Chapter 480:
Elyse cried for a long time. When she felt sleepy, the room door opened. Shaun entered, switched on the light, and said flatly, "Stop crying. Go downstairs for dinner."
Both Elyse and Tracy shielded their eyes. The sudden light was uncomfortable after being in the dark so long.
Tracy was the first to open her eyes. She angrily rushed to Shaun, punching him in the chest. "Why did you turn on the light so suddenly?"
Shaun winced, grabbed her fist with a stern expression, and held her tightly.
"Let me go!" she demanded, hitting him repeatedly.
Elyse covered her face and said hoarsely, "I have no appetite. You two can eat without me."
Tracy was about to persuade her when Shaun interrupted, "No way. You must eat something. I've had the chef prepare nutritious meals specifically for pregnant women."
"He's right, Elyse. You really should eat," Tracy added. Then, realization dawned. She turned to Shaun in astonishment. "Specifically for pregnant women? Who is pregnant?" she asked, panicked.
Shaun pointed at Elyse, who remained silent. "Who else? Your friend, of course."
"Oh my! You're pregnant? Why didn't you tell me?" Tracy shook off Shaun's hand and ran to Elyse, asking worriedly, "How long have you been pregnant? Does Jayden know?"
Shaun replied, "If Jayden knew, he wouldn't let you stay here. He'd take you away, even if he had to tear down my house."
Elyse, seeing Tracy's worry, slowly took Tracy's hand. Her face was pale, but she managed a weak smile. "Don't worry. The baby is only two months old, still small. I'm not ready to tell Jayden yet," she said softly.
Tracy, sensing Elyse's apprehension, asked, "Why not tell him? Are you considering an abortion?"
Elyse gently caressed her belly. "At first, I considered it," she confessed. "But now, I've decided against it. Even if Jayden doesn't want the baby, I'll keep it."
Tracy's surprise was evident. "He doesn't want the baby?"
Elyse nodded. "He's told me he doesn't like children."
Tracy turned to Shaun, her expression one of disbelief. Shaun, seeing her confusion, sighed deeply. "You still need to tell Jayden," he advised. "If he still rejects the idea of a child, then you might consider divorce. But he deserves to know."
Elyse bit her lip, unsure how to respond.
After a moment, Shaun added, "He's the father, after all. He should know, right?"
Tracy agreed. She reassured Elyse, "Despite your problems with Jayden and your disappointment, you can't keep this a secret. It'll become obvious as your pregnancy progresses."
Elyse looked up, her eyes showing understanding. "You're right."
Relieved, Tracy encouraged her, "Let's go have dinner, for the baby's sake. Besides, you have a competition tomorrow. You need to eat to keep your energy up."
After a brief silence, Elyse stood and followed Tracy downstairs. Shaun watched her go, debating whether to call Jayden. He worried about the potential emotional toll on Elyse if she miscarried under his roof. After considering the situation, he decided to keep the pregnancy a secret, mindful of his and Tracy's recently improved relationship.
"Let it be," he muttered. "She's Tracy's best friend. I should look after her."
After leaving Shaun's house, Jayden called Clive to meet for drinks. He arrived at a nightclub's private room and waited. Thirty minutes later, Clive arrived with Peyton, who was in a wheelchair.
Seeing Peyton, Jayden frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"Keeping you company!" Peyton retorted, pulling a can of coke from his pocket. "You drink your alcohol; I'll have my coke."
Clive sat down, explaining, "I was visiting Peyton at the hospital when you called. He overheard our plans and insisted on coming."
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