?<strong>Chapter 402:</strong>


    Tracy sniffled, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. “Will it be okay if I stay here?” Jayden responded with a grin, “The house is soundproofed. You won’t disturb us as long as you don’t knock on our door.” Elyse yfully nudged Jayden, disapproving of his bluntness in front of Tracy. Tracy managed a smile through her tears and said, “I feel safe here, knowing about your strong security. I’m not worried about Shaun showing up.”


    Elyse, her arms crossed, responded firmly, “He better not try. Our security guards are top-notch.” Driscoll, having called the family doctor, approached with an update. “The doctor will be here in about twenty minutes.” Jayden nodded, then instructed, “Have the staff prepare a guest room and set up for dinner. We’ll eat first.” Elyse, full of enthusiasm, urged, “Come sit down and enjoy. The chef has outdone himself tonight.” She guided Tracy to the dining table.


    The sight of the sumptuous meal made Tracy’s mouth water, especially after spending the afternoon walking and feeling famished. As the maidid out the tableware, Tracy thanked her and eagerly started eating. Observing Tracy’s hunger, Elyse offered reassuringly, “There’s no rush, eat up. I’ll ask the chef to prepare some extra dishes.” Jayden, noticing Tracy’s appetite, hesitated before telling Driscoll, “Please ask the chef to make more food.” Driscoll quickly headed to the kitchen.


    Feeling somewhat self-conscious about the fuss, Tracy admitted, “I skipped meals today; this isn’t like me.” Elyseughed gently, “I know you’re usually not one to eat much. Enjoy your meal now, and we can talk after.” As Tracy continued eating, her emotions surfaced, and she teared up. After finishing the additional servings, she looked up to see Jayden and Elyse’s surprised faces and said shyly, “I normally watch my diet and don’t indulge like this. But the food today was irresistible.” Elyse smiled warmly, “Don’t be shy about enjoying more. We’ve even got cupcakes.”


    With a pat on her full stomach, Tracy dered, “Bring them on. After being cklisted and ostracized from the entertainment industry, I’m done with watching my weight. I might as well enjoy the food to my heart’s content.” Elyse’s face brightened at this, and she directed Driscoll to bring out the cupcakes. Just then, the family doctor arrived, prompting Jayden to suggest, “Let’s hold off on the cupcakes until after the checkup.” Tracy nodded, and everyone was relieved when the examination revealed only minor bruises. After some quick bandaging, the family doctor left.


    In the living room, Tracy and Elyse sat close, enjoying cupcakes. Mid-bite, Tracy remembered her encounter with Shaun earlier and pped her thigh in frustration. “That asshole was unbearable. The moment he saw me, he acted like I owed him something and carried himself with insufferable arrogance.” Elyse leaned in, curious, “What happened next?” Tracy rolled her eyes and recounted, “I set him straight. I told him he should be grateful that I let him be with Dolores, and he shouldn’t hassle me.” Elyse took a sip of her tea and asked, “What did he say to that?” “He imed I owed him,” Tracy sighed and put a hand to her forehead, trying to stay calm. “I owe him nothing. He’s just creating drama for no reason. He’s lost his mind.”


    Jayden, who had been half-watching the TV, chimed in, “You know, Shaun and Dolores actually didn’t get married. They discussed it after you left, but it never materialized.” Tracy frowned, puzzled. “Really? Didn’t Shaun want to marry her? After everything Lowell did for his sister, they’re still not married?” Elyse shared her bewilderment, “Why didn’t they go through with it? Was it bad timing?” After a pause, Jayden suggested, “Could it be that Shaun loves you, not Dolores?”


    Tracy immediately dismissed the idea. “No way.” She and Shaun had been together a long time, with Tracy always more invested in the rtionship than Shaun, who seldom reciprocated her affection. She often wondered why she remained so loyal to someone who gave so little in return. Deep in her heart, she knew it was because of love. Despite her deep love for Shaun and her willingness to withstand numerous challenges, she could not tolerate his involvement with another woman. To her, love was exclusive, meant only for Shaun. Yet his actions proved otherwise. Resigned, Tracy knew she could no longerpel Shaun to stay.


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