Chapter 659:

“Your eyes have lost their sparkle,” Cody added. “I remember when I first met you, you were brimming with energy and happiness, free from worry. Now, your eyes are filled with burdens.”

After a moment, Elyse replied, “I still have a passion for the violin.”

“But you’re exhausted, aren’t you?” Cody sighed. “When Pearce mentioned it, I was skeptical. But seeing you now, I realize you’ve truly lost your zest.”

Elyse forced a smile. “Mr. Tucker, there’s no need to worry about me. I lack nothing. I have everything I could possibly want. What could I be dissatisfied with?”

Cody smiled knowingly. “Do you really care about material things, like big houses and flashy cars? Is your deepest desire to fill your wardrobe with designer clothes or preorder the latest luxury bags?”

Elyse was shocked. She shook her head slowly, lost in thought. She had never chased after those things. Her heart had always yearned for something else.

Her eyes drifted to the violin almost unconsciously.

Seeing Elyse’s vacant expression, Cody was reminded of her father. Rickey had faced similar confusion, but ultimately, he had chosen the violin.

Elyse murmured, “I have everything I need. Even a husband who adores me. Do I have to leave him to chase my dreams? Won’t that be ungrateful?”

Cody gently replied, “Whether you decide to love yourself or your husband, I’m here for you. As your instructor, I will always have your back.”

Elyse’s eyes clouded with uncertainty. She had considered leaving, but every time she saw Jayden’s face, she was torn.

Her love for Jayden was undeniable, yet she also longed to love herself. Why did these desires clash? Why was it causing her such heartache?

Cody recalled Pearce’s words. He pulled a phone from his bag and handed it to Elyse. “Your cousin wanted you to have this. He said when you’re ready, use this phone to reach out to him, and he’ll take care of everything.”

Elyse accepted the phone and tucked it under her pillow.

Cody decided to steer clear of that subject and instead shifted the conversation to the competition in two months.

About half an hour later, Jayden returned.

Grinning, he greeted Cody and asked, “What are you two chatting about? Mind if I join?”

Elyse found Jayden’s behavior irritating. It was barely past three in the afternoon, and he had returned so early, obviously to keep tabs on her.

She turned her head slightly, choosing to confront Jayden with her silence.

Jayden didn’t pay much attention to Elyse’s subtle defiance.

Cody chimed in. “We were just discussing the upcoming competition. She’s got some intense practices ahead.”

Jayden, rubbing his fingers and probing cautiously, asked, “Does she really need to go through such rigorous practices?”

Cody, a bit perplexed, replied, “Her skills are still shaky. She needs to master more techniques if she wants a fighting chance in the competition.”

Jayden remarked, “In my eyes, her well-being outweighs the competition.” . . .