Chapter 403

Tracy and Elyse spent a long time chatting, discussing their love lives, work, and the future. Eventually, Elyse fell asleep, her head resting on a cushion. Jayden gently lifted her and held her on his lap. Tracy yawned and asked, "Are you going to sleep?"

Jayden turned to Tracy. "If Shaun really wants to marry you and spend his life with you, would you forgive him and reconcile?"

The question surprised Tracy. "Why do you ask? Do you know something?"

Jayden shook his head. "You and Shaun aren't right for each other. The gap between you two is too great. Honestly, I was shocked when I heard you were marrying him."

"But why?" Tracy asked.

"A promising heir usually chooses a partner who can strengthen his family and position. He chose you instead, and even gained his family's approval—that surprised me," Jayden said candidly.

After a moment, Tracy asked, "So you think he's made a lot of sacrifices and efforts to marry me?"

Jayden didn't answer directly. "I was supposed to be married once, but after I became disabled, the engagement was called off. My family didn't completely abandon me, but I was pressured to marry someone I didn't love." He glanced at Elyse. "I was lucky to marry her. In our social circles, we rarely have the freedom to choose who we love. We have to consider the advantages and disadvantages, and family standing."

Surprised, Tracy asked, "You were powerful. Why couldn't you choose freely?"

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "If the status gap is too large, one partner will always have to compromise. Do you think the wealthy would accept that kind of arrangement?"

Tracy paused, lost in thought. Jayden smoothed Elyse's hair. "Even so, you weren't wrong to leave Shaun. He wasn't a caring boyfriend."

With a complicated expression, Tracy said, "I thought you'd try to convince me to get back together with Shaun."

Jayden replied, "I won't interfere in your relationship."

Staring at Elyse's sleeping face, Tracy murmured, "I don't know how to handle my relationship, but if I get back with him, Elyse will be upset, right?"

Jayden replied, "Even so, she can't dictate your choices." With that, he left with Elyse in his arms. Tracy returned to the guest room feeling uneasy. What did she mean to Shaun? He had let her go first, so why was he coming back now? She pondered this all night, finally falling asleep as dawn broke.

Early the next morning, Elyse woke and immediately looked for Tracy. She went to the guest room door and was relieved to see her sleeping soundly. She'd dreamt that Tracy had drowned, and it had terrified her. After confirming Tracy was fine, Elyse went downstairs for breakfast before heading to the studio to practice her violin. The next competition was in a few days, and she knew she couldn't take it lightly.

Gavin and Irving guided Elyse through her practice. Time flew by, and by the end of the day, she felt she'd learned a lot and returned home feeling accomplished. That evening, she was frustrated to learn Jayden wouldn't be home for dinner because of work. Tracy, curled up on the couch with her new phone, reassured her, "Come on, your husband is out making money. You should understand." Despite Tracy's words, Elyse remained upset. "He's always busy lately. If I didn't know he was working, I'd be overthinking again." Tracy put down her phone. "Don't dwell on it. That's how men are. Once they're married, they throw themselves into their work."

Suddenly, Driscoll interrupted. "Something's wrong, ladies. Shaun Kennedy is here and wants to see Tracy. He asked me to open the door."

Tracy's face went pale. She gripped Elyse's hand, frightened. "Why is he here? We broke up." Elyse felt a pang of panic. Why did Shaun have to show up now, with Jayden gone? After a brief moment, she told Driscoll, "Tell him Tracy doesn't want to see him. Ask him to leave immediately, or I'll have someone remove him."

(The ". . . noveldrama" at the end is extraneous and has been removed.)