Chapter 642:
Jayden’s fingers tightened around Elyse’s chin, forcing a wince. Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled, staring into his deep eyes. “Elyse,” his voice was cold and menacing, “but I think this is thriving, exceptional, even. Don’t you dare think about leaving me.”
Elyse’s lip curled. “You call this control thriving? Have we ever been equal, Jayden? Or am I not worthy of being your equal?”
Confusion flickered across Jayden’s face. “What are you talking about? I’ve never belittled you.” He released her, sighing deeply. “Okay, okay. Maybe I didn’t explain myself properly after our fight yesterday. Let me shower. I’ll come out and explain everything.”
Elyse remained silent, her eyes downcast, lips tight.
As Jayden undressed, his voice echoed. “Later, we can look at houses you might like. Just point them out, and I’ll get one for you. Then you’ll finally have a place of your own.”
Turning to Elyse, he saw tears streaming down her cheeks. He moved close, wiping them gently, his tone softening. “I promise to fulfill every desire you have. Just don’t think about leaving, okay?”
Exhausted, Elyse avoided his gaze. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
“I’ll join you after I shower,” Jayden said, heading towards the bathroom.
Elyse trudged to the bed, collapsing. Almost instantly, she drifted to sleep.
When Jayden emerged from the shower, Elyse was asleep. Later that afternoon, she woke and went downstairs.
Driscoll greeted her warmly. “I’ll have the chef prepare something for you. Also, take a look at these.” He handed her a thick stack of brochures.
Curiously, Elyse asked, “What are these?”
“Properties that match all your criteria,” Driscoll explained. “Prime investment opportunities in desirable locations.”
Elyse chuckled softly, a hint of irony in her voice. “Does he really think I need a house?”
She flipped through the pages absentmindedly and set them aside. “I don’t need any of these. You can put them away.”
Driscoll looked puzzled. “But why?”
Elyse sighed, her voice weary. “Just let Jayden know I’m not interested in the houses.”
Driscoll, taken aback, obliged, tucking the brochures away and excusing himself.
Finishing her meal in silence, Elyse retreated to her room. Retrieving her phone, she dialed Pearce’s number and arranged to meet him.
After he confirmed, she changed and set out.
At their meeting spot, Pearce waited. Sitting across from him, she cut to the chase. “I want a divorce.”
Pearce’s smile hardened. “You’ve finally seen the light! Leaving that piece of shit was the best decision you could make!”
Elyse frowned. “It’s not what you think.”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is you’re leaving Jayden,” Pearce said with satisfaction. Jayden had never been his favorite, and Elyse’s marriage to him had always troubled Pearce.
“I’ll have my lawyer draw up the papers. He will have to compensate you handsomely,” Pearce insisted eagerly.
Elyse shook her head. “That’s not necessary. I don’t want anything from him.”
She had lived at Jayden’s place for a long time, grateful for the time she’d been allowed to stay. Pearce’s jaw tightened.
“Elyse, this isn’t about him. You deserve what’s rightfully yours. Don’t be too considerate towards him in a divorce.”
Elyse’s wry smile revealed her true intentions. She wasn’t being considerate; she simply had no need for material possessions.
Pearce’s excitement mounted, and he swiftly contacted his lawyer to initiate the divorce proceedings.
She hadn’t confided in Pearce about her lingering doubts. Was leaving truly the right choice? Despite the issues, she still loved Jayden deeply, but the gap between them seemed insurmountable, and Jayden remained oblivious to his faults.
After a long silence, Elyse finally spoke, her voice hesitant. “Maybe it’s best if we… take some time apart.”
At that moment, Jayden entered the room, his presence commanding. “Is it because of him that you want a divorce from me?”