Chapter 458:

Jayden's expression darkened. "Let's drop this," he said, sitting down. "All you need to know is that being near me is unsafe right now. Be careful."

Elyse bit her lip. Jayden was doing this again! Sadness overwhelmed her, making it hard to breathe. She took a deep breath and asked, "Is Peyton badly hurt?"

"His right calf is broken, and he's covered in bruises," Jayden replied. "He's staying in the hospital."

"Okay," Elyse said, nodding. She left the room, fearing she'd burst into tears.

In the stairwell, she leaned against the wall, wiping away tears. Jayden shared nothing with her, never asked anything of her, always handling things alone. She felt she only served to fulfill his sexual needs.

Elyse reminded herself their marriage hadn't been easy; she shouldn't overthink things. Since Jayden didn't love her, she wouldn't love him either. She repeated this, hoping to shield herself from the pain.

But the more she said it, the deeper her sorrow and bitterness grew. She loved him—deeply, undeniably.

Grief intensified. She wiped her tears, gently touched her stomach, and murmured, "Baby, what should I do? Should I tell him about the pregnancy? If he finds out, he'll probably not want me to keep you."

The thought of not keeping the baby was unbearable. She wanted this child, her family.

"Why are you crying?" Pearce asked, walking down the stairs with a slight smile.

Elyse looked up, startled. Quickly wiping her tears, she asked, "Why are you here?"

Pearce's smile widened. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you hurt?"

"No, a friend was in a car accident," Elyse explained, shaking her head. "I'm visiting him."

Pearce nodded, approaching slowly. He bent down, looking into her eyes. "Then why are you crying?"

Embarrassed, Elyse covered her face. "I'm not."

Pearce plucked a hair from her head. "It's not good to lie."

Elyse felt a sharp pain and frowned. "Why did you pull my hair? That hurt!"

"Sorry," Pearce apologized. "I'm visiting a friend too. I need medicine for him, so I'll be going."

He left immediately.

Rubbing her sore scalp, Elyse found his behavior odd. The ICU was upstairs. Was he really getting medicine?

After Pearce left, he examined the hair, a hopeful glint in his eyes. He'd been investigating Elyse's parents, but they'd vanished. The lack of information only fueled his suspicion. Elyse strongly resembled someone he longed to see again.

He decided on a paternity test to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Elyse returned to the ward. Jayden sat in a wheelchair, gazing at Peyton. She didn't understand their relationship, but Jayden looked undeniably sad, perhaps blaming himself.

The thought briefly crossed her mind, but she dismissed it. Why feel sympathy for a man like him? She resolved never to feel sorry for men again.

As Elyse was lost in thought, Peyton stirred. His eyes opened, and seeing Jayden's stern expression, he pointed and blurted, "I don't like this escort! I want another one!" ...