Chapter 448:

Elyse nodded, went upstairs, changed her clothes, and then headed to the studio with her violin case. Upon arriving, she began to practice, but by noon, she realized she was alone. Confused, she messaged Gavin and others, only to learn they wouldn't be coming to the studio that day due to prior commitments.

Would she be the only one there? Rolling her eyes, she put down her violin and went to the nearest pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test.

Dressed in a black down jacket and wearing a mask that partially concealed her face, she entered the pharmacy cautiously. The shop assistant, mistaking her for a potential thief, gave her a sharp look.

Elyse navigated the aisles and casually picked up a pregnancy test. Uncertain of its reliability, she chose five different brands to ensure accuracy.

The shop assistant's demeanor changed upon seeing her selections. In a friendly tone, she offered, "Miss, do you need me to explain how to use these?"

Elyse quickly declined, "No, thank you. I know how to use them."

After paying, she returned to the studio and locked herself in the bathroom to take the tests. Her attempt to confirm she wasn't pregnant was unsuccessful.

Sitting in a chair, she covered her face with her hands and stared at the five pregnancy tests laid out on the table. Each displayed two red lines, stirring a mix of emotions within her. She was overjoyed and saddened by the prospect of becoming a mother. Most importantly, she was unsure of Jayden's reaction. Would he be happy to become a father and look forward to their future together?

Lost in thought, she neglected her violin practice for two hours. Suddenly, the studio door opened, and someone entered.

Startled, Elyse broke into a cold sweat and quickly hid the five pregnancy tests in her violin case.

Forrest noticed her hurried actions and asked in a childish voice, "What were you hiding?"

Surprised to see him, Elyse replied, "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at school?"

Forrest replied earnestly, "I'm on holiday. I came here to do homework and practice the violin."

Nodding, Elyse reached into her purse and pulled out a chocolate biscuit. "I brought some snacks. Would you like to share them with me?"

Forrest's eyes sparkled at the sight of the chocolate, and he eagerly nodded. "Yes! I would love some."

Elyse smiled and handed him a packet of biscuits. Watching Forrest enjoy them softened her heart. She wondered if this was what raising a child felt like.

Forrest, however, was taken aback by her expression. To him, her smile seemed eerily similar to that of a human trafficker.

After sharing the biscuits, Elyse stood up and resumed her violin practice. Forrest quietly did his homework at the desk, occasionally glancing up at her.

Soon, he felt uneasy and went to the bathroom. There, he noticed several medicine boxes in the trash can and recognized the words on them.

"Pregnancy test?" Forrest stared at the trash can, bewildered. "Is she pregnant? And with five babies?" he wondered aloud. He mistakenly believed one test could only detect one pregnancy. Seeing five boxes, he concluded Elyse was expecting quintuplets.

Shocked by his own conclusion, Forrest couldn't believe Elyse might be pregnant with five babies. Meanwhile, Elyse, unaware her secret was discovered, continued to focus intensely on her violin practice.

Forrest stepped out of the bathroom, looking more serious than ever. He tugged at her clothes and said firmly, "You've been playing the violin for more than an hour. Stop practicing. It's time to rest."

Elyse, taken aback, replied in confusion, "I'm not tired. I don't need to rest."

Forrest, who often acted mature, was particularly stubborn and insistent. "You can't continue to practice. Come and sit here!" he demanded.

Bewildered, Elyse sat down.

Forrest exhaled loudly. "You are really a troublemaker," he blurted out.

Elyse grew even more confused. Why was she a troublemaker? Did the boy truly see himself as her senior? ... ... ...