?<strong>Chapter 539:</strong>


    Elyse’s frown deepened as she listened to Corrie, her instincts telling her that Corrie was using Jayden’s friendship with Louis as a weapon.


    At the mention of Louis’ name, Jayden tensed visibly.


    Louis was a wound in his heart, a source of immense pain, yet Corrie talked of him carelessly, as if to torment him further. The thought of silencing her even crossed his mind.


    Through her tears, Corrie cried out, “Louis will never forgive you if I die. I’ll make sure he haunts you forever.”


    Jayden silently repeated Louis’ name, trying to quell his rising irritation, but it only mingled with his guilt, slowly overpowering his rational thoughts.


    Elyse had expected him to decline, yet Jayden turned to Corrie and said, “Send me your location.”


    Elyse’s eyes widened in shock as she reached out to stop him, “Are you seriously going after her? Corrie Bates is manipting you!”


    Jayden massaged his forehead, “I’m sorry, but I need to go.”


    Ignoring Elyse’s pleading look, he pulled away from her grasp and headed for the door.


    Elyse followed him and asked, “What’s the reason? Tell me. What made you have to go? I’ll let you go if you tell me.”


    Jayden seemed lost in thought, his mind suddenly thrown back to the day of the car crash. He saw his best friend, Louis, sprawled in a pool of blood, his life fading from his eyes. The memory pierced Jayden’s heart like daggers.


    With a shuddering breath, Jayden shut his eyes to mask his anguish. He responded tersely, “This doesn’t concern you, Elyse. It’s my issue. Stay in the ward and wait for me.”


    Ignoring her protests, Jayden grabbed his coat and strode out of the ward swiftly.


    Elyse tried to follow, but she couldn’t keep pace. Jayden swung the door closed behind him, leaving her confined inside the ward. He departed so abruptly that he never nced back.


    Rooted to the spot, Elyse was ovee with a crestfallen look.


    Tears welled up in her eyes but didn’t fall. She appeared truly pitiful. Confusion swirled within her. Jayden knew Corrie was scheming, yet he still feltpelled to leave. But why?


    When would Jayden ever fully trust her? Elyse stood still for a moment, then a wave of dizziness washed over her. She stumbled to the bed, leaning heavily on its edge for support.


    In that moment, it dawned on her what Jayden truly thought. In his eyes, they were two distinct beings, not a unified pair considering each other’s perspectives.


    Thus, Jayden felt no need to involve her deeply in his affairs. With this realization, Elyse scoffed to herself, “Jayden still doesn’t see me as his confidant, does he?”


    She perceived that Jayden viewed her, his wife, more as a possession than a best friend to share life’s ups and downs with.


    They could share interests, but their emotional connection was clearly mismatched.


    Elyse’s mood lifted slightly as she pieced these thoughts together. While cradling her belly, she wiped away her tears, murmuring to herself, “I’m not truly family to him after all. It’s not his fault; I’ve just been expecting too much, been too eager.”


    Gradually, Elyse collected herself and steadied her emotions. Just then, there were gentle knocks at the door of her hospital ward. Peyton peered in hesitantly and said, “Jayden sent me to keep youpany, Elyse.”


    Noticing his difort, Elyse smiled and replied warmly, “Thank you, Peyton. I appreciate it.”


    “Sure thing, d to help.” Peyton scrutinized Elyse’s face, expecting signs of distress, but she appeared calm now. He reflected on Jayden’s actions, deeming them rash, and wondered how Elyse would take the news.


    Peyton approached her cautiously. “Are you alright? I heard about what happened. I’ll have a word with Jayden when he gets back.”


    Elyse shook her head, dismissing his concern. “I’m okay. Don’t bother scolding him. He probably had his reasons. I’m fine.”


    Peyton found himself at a loss for words, her bright smile not quite reaching her eyes.


    He sensed that this matter had affected her more deeply than before—that maybe she was truly done with Jayden this time.


    In onest attempt to bridge the gap, Peyton offered, “I’ve figured out why Jayden agreed to fetch Corrie Bates. Let me rify it for you.”


    “That’s thoughtful of you, but no need for that. I’m just too tired. I need some sleep.” Elyse stretched out on her bed, pulled the nket up to her chin, and let out a yawn.


    Peyton, still relentless, continued, “Jayden did it not out of lingering feelings for Corrie Bates. It was guilt over Louis. After all these years, he still can’t shake it off.”


    As Elysey on the bed, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.


    From her dismissive demeanor, Peyton realized that no matter the reality, Elyse was beyond caring.


    Her indifference was deeper than any outward drama; it was resignation.


    Peyton even suspected that Elyse had written Jayden off for good.


    He pondered for a moment, considering probing Elyse’s thoughts. But hesitation held him back. In the end, he opted to wait for Jayden’s return, hoping he would untangle the mess himself.


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