?<strong>Chapter 343:</strong>


    Upon returning to the living room, Jayden felt a pang of hunger. Engrossed in discussions about cooperation with Taylor, he had forgotten all about lunch. ncing over at Elyse, who was absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle, Jayden turned to Driscoll and requested, “Could you prepare something to eat, please?”


    With a nod, Driscoll headed to the kitchen to make arrangements. Turning his attention back to Elyse, Jayden gently prodded, “Join me for a bite.”


    “I’m quite full, actually. Not in the mood for anything until dinner,” Elyse replied without missing a beat.


    Jayden noticed Elyse’s slightly rounded belly and reached out to touch it. “Your belly looks different today, not as t as usual.”


    Elyse swatted away Jayden’s hand, retorting, “My belly’s not big. Mind your words.”


    Perplexed, Jayden wondered when he had implied she was overweight. He merely thought her rounded belly was endearing, akin to a cute balloon. Attempting to rify, Jayden said, “I didn’t mean you’re fat. Just noticed your belly’s a bit round.”


    Elyse grew even more frustrated. “Was he seriously calling her fat? Who gave him the right?”


    “You’re so aggravating. I don’t want to talk to you anymore,” Elyse snapped, making a move to leave for upstairs.


    Though confused by Elyse’s reaction, Jayden gently pulled her back, urging her to continue the puzzle. Just then, Driscoll arrived with the food, his mood lifting at the sight of the couple engaged in yful banter.


    Jayden settled at the table, dining while thoughts of Elyse lingered. Despite her deration of annoyance at him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was just a facade. Contemting this, Jayden couldn’t resist poking Elyse’s shoulder while she was in deep concentration on the jigsaw puzzle. She shrugged her shoulder in response, clearly indicating her resistance.


    Jayden swiftly polished off the soup in one gulp before devouring the rest of his meal in just a few bites. With a subtle gesture, he indicated to Driscoll to clear away the empty bowl. Driscoll could discern from the discontent etched on Jayden’s face that his anger had resurfaced once more.


    Driscoll shook his head in amusement, unable to help but wonder when the couple would outgrow their childish antics. Sitting beside Elyse, Jayden observed her with quiet patience as she worked on the jigsaw puzzle. A single piecey forgotten at her elbow, unnoticed by her.


    Jayden deftly retrieved the piece, concealing it within his palm. The puzzle, sent by Tracy, featured a modest picture with straightforward content. Elyse deftly assembled it, her hands moving swiftly until she reached the final moments, only to realize one piece was absent.


    Despite her diligent search, the missing piece eluded her grasp. Frustration crept into her features, and she couldn’t help but turn to Jayden. “Have you seen my puzzle piece?”


    Jayden met her gaze with an innocent expression, gesturing towards the almostpleted puzzle on the table. Elyse’s finger pointed to the vacant spot. “I’m referring to the one that’s missing.”


    Jayden shook his head with practiced innocence. “I haven’t seen it. But if you beg me, I might help you look for it.”


    Suspicion flickered in Elyse’s eyes as she sensed Jayden’s evasiveness. She narrowed her gaze, confronting him. “You took it, didn’t you? Give it back to me.”


    Jayden shook his head. “No, I swear I didn’t.”


    Sensing that the puzzle piece might indeed be with Jayden, Elyse swiftly moved to search for it, propelled by sudden determination. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Jayden had kept his left hand tightly closed. Without hesitation, she seized his hand, her fingers working to pry it open.


    Despite her persistent efforts, Jayden’s grasp remained steadfast until eventually, Elyse found herself enveloped in his embrace. Jayden held her gently but firmly, drawing her close as he spoke with tender sincerity. “You want the puzzle piece, and I understand. But know this, my dear: its return hinges upon the sweet confession of your affection for me and the vow that you cannot fathom a future without my presence beside you.”


    Elyse’s response was immediate and resolute, escaping her lips with unwavering rity. “No.”


    Jayden gritted his teeth. “Elyse, do you truly stand by what you’ve just spoken? If that’s your stance, you’ll regret your decision.”


    Elyse’s emotions were aplex intery of surprise and uncertainty. She couldn’t help but wonder whether Jayden cared about a seemingly casual remark she had made. As Jayden’s frustration seemed to mount with Elyse’s prolonged silence, he teetered on the brink of anger. Just as he was poised to express his discontent, Elyse’s sudden action caught him off guard. With a swift movement, she seized his cor, drew him close, and silenced his impending words with a passionate kiss.


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