?<strong>Chapter 353:</strong>
As Elyse pondered how to escape from this nightmare, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching. She intended to call for help, but before she could, a man was already by her bed. The details of his face were blurry, yet it was clear he was a man. He stared at her with a helpless look in his eyes, and just as curiosity struck her, he suddenly reached out and removed her oxygen mask. Only when her breathing becamebored did she realize his intentions were lethal. She thrashed on the bed, desperately trying to reim her breathing mask. The man stood beside her, lost in thought. After a moment, he raised his hands and began to strangle her.
“Don’t kill me,” she managed to utter, her voice sounding foreign to her own ears. The man’s face remained indistinct, but his intentions were clear—he harbored no guilt and seemed determined. Elyse struggled to speak through the constriction. “Why?” The man offered no reply. As consciousness began to slip away, Elyse sensed a disturbing excitement in him. Why was he so happy to kill her? Elyse couldn’t understand, but the visceral sensation of being strangled felt disturbingly real, as if she had truly experienced death. As she closed her eyes, darkness enveloped her, and she felt herself plummeting. Panic surged within her. Where was she falling? To hell? What had she done wrong?
“Elyse, Elyse.” A voice called out, jolting her from the abyss. The voice was familiar. Suddenly, Elyse snapped open her eyes, gasping for breath. Jayden was holding her hand, offering reassurance. “It’s okay. It’s just a nightmare.”
It took a while for Elyse to regain her bearings. She turned and saw Jayden’s worried expression, with Driscoll and the maids standing behind him. Confused, she asked, “What’s wrong with me?”
“You were having a nightmare,” Jayden exined. “You were talking in your sleep, pleading with someone not to kill you.”
“Did I say that?” Elyse asked, still bewildered.
Driscoll nodded, his toneced with concern. “Yes. We were all worried. We couldn’t wake you up, and you seemed even more frightened when we tried to touch you.”
“I had a nightmare. I dreamed I was lying in bed and someone was trying to kill me,” Elyse said, looking worn, her hand pressed against her forehead.
“Do you still want to keep sleeping?” Jayden asked.
Elyse shook her head. “No, I want to get up.”
“Okay then,” Jayden said. He turned to Driscoll. “Cook some food.”
Driscoll acknowledged the instruction and left the room with the maids. Jayden wanted to stay with Elyse for a while, but sensing her need for solitude, he reluctantly left the room. Downstairs, Driscoll approached him. “Miss Bates just called. She asked if you would be home this afternoon. She has something important to tell you.”
“What’s it about?” Jayden inquired.
“She said it’s very important for you. You’ll miss out if you don’t see her,” Driscoll replied.
Jayden responded without emotion, “Let here then. I’ll hear what she has to say.”
In her room, after freshening up, Elyse went downstairs for breakfast. After eating, she grabbed her purse. “I want to go out for a walk.”
“I’ll go with you,” Jayden offered.
“No, I just want to walk downtown alone. You don’t need toe with me. Just attend to your own matters.” Seeing Jayden’s concern, Elyse chuckled. “You think I’m going to be devastated andmit suicide? I’m fine. I just need a break and want some fresh air.”
Jayden then pulled out a ck card from his wallet and presented it to her. “I want you to spend five million today. That’s your task.”
“And what if I spend more?” Elyse asked.
“This card is yours,” Jayden said, raising his eyebrows.
Elyse pocketed the card, slung her purse, and headed out. Watching her leave, Driscoll gave Jayden a thumbs up. “Sir, well done. Shopping is the greatest joy for many. She will surely enjoy it.”
Jayden rubbed his chin, a hint of pride in his voice. “Just a card can make her so happy. My wife is really special.”
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