Chapter 828:

Elyse’s cheeks reddened as she tried to free herself from his grasp. Despite her efforts, his grip was unyielding.

Elyse took a deep breath before attempting to loosen Jayden’s grip. His hands, however, clung to her stubbornly. Growing increasingly frustrated, and suspecting he was feigning sleep, Elyse yanked his ear.

Jayden’s eyes snapped open, annoyance flickering across his features. “What are you doing?” he demanded irritably.

“I need some space to sleep, and you’re smothering me,” Elyse snapped back, her patience wearing thin.

“Such a hassle,” Jayden grumbled. Before Elyse could react, he lifted her with surprising ease, pinning her beneath him on the bed.

Frozen in shock, Elyse’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment. She pushed against him, exasperated. “Don’t cling to me like this. We’re divorced, remember? And you’re with Aarya now.”

At the mention of Aarya, Jayden’s expression turned serious. “Are you jealous of her?” he asked.

Offended and cornered, Elyse responded defensively, “Jealous? Why would I be? I don’t even know her well. It’s only natural she’s with you…”

Before she could finish, Jayden silenced her with a kiss, abrupt and demanding. When he released her, he pinned her down, his voice rough. “You claim you’re not jealous, yet you’re visibly upset.”

Elyse clenched her teeth, her mind racing.

Ignoring her discomfort, Jayden drew her closer, his voice tired but firm. “I’m exhausted. Just stay here for a bit.”

Though she resisted, her resolve wavered at the genuine weariness in his voice. Yet, the reminder of his relationship with Aarya lingered uncomfortably between them.

Despite Jayden’s manipulative behavior, Elyse knew she had to end whatever lingered between them. She needed to maintain boundaries, even if Aarya wasn’t the ideal partner.

Yet, Elyse hesitated. Tormented internally, she still longed for Jayden’s embrace.

A bitter smile curled her lips. Was she becoming as reprehensible as the situations she despised? This thought deepened her distress, causing her to sniffle quietly.

Feeling her shift, Jayden tightened his hold, his voice soft but steady as he patted her back. “It’s okay. I’ll handle everything. Don’t overthink it.”

“You call this okay? How can I not overthink?” Elyse muttered, disgusted with herself. Could she enjoy her own misery?

Amid her tumultuous thoughts, Elyse eventually drifted off to sleep.