Chapter 35:

The buzzing phone on the table diverted Jayden's attention from his meal. Engrossed in the message, he didn't notice Elyse pouring herself another glass of wine and quietly savoring it. When he finally looked up, after finishing his message, her face was flushed, and her eyes shone. He noticed the wine bottle a few inches from its original position.

Calmly, Jayden asked, "Tell me honestly, how many glasses did you have?" Elyse, gesturing five fingers, confidently replied, "Just three."

"Do you realize how potent this wine is? Even I wouldn't have three glasses in one sitting," Jayden remarked.

Elyse shook her head, leaning closer and speaking softly, "I was just feeling so happy. That's why I had a few extra glasses."

Amused by her intoxicated state, Jayden teased her. "How happy, exactly?"

"Well, there's your assistance, the removal of the online rumors, and your hopeful recovery after massages," Elyse said with a giggle.

"So, you're only happy about those things?" Jayden noted with a smirk. Observing her softened state, he found her remarkably alluring. With a playful gesture, he pinched her cheek gently.

"I'm not the man I once was. Now I'm just a cripple. Don't bother with any massage offers. I've grown accustomed to the pitying looks," he confessed, his tone tinged with resignation.

She grasped his arm, concern etched on her face. "No, you can stand up. Once we achieve it, we'll demonstrate to everyone and prove them wrong."

"Do you think standing up will be that easy for me?" Jayden countered.

"We'll work on rehabilitation. I'll give you massages and help with your therapy every day. We'll persevere until we succeed," Elyse insisted, her eyes shining with optimism.

Jayden gently lifted her chin, his expression skeptical. "Rehabilitation might be a lifelong journey for me. Are you prepared to commit to that for the rest of your life?"

With a blurry gaze, she tilted her head, pondering. "'For the rest of my life?'"

Jayden found it hard to believe someone would offer such unwavering support. He couldn't shake the pessimistic notion that her dedication might wane.

"Then for the rest of my life, I'd gladly spend it with you," he declared, his tone resolute. (Changed "on your wife" to "with you" for clarity and better flow)

He regarded her in astonishment. How could she be so willing to commit to a disabled man like him for life? Did she truly understand the magnitude of her words?

"Elyse, while I'm committed to being your husband forever, you do have your flaws. Can you work on those too?" Elyse added, her lips forming a playful pout, her eyes brimming with reproach. (Changed "wife" to "husband" for consistency; clarified the sentence structure)

Jayden chuckled. "We have a chef on staff. You needn't bother with cooking in the future. I'd like to extend my lifespan a few more years."

"You're just teasing. I'm actually quite skilled in the kitchen," Elyse retorted.

"And your cooking prowess matches your kissing technique. Was I your first kiss?" Jayden teased.

Elyse felt a pang of nervousness. "I'm a great kisser," she defended, fearing he wouldn't believe her.

Seeking reassurance, she leaned in for a kiss before he could respond. Jayden, restraining his emotions, allowed a brief kiss. Only when she pulled away did he slowly open his eyes, gazing at her with a steady gaze.

"So, am I a good kisser? Nothing to say now, huh?" Elyse remarked, sporting a smug smile and wiping her lips. There was no trace of saliva; she hadn't kissed him sloppily.

As she rose to leave for her room, Jayden stopped her. Turning back, she found herself in his embrace.

"You—" she began, but before she could finish, he gently pressed the back of her head, and their lips met again. Elyse closed her eyes nervously, feeling his assertive tongue match his personality even in their intimacy. She found herself unable to resist him.

The dining room fell into a hushed tranquility. She could distinctly hear the soft sounds of their kisses. As she drifted into a daze, a peculiar sensation overwhelmed her senses, and she became completely immersed in the moment.

Sensing her erratic breathing, Jayden eased the intensity. His fervent kiss became a tender caress, the intertwining of their lips, and the gentle play of their teeth.

Breaking away, he paused, observing her slightly parted lips as she gasped for air. Her eyes showed a mix of confusion and desire.

Lifting his gaze, he brushed away a stray strand of hair from her mouth with his thumb. "That's how you kiss. Your technique, on the other hand, resembles that of a dog licking."

The combined effects of alcohol and their passionate embrace left Elyse in a haze. She gazed at him for a long moment before tilting her head and sinking into his embrace.

Cradling her, Jayden smirked. "You're no seasoned drinker, yet you seem to enjoy the wine. Quite the paradox, aren't you?"

Jayden stood, carrying Elyse to her room. After ensuring she was comfortably settled in bed, he quietly left for the study.