Chapter 829:

She woke late the next afternoon, the previous night's snow having yielded to a sunny day. The lively sounds of people enjoying the weather drew her to the window. She watched the activity below, the sun's warmth soothing her chilled bones.

After a moment basking in the sunlight, a knock on the door interrupted her reverie.

Elyse wrapped herself in a coat and opened the door to find her new neighbor, Edward, standing outside with a grin.

"Figured you'd be awake," he said cheerfully. "How about lunch on me? Go change, and I'll meet you in the lobby."

The sight of Edward stirred Elyse's conflicted emotions, prompting a weary sigh. "Are you sure about this? I'm hardly a catch. You know about my past marriage."

Edward replied, "Does being married before mean I can't pursue you? Can't I pursue someone I genuinely like?"

Elyse was baffled by his determination. "You know my history, yet you're willing to be with a divorced woman? With your prospects, you could find someone better suited."

Shaking his head, Edward insisted, "You don't see it. It's rare to find someone I truly connect with. If I let you go and settle for someone else, I'd be doing myself a disservice."

"But I don't feel the same about you," Elyse countered, her frown deepening. "I can't force feelings that aren't there."

Edward's expression turned earnest. "You're lying. How can you say you feel nothing? I'm quite a catch."

Overwhelmed, Elyse was speechless.

Edward seized Elyse's hand and pressed it firmly against his chest. "Can you feel my strong chest muscles?" he asked, his voice filled with pride.

Elyse quickly pulled her hand away, stepping back in alarm. "Can you not be so forward?" she exclaimed, her shock evident.

Undeterred, Edward reached out again, a smug smile playing on his lips. "You're too passive, so I have to take the lead. Otherwise, how are we ever going to have a future together?"

Before Elyse could respond, a faint noise, like something hitting the floor, came from the bathroom.

Edward's eyes narrowed, a chilling glint flickering in them. "Is there someone in your room?"

A cold shiver ran down Elyse's spine. The look in his eyes was terrifying. But was there really someone in her room? Could Jayden still be there?

Elyse instinctively moved to close the door, but Edward was quicker, blocking it with his hand. He peered through the narrow gap, his tone turning pitiful. "Are you hiding something from me?"

Elyse's heart raced. She quickly denied, "No. Besides, we're not even seeing each other, so even if I were, you have no right to ask."

"Why are you so distant with me?" Edward persisted, shamelessly trying to push the door open further.