Chapter 777:
Jayden handed back the phone, offering a gentle smile. “Haven’t I told you? You’re my one and only. You should have faith in me.” Aarya playfully tugged at his hand, attempting to lighten the mood. “Will you stay tonight? It’s been ages since you’ve told me a bedtime story.” Jayden glanced upstairs, his smile tinged with regret. “I can’t stay tonight. Mr. Hudson has returned, and I must abide by his rules. Let’s not make him angry.” Aarya felt a flare of annoyance at Charlie’s timing, wondering why he had returned. She resented her father, forgetting he had facilitated her return.
After persuading Aarya to retire to her room, Jayden quickly left and hastened toward the garden. Elyse lay beneath a delicate dusting of snow, her face pale, lips a dark purplish hue, and eyes closed as if in peaceful eternal rest. From afar, she resembled a dead body.
Shock widened Jayden’s eyes as he rushed to lift her, cradling her and hurrying toward the waiting group at the gates. Clutching her tightly, he felt the chill of her skin, confirming her faint breaths. He feared she was dying.
In the car, Jayden held Elyse close and commanded the driver, “Increase the heat immediately, and drive straight to the hospital.” The driver accelerated, turning up the heat as they swiftly left the Hudson Estate. Jayden removed Elyse’s frozen coat, wrapping her in his jacket. As the car raced toward the hospital, the approaching city thickened the landscape. Despite the warmth, Elyse remained unconscious, her ordeal weighing heavily on Jayden’s heart.
Upon arrival, Elyse was immediately taken for urgent care. Jayden remained outside the operating room, his clenched fists reflecting his deep concern. Later, Elyse emerged stable and ready for home recovery, reassured by the medical team.
Returning home, Jayden noticed numerous missed calls from Gavin and Irving on Elyse’s phone—over forty. He returned one call, and Gavin’s worried voice pressed for details about Elyse’s absence.
Jayden inhaled deeply before assuring him, “Elyse is with me and safe. I’ll bring her home tomorrow.”
Gavin’s voice held accusation. “Do you realize you two are divorced? Why do you continue to involve yourself with her? Why can’t you just let her go?”
Holding Elyse close, Jayden looked into her face and replied firmly, “I can’t let her go. She’s the one I’ve chosen for this lifetime, irreplaceable.”
Gavin swore under his breath, his voice tinged with frustration. “You’re completely mad. I absolutely do not want Elyse to end up with you.”
Jayden chuckled quietly. “Doesn’t it seem apparent that I’ve lost my senses?”
Jayden then ended the conversation. He had reassured Gavin about Elyse’s safety and chose not to disclose more.
When they arrived home, Jayden carried Elyse to their bedroom. Elyse slept soundly, her breath steady. Jayden might have feared she was dead had it not been for her breathing. He sat by the bed, gazing at her silently before sliding in beside her. He drew her close, wrapping his arm around her waist.
Her warmth lulled Jayden to sleep. “I sleep best with you here next to me,” he whispered before falling asleep.
When Elyse awoke the next morning, she felt unusually heavy. Attempting to rise, she realized her hand was resting on something warm. Turning, she saw it was Jayden’s chest.