Chapter 596:

Elyse sat quietly with Jayden for a while before returning to her room. Despite her reluctance to leave, Jayden grasped her hand, his voice tinged with plea. “Please, stay with me a little longer.”

Elyse gently removed his hand, smiling calmly. “I’m not feeling well. I’d love to return to my ward and lie down.”

Jayden frowned, his concern deepening. He tried to stand. “You’re not feeling well? I’ll get a doctor.”

Elyse shuddered, pushing him back onto the bed. “Just stay in bed and recuperate. You sustained far more injuries than I did. If you don’t listen, I won’t speak to you again.”

Jayden glared, feigning annoyance. “You won’t talk to me? The nerve!”

Elyse snorted playfully. “Try me.”

Jayden obediently lay back, smiling softly. “Okay, your wish is my command. I’ll stay. I’m so scared of my wife ignoring me.”

Elyse felt a twinge of sadness. Despite his words, she knew he wasn’t truly afraid. She always made the compromises.

As Elyse was about to leave, she remembered her encounter with Mabel on the seventeenth floor. She paused, turning back to Jayden. “Glenda is in the ER, and Mabel is waiting outside. I heard Morgan say Lanny went home earlier. He probably went to see Glenda.”

Jayden, a little astonished, nodded. “Okay, got it!”

Elyse left and returned to her ward. She lay down to rest, but her phone rang—Tracy. Concerned, Elyse answered.

“Tracy, is Shaun giving you trouble again?”

“No,” Tracy replied. “I’ve recovered well and can be discharged. I want to visit you.”

Elyse sighed in relief, her tone calm. “Tracy, I’ll be out in a couple of days. There’s no need. Besides, isn’t Shaun’s crew always around your villa? Don’t leave. I don’t want you taken again.”

Tracy’s voice quivered. “To think something so terrible happened, and I wasn’t there… I feel utterly helpless.”

“Cheer up,” Elyse said warmly. “Knowing you’re safe is all I need.” She murmured, “Of everyone in Watscar, you’re the only one I can’t imagine parting with.”

“Wait, what?” Tracy responded, holding the phone closer.

Elyse brushed it off. “Nothing important. Just recuperate. I hope you’re well by the time I’m discharged.”

Tracy nodded. “Alright. I’ll wait for you at home.”

After ending the call, Elyse placed her phone under her pillow and tried to calm herself. The conversation brought her to the brink of tears, making her want to express the unfair treatment she’d endured. But she held back, knowing Tracy had her own struggles. Adults should learn to manage their emotions independently, she reminded herself.

Elyse had a restless night. When she woke, it was late morning. She hadn’t slept well since losing the baby, her nights plagued by tossing and turning.

She got up and sat by the window, stroking her shoulders in the rare winter sunlight. The sun felt like a warm embrace, something she’d longed for.

Just as she settled, Gavin entered, smiling radiantly. “Elyse, guess who came to visit.”

Elyse turned and saw Cody, holding flowers. He wore a brown coat and hat; Irving was behind him, carrying a bag of gifts.

Seeing Elyse’s pale face, Cody felt sadness. He walked to her, handed her the flowers, and crouched. “Congratulations on winning first place in the Champions Cup! I’ve never been so proud.”

As Elyse held the flowers, tears welled up. Her lips trembled. “Am I truly your pride?”

“Yes, my pride and joy,” Cody said calmly, gently stroking her head.

Gavin and Irving exchanged a look. Irving stepped forward. “Elyse, Mr. Tucker got these gifts for you.”

…