Chapter 510:
Jayden set up a desk in Elyse’s hospital ward and settled into his wheelchair to work, determined to provide the best care for his pregnant wife.
Peyton, potato chips in hand, wheeled himself into Elyse’s room. Spotting Jayden engrossed in his work despite his illness, he teased, “Earning money for your baby, huh?”
Jayden looked up from his laptop, noticed the chips, and turned to Elyse. “Do you want some?” he asked.
Engrossed in violin videos, Elyse shook her head. “No.”
Jayden returned to his work.
Bemused, Peyton felt he was seeing things. Jayden’s usual arrogance seemed to have vanished, replaced by a meekness.
Munching on his chips, Peyton approached Elyse. “What have you done to him? Why’s he so scared of you?”
Elyse glanced at Jayden, diligently working. “He has to earn money, just like you said. How else will he support me and the baby?”
Peyton chuckled mischievously. He suspected there was more to it—perhaps Elyse had discovered Jayden’s lies.
Without looking up, Jayden retorted, “What’s so funny? Is it a crime to work hard for my family?” His tone was laced with anger.
Peyton, chastised, touched his nose. “No, no. As a friend, I admire your dedication. You deserve happiness,” he said, though his tone remained playful.
Finishing his chips, Peyton felt drowsy and decided to nap. Exiting, he nearly collided with Irving, who was arriving to visit Elyse.
Irving, laden with a bouquet, a fruit basket, and baby products, almost bumped into Peyton. “Sorry, I almost didn’t see you,” he apologized.
Peyton’s eyes lingered on the gifts before he looked away. “It’s fine. I was leaving.”
Irving stepped aside and entered the room. He glanced at Jayden, who ignored him.
Irving disliked Jayden, considering him ill-tempered. While Irving wasn’t exactly mild-mannered, Jayden’s temper seemed worse. He thought Elyse unlucky to have married such a man; her gentle nature would likely be hurt by him.
He placed his gifts on the table beside Elyse.
Elyse, setting down her phone, greeted him softly. “Irving, what brings you here?”
“Gavin and Fiona are on their way, but I arrived early,” Irving explained, noticing she’d been watching videos of previous Swan Cup competitions.
Pulling up a chair, he sat beside her bed. “The Swan Cup is still a while away. No need to stress.”
Elyse frowned. “Even if it’s far off, I worry. The competitors are top-tier from all over the globe. I doubt my abilities.”
Tapping his nose, Irving replied honestly, “You should be more worried about yourself than the competition.”
Elyse looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Staring at her belly, Irving’s tone grew serious. “By the time the Swan Cup arrives, you’ll be about five or six months pregnant. Are you planning to compete while pregnant?”
Elyse, stunned, looked down at her belly and then at Jayden.
Jayden, visibly anxious, felt a pang of guilt. Irving’s words had struck a nerve. Meeting Elyse’s gaze accidentally, he fell silent.
Elyse, seeing his guilt, rolled her eyes. He felt regret and couldn’t face her. Why hadn’t he thought of this earlier?
After a brief silence, Irving remembered something. “Oh, Mr. Tucker found out you’re pregnant today. He said he’d fly home to see you as soon as he’s finished with work.”
Shocked, Elyse asked, “He knows I’m pregnant?”
Irving nodded. (He didn’t mention that Cody had nearly crashed his car that morning upon hearing the news.)
…