Chapter 595:

Elyse returned to her ward, her thoughts swirling around her conversation with Mabel. After a brief rest, she felt drawn to Jayden's room, seeking solace in his presence.

A flicker of warmth appeared in Jayden's eyes as he saw her. He closed his laptop, extending a welcoming hand. Elyse smiled, her eyes reflecting her delight.

Jayden embraced her, his voice filled with concern. "Are you cold? Did you wear enough warm clothes?"

"I'm okay," Elyse replied softly, though her chilled fingers suggested otherwise.

Jayden remained unconvinced. He took her hands, feeling their coldness. "Peyton mentioned you aren't feeling well. You need to take care of yourself."

Elyse pouted. "I've bundled up, but it's not helping. What else can I do?" Jayden pulled her closer, gently pinching her cheek. "Have you been eating properly? You've lost weight."

Elyse saw the genuine concern etched on Jayden's face. His affection was unmistakable, and their time together had brought them closer, but she still questioned the depth of his feelings. Despite her uncertainties, she was wholeheartedly devoted to him.

Perhaps her intense love made her overly sensitive to imperfections in their relationship. It pained her that he couldn't fully open up to her. Looking at him, she touched his face, pondering the appropriate level of love in a relationship. Was it a blessing or a curse to love so deeply?

After a long moment, Elyse softly asked, "Can you share your past with me? Tell me something about it."

Jayden blinked, holding her hand that gently caressed his face, attempting to warm her cold fingers. "Why delve into my past? Those things are over; I can't change them. Do you really need to know?"

Elyse nodded earnestly. "I think it's crucial. I wasn't part of your past, so I don't understand how your views were shaped. Knowing your past will help me understand you better."

Jayden embraced her tightly. "It doesn't matter. Let bygones be bygones."

"Why do you think it doesn't matter?" Elyse asked, her brow furrowing.

Jayden, unsure how to respond, said, "Because I faced those things alone. There's no need to share them. Besides, you wouldn't understand."

Elyse fell silent. She realized he wouldn't open up because he believed she couldn't comprehend his experiences. Could she truly not understand?

In the silence, Jayden hoped she wouldn't press further, as she had retreated before when he rebuffed her.

Elyse seemed to give up, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he looked up to see her still watching him. He hugged her tighter and teased, "Am I that mesmerizing? How long will you stare?"

But his flirtation was met with silence. Elyse said slowly, "I'm wondering if we're truly in love."

"Of course. We share an unparalleled love," Jayden declared confidently. Although they had lost their child, it didn't mean they wouldn't have more children in the future. He envisioned having another child with her, promising himself he would protect them both.

While Jayden dreamed of the future, Elyse’s thoughts were different. Now, she finally had her answers.