Chapter 667: Noveldrama

As a true friend, Peyton felt compelled to offer a stern reminder. He frowned and said earnestly, “Don’t dig your heels in. Take some time to reflect and offer an apology. Simplify things. If you truly drive Elyse away, you might be the one in tears.”

Jayden scoffed. “Cry? Me? That’s never happened in my life.”

Peyton chuckled, a mix of annoyance and pity. “Alright, but if you end up crying, don’t blame me for not warning you.”

“Buzz off!” Jayden retorted, playfully kicking Peyton, who returned the gesture.

—

An hour later, Jayden’s driver arrived. Jayden had Peyton dropped off at his home before proceeding to his own residence.

Back home, Driscoll took Jayden’s briefcase to the study. “Mr. Owen, have you had dinner? Would you like something to eat?”

Feeling the effects of the alcohol, Jayden responded wearily, “No, I’ll just shower and head to bed.”

Driscoll nodded, stepping aside to let Jayden pass.

Jayden returned to the bedroom and switched on the light. The room looked unchanged. The dressing table held half-used cosmetics, neatly arranged. The wardrobe overflowed with neatly folded women’s clothes, dominating the space; most of his shirts and suits were in the adjacent room.

The double bed held two pillows. The indentation on one pillow was subtle, hinting at a light sleeper.

Everything remained unchanged, yet Elyse was gone.

Gazing around, Jayden felt suffocated. He rushed to the bathroom as if fleeing his feelings.

But the bathroom only amplified his memories: the shower gel, its distinct scent of green grapes, and other feminine products, a harsh reminder of reality.

Jayden showered quickly and returned to bed. The alcohol eased his path to sleep. As he drifted off, he instinctively reached out, grasping at empty air.

He awoke abruptly, forgetting to breathe for a moment. He looked to the side. Elyse was gone.

A profound sorrow engulfed him. His nose tingled, and he bit his finger to stifle a sound.

“Why did you ask for a divorce? What did I do wrong? Couldn’t you have just told me?”

Jayden clenched his jaw, fighting back tears. They came anyway, quickly soaking the pillow.

Jayden had never confessed that Elyse’s departure haunted his nights, leaving him sleepless. He busied himself relentlessly to avoid idle moments, for thoughts of Elyse would inevitably overpower him. He couldn’t, nor did he want to, be consumed by the memories. . . .