?<strong>Chapter 251:</strong>


    Elyse stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, her body trembling, and a look of istion on her face. Curious nces from the guests swept over Elyse as she stood alone at the entrance. The guests watched in silence as Jayden left his wife to care for his ex-girlfriend. The scene was a stark contrast to the praise they had justvished on Jayden and Elyse for their seemingly perfect rtionship. In an instant, public opinion flipped.


    Despite his physical limitations, his charisma remained as captivating as ever, effortlessly entwining two women in his web of charm. He was a consummate master of winning hearts, a true virtuoso of allure. “My heart goes out to Elyse. It’s devastating to see her husband’s affections shift towards another woman,” one guest whispered.


    “I couldn’t help but notice the irony in her earlier fervent defense of Jayden,” another guest remarked. “Which woman has truly captured his heart? His wife Elyse or his ex-girlfriend Corrie?” The guests’ whispers turned to open murmurs, their spective nces piercing through Elyse like daggers as they openly debated the scandalous affair.


    Tracy swiftly intervened, positioning herself as a protective barrier between Elyse and the intrusive gazes and cruel whispers of the onlookers. She was appalled by their callous spection about Elyse being merely a ceholder in Jayden’s heart. With unwavering loyalty, Tracy stood firmly by Elyse’s side, offering a steady stream of gentle reassurances andforting words, shielding her from the harsh judgment of the crowd.


    “Are you fine?” Theo quickly came over and put his suit jacket around Elyse’s shoulders, offering aforting gesture.


    Elyse turned to face him, her eyes cold and angry. “Are you here to make fun of me?” she asked bitterly.


    Theo shook his head. “No.” He couldn’t quite put his finger on why he felt drawn to Elyse’s side, but the sight of Jayden deserting her stirred up a painful memory from his own past – the day his own wedding failed. He wondered if Elyse had felt as lost and heartbroken on their wedding day as she did at that moment. Had she faced the same mocking nces and cruelments from others? Back then, when he walked away and left her alone, she had no one by her side. He guessed she probably hated him to the core for what he did.


    Theo’s eyes were finally opened to the devastating consequences of his selfish abandonment, and the weight of his guilt crushed him. His actions had thrown Elyse into deep despair. With eyes filled with remorse, he held Elyse’s hand and said, “Does Jayden always treat you like this? Come on, let’s get out of here.”


    Elyse pulled her hand away, her voice disbelieving. “Theo Ward, are you crazy?” His anger red the second he saw Elyse upset. “Jayden hurts you like this, and you still want to be with him?”


    Elyse’s tone wasced with frustration as she firmly dered, “Jayden and I will work this out. I am his wife, and I’m waiting for his exnation. And as for you, Mr. Ward, what’s motivated this sudden desire to assist me?”


    Tracy’s eyes filled with a mix of concern and warning as she stepped in front of Elyse, forming a protective shield between her and Theo. With a heavy heart, she addressed Theo in a firm yet gentle tone, “Theo, you’ve crossed a boundary. Remember, you’re no longer a part of Elyse’s life. It’s time to respect her boundaries and let go. Your involvement can only lead to more hurt.”


    Theo’s face fell, and he went silent, unable to respond to Tracy’s words. Elyse looked down and followed Tracy back into the hall. With the argument now over, the spectators began to disperse, each one drifting away into the background.


    Fists clenched, Theo pivoted with the intent to locate Elyse, but his quest was derailed by the unexpected sight of Freda. Unwittingly locked in a tacit stare, he felt the weight of her gaze upon him, an expression imbued withyers of meaning yet to be deciphered. He considered exining to Freda but decided against it and remained silent. Ignoring Freda’s hopeful gaze, he pursed his lips and walked away in silence.


    Freda was surprised when he brushed her off. She stared at him in disbelief. She hoped to hear an exnation from Theo that his concern for Elyse was out of kindness, not lingering feelings. However, he said nothing to her. She couldn’t kick those thoughts away, and she hoped that was what they were, just thoughts. Freda’s mind and heart were caught in a tempestuous storm, her feelings buffeted by a whirlwind of questions and conjectures.


    Suddenly, the memory of the Owen family’s invitation received just two days earlier came flooding back to her, and with it, the recollection of how she had eagerly asked Theo to be her escort for the evening’s festivities. She recalled the sparkle of enthusiasm in his eyes as he eagerly epted her invitation, his face illuminating with a warm smile that hinted at his genuine delight. Was it because he was aware that the party was being thrown in Elyse’s honor?


    Freda’s lips pursed, her expression souring as a suspicion took root. Did Theo exploit her invitation as a pretext to meet Elyse? As the suspicions swirled in her mind, her indignation ignited, fueling a determination to confront Elyse.


    Tracy led Elyse away from the banquet hall and into the garden. The fountain’s gentle undtions seemed to harmonize with the melody, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that Elyse gazed at with a vacant expression, her eyes reflecting profound sadness, her loneliness so tangible.


    Tracy drew close, her voice barely audible as she whispered words of reassurance, “It’s possible there’s been a mimunication, Elyse. Try not to let it consume you. Jayden will surely rify everything when he gets back.”


    Elyse closed her eyes and shook her head. “Jayden doesn’t exin things to me. He never has, and I don’t expect him to start now.”


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