Chapter 89:

Jayden lifted his cup, casually remarking, "My uncle and aunt have a daughter who's currently abroad."

Elyse hesitated, then rose to greet Seth and Julie. However, they remained unresponsive. Julie, in particular, eyed her with disdain as she sipped her tea. Sensing their hostility, Elyse briefly greeted them and returned to her seat.

Seth checked his phone and inquired pointedly, "Why haven't your parents arrived yet? Are they purposefully late?"

Jayden met Seth's disapproving gaze calmly. "Their punctuality is their concern, not mine."

Seth turned to Elyse and ordered, "Surely you have their contact details. Call them and find out where they are."

Elyse firmly declined. "I don't have their numbers. Please be patient."

Surprised, Seth asked, "Haven't you met Jayden's parents?"

"No, I haven't," Elyse confirmed.

Seth fell silent, exchanging a meaningful glance with his wife before dropping the subject. Elyse understood their unspoken judgment. Jayden's diminished status within the family meant his parents had little inclination to invest in him. Their absence at his wedding spoke volumes; in their eyes, Jayden was a failure.

Maintaining composure, Elyse masked her feelings with a sip of tea, her gaze piercing their veneer of familial warmth.

Ten minutes later, Jayden's parents rushed in with his younger brother, Bryce Owen. Jayden greeted them emotionlessly.

Tess Owen critically eyed Jayden's legs before turning to Elyse. Displeasure etched across her face as she asked, "On your grandpa's birthday, why have you brought her here?"

Elyse felt Tess's disdain. "She's my wife. If not her, then who?" Jayden responded evenly.

"I don't recognize her as my daughter-in-law," Tess retorted bluntly, her rejection echoing through the room. She humiliated them both, and the amused glances of the onlookers revealed their enjoyment of the spectacle. No one defended Jayden or intervened. Once the pride of the family, he had become a pariah, abandoned even by his parents. Others seemed to relish his downfall; if not for familial ties, they might have actively sought to harm him.

Elyse's sympathy for Jayden deepened. Since his accident, he had received no love or support from his family.

Andrew Owen, Jayden's father, more astute, intervened. "Come now, let's remember where we are. Enough chatter," he said, concerned about saving face. Yet, he too refrained from defending Jayden.

Brook intervened, signaling it was time to proceed. "Let's not keep Grandpa Enzo waiting. Let our young men escort him out," he declared, assisting Jayden. "Would you mind if I push you?"

"No," Jayden consented, glancing at Elyse. "I'll be back soon," he murmured.

Elyse remained seated, the atmosphere heavy with tension.

While enjoying desserts and tea, Julie scrutinized Elyse and asked, "So, what do you do?"

"I studied violin in college, and now I'm part of an orchestra," Elyse replied.

Tess chimed in, "You play the violin? Wonderful! Come and perform for us."

Andrew agreed. "Yes, if you're talented, perhaps you could play for Father. He'd enjoy that."

Tess nodded, urging, "Yes, let's hear you play. Go find a violin and perform."

The others discussed what music would please Enzo, without considering Elyse's willingness. Elyse had no desire to play, but they had already decided for her. She was Jayden's wife, not their hired musician.

Maintaining a stoic expression, Elyse remained seated. Tess frowned and reprimanded her, "Why are you still sitting there? Go fetch a violin and perform."

"I have no desire to play the violin," Elyse stated firmly.

...