?<strong>Chapter 660:</strong>


    Elyse’s face drained of color instantly. She gazed at Jayden with confusion and asked nervously, “You don’t want me topete, do you?”


    Seeing her anxious expression, Jayden paused before offering a reassuring smile. “How could I stop you frompeting? Isn’t this what you’ve always dreamed of?”


    Elyse bit her lip. Jayden had just implied she should stay home and skip thepetition.


    Tears welled up in Elyse’s eyes. “Jayden, you understand the violin has always been my passion and dream. No matter how frail I feel, I have topete.”


    Jayden realized his error and corrected himself, saying, “I understand, so I won’t hinder your pursuit of your dream. Please stay calm.”


    Elyse, with eyes glistening, gazed at him, speechless.


    Eventually, she turned to Cody, saying with a defeated tone, “Mr. Tucker, I feel unwell and might not be able to converse.”


    Cody looked at her with concern. “Are you okay? Do you need medical attention?”


    “No, I just need to rest,” Elyse replied, shaking her head before copsing onto the bed, drained.


    Cody turned to Jayden, noting his anxious expression, and sighed quietly. “Would you mind walking me to the door?”


    Jayden hesitated, casting a few nces at Elyse before agreeing and escorting Cody downstairs.


    As they walked, Cody inquired, “You like Elyse, don’t you?”


    Jayden nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I do.”


    “But do you love her?” Cody pressed further.


    Jayden seemed confused. “Is there a distinction between liking and loving?”


    Cody smiled and shook his head. “You have much to learn.”


    Jayden was perplexed. “Learn what? I’ve given her everything.”


    Cody chuckled. “Learn the true essence of love. Many never grasp it throughout their lives. Do you wish to be one of them?”


    Jayden found Cody’s words confusing. However, knowing Cody was Elyse’s mentor, Jayden treated him with utmost respect.


    In her room, once she sensed Jayden and Cody had left, Elyse retrieved the phone from beneath her pillow. She considered messaging Pearce, the sole contact saved.


    Elyse drafted the message but hesitated to send it.


    Leaving Jayden would cause inner conflict, but staying with him, as he confined her and barred her frompeting, would lead to greater misery. Faced with an inescapable dilemma, she knew a decision was necessary.


    Ten minutester, Jayden quietly entered the bedroom. Seeing Elyse resting on the bed, he approached gently.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as she sensed his presence, Elyse opened her eyes.


    Realizing she was awake, Jayden sat on the bed’s edge, tenderly caressing her cheek. He softly asked, “Can’t sleep?”


    Elyse pulled away from Jayden’s hand, expressing her displeasure. “You didn’t want me topete just now, did you?”


    Jayden countered with, “Why do you think that?”


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