Chapter 43:

After Jayden offered to treat Elyse's classmates to dinner, their perception of him shifted. Some speculated that such generosity hinted at an influential background. Intrigued, some approached him, eager to converse; others observed from a distance, refraining from criticism.

Lizzie's attitude changed most dramatically. She spoke in hushed tones, fearing questions about her own wedding. Although her husband was a wealthy businessman, they'd had a modest hotel wedding, far from the opulence of the Grandeur Hotel, a setting she secretly coveted but couldn't afford. More than anyone, she eagerly awaited the next day, secretly hoping for Elyse and her husband's exposure as pretenders and subsequent humiliation by the hotel staff. This would provide her with an opportunity for open mockery.

Meanwhile, Elyse, seated beside Jayden, received toasts from others. She politely sipped her wine, but eventually succumbed to its effects. Holding her empty glass, she gazed around with a tipsy smirk, eager to continue the revelry.

Realizing Elyse was intoxicated, Jayden set down his glass. "I'm sorry, Elyse is drunk. I need to get her home," he announced. As he reached for her hand, someone blocked their path.

"Jayden, when we reach the hotel tomorrow and the staff asks who booked the table, should we use your name?" someone asked.

"Yes," Jayden replied curtly.

Leaving the room, Jayden assessed Elyse, who was struggling to stand. "Can you make it home without help?" he asked.

"Yes, I can manage," Elyse replied, nodding earnestly. However, she fell asleep as soon as she settled into the car.

Jayden looked at her dispassionately and shook his head. Rain began to fall as they reached home. Driscoll waited outside the villa with an umbrella.

"Sir, do you need help with her?" Driscoll inquired.

Jayden exited the car and gently lifted Elyse into his arms. The villa's orange lights cast a warm glow on her face, softening the chill.

"No, I've got her," he said firmly.

With Elyse in his arms, Jayden walked confidently, Driscoll shielding them from the rain with the umbrella. Inside, Driscoll closed the umbrella.

"I'll get everything ready for you to freshen up," Driscoll offered.

"I'll come down after I've settled her," Jayden responded.

Carrying Elyse, he ascended to the second floor. Driscoll watched him go with a warm smile. Elyse shifted uncomfortably.

"If you keep moving, I might just drop you," Jayden whispered sternly.

The drowsy girl opened her eyes slightly. "You're so mean," she mumbled.

Jayden smiled. "Why am I mean?" he asked.

"You just are," Elyse replied frankly.

Jayden sneered as he entered the bedroom. He placed Elyse on the bed, loosening his grip so she tumbled onto the mattress. "You're ungrateful. I've never been mean to you," he retorted.

She rubbed her backside. "You're lying," she protested.

Jayden crouched, pinching her cheek. "Little drunkard, you'll see how bad I can be."

Elyse stared back, weary and confused, before falling asleep.

Jayden watched her sleep. He gently pinched her cheek; her soft skin reminded him of her gentle nature. She whimpered in discomfort.

Moved by this, Jayden leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was brief and impulsive. Shocked by his action, he quickly retreated from the room.

In the corridor, he touched his lips, bewildered. He shouldn't have done that.

When Theo arrived home, the image of Elyse and Jayden replayed in his mind. Their interaction, their apparent compatibility, overwhelmed him. In a fit of frustration, he hurled a glass to the floor. "You married him! What about me? Who am I to you?"