Chapter 836:

Aarya, seething and outmaneuvered, scanned the room, plotting her next move. “Just wait, Elyse. I’ll make you regret this.”

Ignoring her, Elyse turned to the waiter placing pizza on the table. She sat down and began eating, dismissing Aarya entirely.

Fifteen minutes later, Jayden entered with an easy stride. Elyse’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of him; a mix of emotions fluttered through her as she quickly looked away.

He slid into the seat beside Aarya, his eyes catching the marks on her neck. He paused, then acted as if everything were normal.

Pouring himself water, he took a hearty sip before smiling at Aarya. “What’s up, babe? Did you miss me?”

Aarya tilted her head, gesturing to her neck with a playful pout. “How can you even ask? After what you did last night, being left alone this morning felt so sad.” Jayden’s eyes lingered on the hickeys; his smile widened knowingly. “Sorry about that. You know how hectic work’s been with your dad loading me up. I promise, once things settle, I’ll make it up to you.”

Her mood visibly improved, but Aarya pressed on. “You were so wild last night. I thought you were going to break me! And all that spanking… it was so embarrassing. Promise you won’t go that far again.”

After a brief silence, Jayden nodded. “No more rough stuff next time.” His eyes briefly met Elyse’s, who was intently focusing on her pizza, trying to ignore them.

Feeling his gaze, Elyse shifted uncomfortably. Why was he looking at her? She was just trying to eat in peace. Aarya’s frustration was palpable. Despite Jayden’s dominance in their private encounters, his demeanor was noticeably subdued. While she outwardly rebuffed his roughness, inwardly she craved it. She gave his arm a gentle shake, her voice soft but playful. “Even though I said stop, I wouldn’t mind if it happened again. I love you, Jayden, and I want to make you happy, no matter what.”

Jayden met her gaze intensely, nodding slowly. “Alright, I understand.”

Aarya was puzzled by his cryptic response; it unsettled her. She wondered if this was simply part of his complex nature—guarded and reserved, only truly freeing himself in the privacy of their intimacy.

Meanwhile, Elyse, lost in her meal, jerked in surprise at an unexpected touch. Glancing down, she discovered Jayden’s leg stealthily caressing hers under the table, his actions as baffling as they were bold.

Elyse froze. She felt utterly uncomfortable. What was Jayden thinking? After a night of passionate encounters with his girlfriend, was he now making advances on his ex-wife, right in front of her? Elyse was shaking with rage. How had she failed to see Jayden’s true nature?

Taking charge, Elyse stomped forcefully on his foot.

Then, acting as if nothing had happened, she lowered her head and continued eating, only to hear a muffled groan from Jayden.

He asked for it! Elyse’s heart grew colder. She despised this type of relationship and was unwilling to continue it. If Jayden thought he could use her as a plaything, she was resolved to stop him.