Chapter 539:

Elyse's frown deepened as she listened to Corrie. Her instincts told her Corrie was using Jayden's friendship with Louis as a weapon. Jayden visibly tensed at the mention of Louis's name. Louis was a wound in his heart, a source of immense pain, yet Corrie spoke of him carelessly, as if to torment him. He even considered silencing her.

Through her tears, Corrie cried, "Louis will never forgive you if I die. I'll make sure he haunts you forever."

Jayden silently repeated Louis's name, trying to quell his rising irritation. But it mingled with his guilt, slowly overpowering his rational thoughts. Elyse expected him to refuse, yet Jayden turned to Corrie and said, "Send me your location."

Elyse's eyes widened in shock. Reaching out to stop him, she exclaimed, "Are you seriously going after her? Corrie Bates is manipulating you!"

Jayden massaged his forehead. "I'm sorry, but I need to go."

Ignoring Elyse's pleading look, he pulled away and headed for the door. Elyse followed, asking, "What's the reason? Tell me. What made you have to go? I'll let you go if you tell me."

Jayden seemed lost in thought, his mind flashing back to the car crash. He saw his best friend, Louis, sprawled in a pool of blood, his life fading. The memory pierced Jayden's heart.

With a shuddering breath, Jayden shut his eyes, masking his anguish. He responded tersely, "This doesn't concern you, Elyse. It's my issue. Stay in the ward and wait for me."

Ignoring her protests, he grabbed his coat and strode swiftly from the ward. Elyse tried to follow, but couldn't keep pace. He slammed the door, leaving her behind. He departed so abruptly that he didn't even glance back.

Rooted to the spot, Elyse looked crestfallen. Tears welled in her eyes but didn't fall. She appeared truly pitiful. Confusion swirled within her. Jayden knew Corrie was scheming, yet he still felt compelled to leave. Why?

When would Jayden ever fully trust her? Elyse stood for a moment, then dizziness washed over her. She stumbled to the bed, leaning heavily on it for support.

In that moment, she understood Jayden's true perspective. In his eyes, they were two distinct individuals, not a unified pair considering each other's perspectives. Thus, he felt no need to deeply involve her in his affairs. With this realization, Elyse scoffed, "Jayden still doesn't see me as his confidant, does he?"

She perceived him as viewing her, his wife, more as a possession than a best friend. They could share interests, but their emotional connection was clearly mismatched.

Elyse's mood lifted slightly as she processed these thoughts. Cradling her belly, she wiped away her tears, murmuring, "I'm not truly family to him after all. It's not his fault; I've been expecting too much, been too eager."

Gradually, Elyse composed herself. Just then, there were gentle knocks. Peyton hesitantly peered in, saying, "Jayden sent me to keep you company, Elyse."

Noticing his discomfort, Elyse smiled warmly. "Thank you, Peyton. I appreciate it."

"Sure thing," Peyton replied, scrutinizing her face for signs of distress, but she appeared calm. He reflected on Jayden's actions, deeming them rash, and wondered how Elyse would react.

He approached cautiously. "Are you alright? I heard about what happened. I'll have a word with Jayden when he gets back."

Elyse shook her head, dismissing his concern. "I'm okay. Don't bother scolding him. He probably had his reasons. I'm fine."

Peyton was at a loss for words; her bright smile didn't quite reach her eyes. He sensed this matter had affected her more deeply than before—that she might be truly done with Jayden.

In a final attempt, Peyton offered, "I've figured out why Jayden agreed to fetch Corrie Bates. Let me clarify it for you."

"That's thoughtful, but no need. I'm just too tired. I need some sleep." Elyse stretched out on her bed, pulled the blanket up, and yawned.

Peyton, persistent, continued, "Jayden did it not out of lingering feelings for Corrie Bates. It was guilt over Louis. After all these years, he still can't shake it off."

As Elyse lay on the bed, her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep. From her dismissive demeanor, Peyton realized that, regardless of the truth, Elyse didn't care. Her indifference was deeper than any outward drama; it was resignation. Peyton suspected Elyse had written Jayden off for good.

He pondered probing her thoughts but hesitated. In the end, he opted to wait for Jayden's return, hoping he would resolve the situation himself.