Chapter 343:

Upon returning to the living room, Jayden felt a pang of hunger. Engrossed in discussions about cooperation with Taylor, he'd forgotten lunch. Glancing at Elyse, absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle, Jayden turned to Driscoll and requested, "Could you prepare something to eat, please?"

Driscoll nodded and headed to the kitchen. Jayden turned back to Elyse and gently prodded, "Join me for a bite."

"I'm quite full, actually. Not in the mood for anything until dinner," Elyse replied.

Jayden noticed Elyse's slightly rounded belly and reached out to touch it. "Your belly looks different today, not as flat as usual."

Elyse swatted his hand away. "My belly's not big. Mind your words."

Perplexed, Jayden wondered when he'd implied she was overweight. He'd merely found her rounded belly endearing, like a cute balloon. He attempted to clarify, "I didn't mean you're fat. I just noticed your belly's a bit round."

Elyse grew even more frustrated. "Was he seriously calling her fat? Who gave him the right?" she thought. "You're so aggravating. I don't want to talk to you anymore," she snapped, starting toward the stairs.

Confused, Jayden gently pulled her back, urging her to continue the puzzle. Just then, Driscoll arrived with food, his mood brightening at the playful banter (or lack thereof).

Jayden ate, his thoughts lingering on Elyse. Despite her annoyance, he felt it was a facade. He poked her shoulder while she concentrated on the puzzle. She shrugged, clearly resisting.

Jayden quickly finished his soup and the rest of his meal, gesturing to Driscoll to clear the bowl. Driscoll saw Jayden's discontent and knew his anger had resurfaced.

Driscoll shook his head, amused, wondering when the couple would outgrow their childish antics. Sitting beside Elyse, Jayden patiently observed her work on the puzzle. A single piece lay forgotten at her elbow.

Jayden discreetly retrieved the piece, hiding it in his palm. The puzzle, a gift from Tracy, depicted a simple scene. Elyse worked swiftly, then realized a piece was missing.

Despite a diligent search, she couldn't find it and turned to Jayden. "Have you seen my puzzle piece?"

Jayden looked innocent, gesturing toward the almost-completed puzzle. Elyse pointed to the empty space. "I'm referring to the missing one."

Jayden shook his head. "I haven't seen it. But if you beg me, I might help you look."

Suspicion flickered in Elyse's eyes. She narrowed her gaze. "You took it, didn't you? Give it back."

Jayden denied it. Sensing the piece was with him, Elyse saw his tightly closed left hand. She seized his hand, trying to pry it open.

Despite her efforts, Jayden held firm, pulling her into an embrace. He spoke tenderly, "You want the puzzle piece, and I understand. But its return depends on you confessing your affection for me and vowing you can't imagine a future without me."

Elyse's reply was immediate and resolute: "No."

Jayden gritted his teeth. "Elyse, do you truly mean that? If so, you'll regret it."

Elyse was surprised and uncertain, wondering if Jayden cared about her seemingly casual remark. As his frustration mounted with her silence, he was about to speak when she swiftly seized his collar, pulled him close, and silenced him with a passionate kiss.