?<strong>Chapter 151:</strong>


    Elyse reacted with surprise. “So you’re saying you don’t have any feelings for her?”


    Jayden replied, “Let me repeat myself. I wasn’t exactly nice to her either.”


    Skeptical, Elyse challenged, “So why did you let her take my ce at dinner? And you just sat there when she picked on me.”


    Jayden, feeling stuck, responded, “Why didn’t you stand up for yourself?”


    Taken aback, Elyse questioned, “What are you saying?”


    With aposed demeanor, Jayden elucidated, “In public, I anticipate you carry yourself as a refineddy. However, at home, there’s no need to maintain that facade. If someone encroaches on your belongings or space, feel free to reim what is rightfully yours.”


    “So you think it’s my fault for not standing my ground? You’re giving her a free pass to take my things. And if I reim them, you’re going to fault me for being narrow-minded, right?” Elyse inquired, seeking rity.


    Jayden scoffed, “Do you really see me as that kind of person?”


    “Who can say,” Elyse replied, unsure. She felt unjustly treated and began to doubt the solidity of their rtionship. In her heart, she knew their bond was delicate, likely to crumble under pressure. It wouldn’t take much for them to fall apart. Yet she kept these thoughts from Jayden, sensing a wall that had risen between them.


    Right then, Driscoll and the staff approached, grinning widely and carrying bouquets. “Mrs. Owen, these flowerse courtesy of Mr. Owen. Aren’t they splendid?”


    Elyse was moved, holding the vibrant pink roses close, tears welling in her eyes. Jayden felt a sting of disappointment. “What do you take me for? Didn’t I get you pink roses too?”


    Tears streaking her face, Elyse’s voice quivered, “Did you really n this surprise for me?”


    “Who else?” Jayden replied, his gaze tender.


    Observing Elyse’s emotional reaction, Driscoll pondered that Jayden might not have the softest voice, but he was changing, making an effort. With a camera in hand, Driscoll suggested, “Today is unforgettable. Why not capture it in a photo?”


    The suggestion took Elyse by surprise, prompting her and Jayden to exchange nces. Seizing the moment, the servants nudged the pair closer. Side by side, they grappled with a mix of feelings.


    Camera in hand, Driscoll tookmand. “Let’s see those smiles!”


    Flushed with embarrassment, Elyse mustered a stiff smile.


    “You look lovely when you smile,” he said. ncing at the camera, Driscoll couldn’t help but chuckle at Jayden’s solemn face. “Come on, Mr. Owen, a smile please.”


    Elyse peered at Jayden, who was usually quick to smile, but now his face was unreadable. In a whisper, she urged, “Smile.”


    Jayden, not keen on losing hisposure but equally not wanting to let them down, cleared his throat and offered a restrained smile. At the sight of Jayden’s grin, Driscoll snapped the photo without hesitation.


    Holding a bouquet of pink roses, Elyse smiled with refined grace. Jayden, seated beside her, smiled sincerely, his joy evident. Driscoll looked over the photograph, immensely pleased, convinced the two were a match made in heaven.


    Elyse was toying with flowers when Jayden gently reminded her, “Why don’t you give the flowers to the maid temporarily ande have lunch?”


    With a slight nod, Elyse handed the blooms to the nearby maid and took a seat beside Jayden, wondering to herself if it was by design that their seats were so closely ced. While seated, Elyse’s gaze was drawn to the intricate patterns on the tableware, bringing a smile to her face.


    Driscoll approached, giving Jayden the camera to show him the photo. He hinted with purpose, “Mrs. Elyse, you might not be aware, but Mr. Owen crafted those two figures himself.”


    Elyse, caught by surprise, looked up. “Did Jayden make these?”


    Jayden, caught off guard by Driscoll’s disclosure, coughed to cover his bashfulness and scolded, “Driscoll, you weren’t supposed to tell her that.”


    With deference, Driscoll replied, “Mr. Owen, if you don’t share your efforts with her, she’ll remain oblivious. After all, it was you who toiled over it all afternoon.”


    Touched by the gesture, Elyse asked, “You really designed them?”


    Jayden, feeling such matters were beneath him but unable to deny his handiwork, struggled to maintain hisposure. He confessed, “Yes, I mulled over it all afternoon but couldn’t find inspiration. In the end, I used your likeness.”


    To ensure she understood, he exined further, “With your likeness, it’s unmistakably yours. I intended nothing more by it.”


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