Chapter 456

Gavin stood still, puzzled and stunned by Elyse's reaction. Nearby, Forrest, understanding her emotion but unsure how to react, exchanged a confused glance with Gavin.

Fiona, noticing the commotion, approached, asking with concern, "What's going on? Why is Elyse crying?"

Elyse, aware of her overreaction, tried to compose herself, but tears continued to fall.

Fiona, more puzzled, asked, "Did someone say something to upset you?"

Shaking her head, Elyse replied, "No, I just really want to eat fresh cherries."

Since cherries were out of season, Gavin suggested, "Maybe your husband can find some for you?"

Surprisingly, this calmed Elyse slightly. "What if he can't find any?" she asked.

Gavin pulled out his phone and called Jayden. After a brief conversation, he said, "Your wife is crying because she wants cherries. Can you find some?"

There was a pause before Jayden replied, "Hand the phone to Elyse."

Gavin passed the phone. "He wants to talk to you."

Sniffling, Elyse took the phone. "Hello?"

Jayden reassured her, "I'll find someone to get you cherries and send them over. They're just cherries. Why cry over them?"

Elyse nodded, wiping her tears. "Okay, I'll wait," she said quietly.

"All right. Bye," Jayden said, hanging up.

Gavin retrieved his phone, teasing gently, "No more tears? Your husband's getting you cherries."

Elyse, embarrassed by her outburst, scratched her head. She knew her behavior seemed childish, but she couldn't help it. Her craving was intense; its unsatisfaction deeply upset her.

Suddenly, a thought struck her: Was this intense craving a sign of pregnancy? And if so, how would she manage her upcoming competition? Uneasy, she picked up her violin and continued playing.

Meanwhile, Jayden hung up and stared at the phone. He'd noticed Elyse acting unusually lately. Just yesterday, she'd repeatedly mentioned children. Could she be considering adopting Forrest?

Jayden arrived at a café near the hospital. Peyton soon entered, holding his coat, and noticed Jayden's grave expression. Pulling out a chair, he asked casually, "What's on your mind? You look troubled."

Jayden hesitated before asking, "Why does Elyse keep bringing up kids?"

Peyton, surprised, responded, "Kids? Are you sure?"

Jayden nodded. "Does she want a baby with me?"

As Peyton browsed the menu, preparing to order coffee, he remarked, "Don't you want a child with her? You two are so in love. I'm quite envious!"

Jayden tapped his fingers on the table, his increasing speed revealing his inner turmoil. After a moment, he admitted, "It would be wonderful, but the timing isn't right."

Peyton, setting down the menu, asked, "Why not? Is it because your family found out about your company?"

Jayden replied, "It's not just that. I haven't uncovered who's behind this."

Peyton, after ordering coffee, suggested, "Didn't you suspect your grandfather?"

Jayden frowned. "But I haven't found any direct evidence."

Peyton sighed. "I don't agree with your suspicions. How can you believe your family would harm you?"

Jayden shook his head. "In an ordinary family, a grandfather wouldn't harm his grandchild. But in mine, where interests prevail, even a child can be sacrificed."

His voice grew heavier. "I hope it's someone else. If it's my grandfather, I might hesitate to let Elyse have our child."

Stunned by Jayden's intensity, Peyton exclaimed, after a pause, "That's extreme! Even if your family is ruthless, it shouldn't stop you from starting a family. You might be worrying too much. Giving up on having a child without proof seems hasty."

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