Chapter 463:

Elyse awoke that morning exhausted. She glanced at the neat side of the bed; Jayden hadn't returned the previous night. A wave of bitterness washed over her as she gently touched her belly and murmured sadly, "Sweetie, your dad is really upset with me. Do you think I'll be kicked out?" Her baby, too undeveloped to understand, offered no reply.

Elyse sat for a few moments to ease her tiredness before slowly going downstairs. Driscoll greeted her with concern. "Good morning. Are you feeling better today?"

Managing a smile, Elyse replied, "Yes, much better, thank you. Where's Jayden?"

With a hint of embarrassment, Driscoll answered, "He left for work early this morning."

Elyse hesitated. "So, he's still upset with me and hasn't forgiven me, right?"

Driscoll was at a loss for words. Jayden hadn't seemed angry when he left, but he hadn't spoken to Elyse since the previous night. Elyse concluded, from Driscoll's hesitation, that forgiveness was still a long way off.

She had been too afraid to confess her pregnancy after his outburst, fearing he might suggest ending it. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her child. Her thoughts were in disarray, and she was unsure what to do next.

Seeing her distress, Driscoll offered comfort. "Please don't lose heart. I know Mr. Owen well. He may seem stern when angry, but he's truly compassionate. He's bound to forgive you soon."

A smile lit up Elyse's face as she looked toward the study. "I'm confident he will forgive me."

Driscoll nodded. "Why don't you have some breakfast? The kitchen made cherry jam from freshly picked cherries. They're quite tart this season, but perfect for jam."

Surprised, Elyse asked, "When did the cherries arrive?"

Driscoll explained, "Mr. Owen had us order some for you. Finding fresh ones was a challenge, so they didn't arrive until nearly 9 PM last night. The chef even commented on how sour they were."

Piqued by curiosity, Elyse asked, "Are there any fresh cherries left? I'd like to try one."

"There are some left, but they're quite tart," Driscoll cautioned.

Elyse dismissed his warning. "That's fine. I'd still like to taste them."

Driscoll quickly had a servant bring some cherries to the dining room. A plate of glistening red cherries, set against the white plate, was placed before Elyse, sparking her appetite. She picked one up and took a bite.

Driscoll expected her to spit it out, but to his surprise, she kept eating. "Aren't they too tart for you?" he asked.

Caught off guard, Elyse paused. "Oh, yes, they are quite tart, but I can handle it."

She quickly finished the plate, licking her lips and seeming eager for more, her earlier irritation forgotten.

Driscoll stared in astonishment. "If you'd like more, I can have another plate brought to you."

"That would be wonderful," Elyse replied. "I'd love more. They are delicious."

Driscoll went to the kitchen himself. He wondered if perhaps the cherries were actually sweet and the chef had mistakenly tasted a sour one. He picked one up and bit into it. Grimacing, he exclaimed, "Jesus! This cherry is incredibly sour!"

Yet Elyse seemed to love them. Driscoll couldn't help but think her taste was peculiar.

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