Chapter 646:
Elyse’s legs still trembled faintly as Jayden offered a gentle arm around her waist. “Those are just old stories, nothing to dwell on. If the scars bother you, we can get them cosmetically treated.”
Elyse sighed, a whisper escaping her lips. She had given Jayden chances—a simple explanation, a few kind words—anything; the thought of divorce might have vanished. But Jayden had retreated behind a wall of silence. Helplessness flickered in Elyse’s eyes, a flicker of love teetering on the brink.
Downstairs in the dining room, Elyse sat with a heavy heart as Driscoll arranged the dishes. Jayden surprised her by proposing a trip for the following month. Elyse understood his intentions. He wasn’t ready to let go, desperate to salvage their relationship. Yet, her desire went deeper than superficial gestures; she craved access to his heart.
Unable to bear the charade any longer, Elyse retreated to their room after dinner. Jayden, seeking solace in his study, thought about their fractured love. Where had it gone wrong? Elyse had accepted his disability, so why the sudden urge for divorce now that she knew he was healthy again? The answer eluded Jayden. His only course of action was to try and rebuild the happiness he had neglected to provide.
At Blue Sea Music Studio, Cody sat slumped on the sofa, drowning his sorrows with a drink. Beside him, Morgan observed with a hint of exasperation.
“Just an apprentice, Cody,” she said, her voice laced with concern. “Is dismissal really worth such despair? If she hadn’t erred, you wouldn’t have expelled her. Let go, Cody. Don’t dwell on problems beyond your control.”
Cody shook his head stubbornly. “I failed as an instructor. More care, better understanding, stronger guidance—perhaps then things wouldn’t have ended like this.”
Morgan scoffed. “Not everyone is destined for greatness. Her path was her choice. You can’t shoulder the blame.”
Cody sighed. “Alas, I didn’t do my part well.”
Morgan knew arguing was futile. Cody’s heart of gold shone beneath that icy exterior. She settled back on the couch, her gaze fixed on her melancholic friend.
The tranquility shattered as the door swung open. Morgan swiveled around, squinting through the backlighting. A tall figure stood in the doorway. She momentarily thought it was Rickey.
“Impossible,” she murmured, disbelief coloring her voice.
Pearce strode into the studio, taking in the familiar yet unfamiliar faces. He smiled warmly. “Long time no see, Janet.”
Morgan blinked, confusion clouding her vision. Pearce’s resemblance to Rickey was uncanny. After a moment, reality settled in. This wasn’t Rickey, but someone who looked a lot like him. Rising hesitantly, Morgan approached Pearce. The more she looked, the deeper the well of nostalgia welled within her.
“Who are you? Do I know you?”
“Don’t you recognize me?” His smile softened. “Uncle Rickey used to chase us around. And when I was losing my baby teeth, my parents wouldn’t let me have candy. Uncle Rickey snuck me chocolates, but you confiscated them all! I cried for hours.”
A glimmer of recognition flickered in Morgan’s eyes. “Pearce? You’ve grown so much.”
His smile widened with genuine delight. “It’s been over twenty years. I’m thirty now.”
Morgan, overwhelmed with a wave of memories, grasped his hand, her eyes searching his face. After a long moment, she spoke, her voice thick with emotion. “You look more and more like him as you get older. Though, he was a bit more…carefree. You seem more grounded and reliable.”