Chapter 5

“Didn’t I make it clear? I’m married. We’re over. This is my husband,” Elyse said, quickly moving to Jayden’s side and gripping his arm.

Theo stared at Jayden, failing to recognize him. He sneered. “To get back at me, you married a disabled man?” He extended a hand, commanding, “Elyse, come here! I’ll make it up to you when we get back.”

But Elyse looked at him as if he were a stranger. “Did you hear me?” Theo’s frustration mounted. “Come here!” he insisted.

Elyse reflected on her past responses. She would have gone to him. She had loved him deeply for three years; her feelings had been genuine. The depth of her affection only made the betrayal harder to bear.

On her first birthday together, she’d wanted to celebrate by the sea. To please her, Theo bought a camera, promising beautiful photos. As they were about to board their flight, Kaelyn, injured on a film set, called Theo. Without hesitation, he left Elyse stranded at the airport. It was the most disappointing birthday of her life.

Theo had also vowed to attend her orchestra debut, but he didn’t appear. She waited all night, only to learn he’d missed it because Kaelyn had become drunk at a dinner party while trying to secure a role. He’d stayed because he was worried about her safety. For three years, he’d been Kaelyn’s protector, but never offered Elyse the same. This accumulation of disappointments culminated at the wedding. She knew she deserved love and respect, not neglect.

“I am Jayden’s wife now. I owe my loyalty to him,” Elyse declared coldly.

“Elyse Lloyd!” Theo roared, enraged. He believed Elyse was being spiteful, fabricating problems because of the day’s events. As he tried to grab her hand, Jayden intervened, swiftly blocking him.

Theo struggled to free himself but couldn’t. He couldn’t overpower a disabled man? The realization infuriated him. “Release me!” he exploded.

“She has no desire to leave with you. Can’t you understand?” Jayden pressed slowly, his strength causing Theo’s face to contort in distress. Jayden held on until Theo cried out in pain, then released him.

“Remember this day, Elyse. You’ll regret it!” Theo glared at Elyse, a hint of embarrassment in his anger, and stormed off.

Watching him go, Elyse felt a bitter smile. She knew Theo wouldn’t easily let go of his humiliation, but there was no turning back.

“Let’s go home, Elyse.”

“Okay.”

After helping Jayden into the car, they sat silently, gazing out the window, avoiding any mention of Theo.

“How did you know I was out here?” Elyse asked, curious.

Without turning, Jayden replied, “Driscoll mentioned it wasn’t safe for you to be alone at this hour, so I came to pick you up.”

In truth, he’d suspected she was up to something secretive, but it turned out she was merely meeting her ex. This revelation left him slightly disappointed.

“Since you’ve married me, you should sever ties with your ex. My family members are strict, and I can’t cover for you if they find out you’re still seeing another man.”

“I won’t see him again. I met him just to return a ring,” Elyse responded, nodding.

Jayden said nothing more. As long as Elyse respected his boundaries, she was free to make her own choices.

When they arrived home, Elyse noticed Jayden heading straight for the study. Curious, she asked Driscoll, “Why is he always in the study?”

“The study is not only his workplace, but it has also become a sanctuary for his soul,” Driscoll explained.

“And why doesn’t he return to his room?”

“He does sometimes, but we rarely know when. He prefers that we don’t fuss over him too much.”

Driscoll left. After freshening up, Elyse was preparing for bed, but her thoughts lingered on the day’s events. She realized that despite his reserved nature, he was genuinely concerned for her safety.

Feeling grateful and wanting to express her thanks, she left her room and walked towards the study. The door was slightly ajar, casting a sliver of light into the hallway.

Elyse pushed the door open and, to her surprise, saw Jayden standing. She gasped. “Jayden, you can stand?”

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