Chapter 660:

Elyse's face drained of color. She gazed at Jayden with confusion, nervously asking, "You don't want me to compete, do you?"

Seeing her anxious expression, Jayden paused, then offered a reassuring smile. "How could I stop you from competing? Isn't this what you've always dreamed of?"

Elyse bit her lip. Jayden's words implied she should stay home.

Tears welled up in Elyse's eyes. "Jayden, the violin has always been my passion and dream. No matter how frail I feel, I have to compete."

Jayden realized his error. "I understand," he corrected, "so I won't hinder your pursuit of your dream. Please stay calm."

Elyse, eyes glistening, gazed at him, speechless. Eventually, she turned to Cody, saying in a defeated tone, "Mr. Tucker, I feel unwell and might not be able to converse."

Cody looked at her with concern. "Are you okay? Do you need medical attention?"

"No, I just need to rest," Elyse replied, shaking her head before collapsing onto the bed, exhausted.

Cody turned to Jayden, noting his anxious expression, and sighed quietly. "Would you mind walking me to the door?"

Jayden hesitated, glancing at Elyse before agreeing and escorting Cody downstairs.

As they walked, Cody inquired, "You like Elyse, don't you?"

Jayden nodded. "Yes, I do."

"But do you love her?" Cody pressed.

Jayden seemed confused. "Is there a distinction between liking and loving?"

Cody smiled and shook his head. "You have much to learn."

Jayden was perplexed. "Learn what? I've given her everything."

Cody chuckled. "Learn the true essence of love. Many never grasp it. Do you wish to be one of them?"

Jayden found Cody's words confusing. However, knowing Cody was Elyse's mentor, he treated him with utmost respect.

In her room, once she sensed Jayden and Cody had left, Elyse retrieved her phone from beneath her pillow. She considered messaging Pearce, her only contact.

Elyse drafted the message but hesitated to send it. Leaving Jayden would cause inner conflict, but staying with him, as he seemed to confine her and bar her from competing, would lead to greater misery. Faced with this dilemma, she knew a decision was necessary.

Ten minutes later, Jayden quietly entered the bedroom. Seeing Elyse resting, he approached gently.

Unexpectedly, Elyse opened her eyes as he approached.

Realizing she was awake, Jayden sat on the bed's edge, tenderly caressing her cheek. He softly asked, "Can't sleep?"

Elyse pulled away from Jayden's hand. "You didn't want me to compete, did you?"

Jayden countered, "Why do you think that?" . . .