Chapter 885:

Jayden grimaced, and once the pain subsided, he said playfully, “Darling, you just stepped on my… well, you know. Who’s going to ensure your happiness in bed if you’ve damaged it?”

When Elyse realized what she had stepped on, her cheeks flushed with a mix of rage and mortification. She snapped, “Why are you sleeping at my doorstep?”

Unabashed, Jayden murmured, “I feel safer when I’m close to you.”

Elyse huffed, “Afraid I might escape, are you?”

“No, that’s not it.” Jayden sighed, knowing any explanation would fall flat with her. Switching topics, he asked, “You can’t sleep because you’re hungry, aren’t you? Were you headed to the kitchen for a quick bite?”

Elyse looked at him, bewildered. “How did you know?”

“I know you too well,” Jayden replied, getting to his feet. He draped an arm around her waist, surprising her. “Come on, I’ll show you where the good stuff is.”

Elyse furrowed her brows. “Lead the way, but keep your hands to yourself.”

Jayden playfully threatened, “If you don’t let me hold you, I might just tease you until you stop pushing me away.”

Elyse retorted sharply, “Stop it! You have a girlfriend. I’m not going to be your dirty little secret.”

“Who said I have a girlfriend? I’ve already crossed the Hudsons. I bet there’s a warrant out for my arrest tonight,” Jayden remarked, smiling.

Elyse had forgotten about that. She was under the impression Jayden was involved with someone else.

With a helpless chuckle, Jayden said, “I’ve finally shaken off that lunatic. Now I can focus on winning my true love.”

Elyse looked at him, baffled.

Jayden playfully squeezed her waist. “Why are you looking at me like that? You don’t believe me? I’ve deceived you enough in the past. Wasn’t I just pretending when I was with Aarya?”

Elyse retorted, her voice tinged with sarcasm, reminding him of his previous deceit.

Jayden shifted uncomfortably. He had his reasons, though he knew it was wrong.

With a touch of regret, he vowed, “I’ll never lie to you again, I promise.”

Elyse remained silent, still trying to make sense of his past deceits.

When they reached the kitchen, they found the servants had retired. Jayden peered into the refrigerator, brimming with ingredients. He grabbed a few and offered, “How about I whip up something for us?”

Elyse was caught off guard. She never thought of Jayden as someone who could cook. She inquired, incredulously, “You’ll cook? Really?”

“I haven’t cooked in ages, and I’m a bit rusty. It might not be perfect,” Jayden confessed, starting to prepare the food.