?<strong>Chapter 774:</strong>


    “That’s enough, Dad,” Aarya interjected sharply. “Why are you so soft on her? I’ll take care of this.” With that, Aaryashed out, striking Elyse across the face.


    The pnded swiftly and harshly. Elyse couldn’t evade it in time, feeling her left cheek begin to swell and throb with intense pain.


    Aarya, fueled by fury, grabbed Elyse by the cor and hissed, “Don’t y dumb with me. You were the one who called the cops at the club, right? If not for your call, my friend Rico would still be alive.”


    Overwhelmed by Aarya’s relentless anger, Elyse could only endure silently. The mention of Rico left her momentarily confused, struggling to ce the name.


    After exploding in anger, Aarya broke down, her tears uncontroble. She sobbed, “Rico was my first love, my very first boyfriend. To lose him in such a violent way—it’s just heartbreaking.”


    Charlie’s expression darkened with concern. “Aarya, it’s over now. Why dwell on the past? Remember, Jayden is with you.”


    Through her tears, Aarya wailed, “No! I want Rico back. He was everything to me, my first in so many ways.”


    As Charlie grew increasingly frustrated by the scene, he couldn’t help but shout, “Aarya!”


    Jayden finally intervened, moving to Aarya’s side to offerfort. “Don’t grieve, Aarya. Rico was important, but he’s gone. I’m here now. I promise to look after you, just as he would have wanted,” Jayden reassured her gently.


    Aarya covered her face, weeping. “I’m so sad. I missed Rico’s funeral because I was in prison. I feel like such a failure.”


    Jayden firmly shook his head. “You’re not a failure. None of this is your fault. There’s no reason for you to feel guilty about circumstances beyond your control.”


    Aarya’s voice rose in desperation. “If it’s not my fault, then who is to me? Tell me!”


    Jayden gently rubbed her back, speaking calmly, “It was Elyse’s fault.”


    Elyse, standing apart, slowly lifted her head, a look of utter disbelief in her eyes.


    “So, it’s all my fault?” she questioned, her voice low.


    After a brief silence, Jayden faced Elyse directly. “If not you, then who else could be responsible?”


    Elyse’s eyes welled with tears as Jayden watched the sorrow overflow, streaming down her face. Clutching her jaw tightly, Elyse dered, “You all are insane. I want to leave. I can’t stay here with any of you.”


    “Do you even think you deserve to go home?” Jayden’s voice was sharp as he grabbed Elyse by the cor and yanked her toward the door.


    Charlie’s eyes widened in surprise and confusion at the sudden violence, but he followed quickly. Behind them, Aarya remained oblivious, lost in her own world of grief over Rico’s death, her sorrow consuming her entirely.


    Outside, the world was a stark contrast to the heated emotions inside;rge, gentle snowkes fell quietly from the sky, nketing the ground in soft white. Without a word, Jayden dragged Elyse into this cold canvas and threw her down into the snow.


    Looming over her, he scoffed, “Who are you trying to fool with that pathetic act? Do you really think I have any feelings left for you?”


    Elyse’s eyes zed with a mixture of anger and pain as she met his gaze. She had never harbored any illusions about Jayden’s feelings—no one who truly loved would treat another this way.


    Jayden’s gaze was icy as hemanded, “Kneel here until Aarya calms down.”


    The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by the soft hiss of falling snow. Finally, Elyseughed—a sound more bitter than amused. “Kneel until Aarya calms down?” she echoed, disbelief and despair mingling in her voice.


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