the first. She felt genuinely cared for. Though his sincerity remained to be proven, she felt content.

"Are you really this thrilled just because I offered some help?" Jayden asked casually after taking a sip.

"Well, you seem to be my pillar of support," Elyse responded honestly, her eyes gleaming.

Jayden hadn't anticipated her directness. The purity in her gaze caught him off guard. He felt an unexpected pang of guilt. He realized she was straightforward and uncomplicated, a trait he lacked.

Noticing Jayden's wine, Elyse quietly slid her glass toward him. "I'd like to try it, too."

"Just a little," Jayden cautioned, pouring her half a glass.

She raised the glass to her nose, inhaling the aroma. "It smells delightful. This wine must be exquisite."

"It's Driscoll's homemade fruit wine. You're fortunate to taste it," Jayden remarked.

Taking a sip, Elyse savored the flavor. It was not overpowering, and a pleasant warmth spread through her body.

"This wine is truly exquisite," she exclaimed. "You have excellent taste."

(...continued...)