?<strong>Chapter 834:</strong>


    Understanding, Elyse nodded and said, “I get that you’re excited, but try to tone it down a bit. I’m not going to think about anything romantic until after thepetition. Let’s talk about it then, alright?”


    Edward nodded in agreement and replied, “That’s fair. Thepetition is the focus, and afterward, we’ll discuss the idea of dating.”


    Shaking her head, Elyse quickly said, “No rush. I just mentioned that I would consider the possibility between us.”


    “Fine,” Edward conceded.


    However, as his excitement faded, a new worry arose within him. He was determined to win first ce in the Swan Cup, but if he did, Elyse wouldn’t be able to, and that would inevitably disappoint her, potentially ruining his chances of being with her. On the other hand, if he let her win, he would be left unsatisfied.


    Realizing the weight of the situation, Edward knew sleep would evade him that night.


    Elyse set out early the next morning, violin case in hand, for a practice session in the park. By midday, she took a break and walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch.


    Just as she settled in to order, Aarya showed up in front of her. Elyse immediately noticed the hickeys scattered across her neck—a clear sign of a fervent evening. Elyse turned her gaze away, determined not to look at Aarya again, though Aarya seemed intent on keeping her attention.


    “What a coincidence to see you here,” Aarya remarked, cing her purse on an adjacent chair and sitting opposite Elyse.


    As Aarya fiddled with her hair, more hickeys became visible. Looking away, Elyse said tersely, “Don’t sit across from me. We aren’t friends.”


    Aarya responded with a sneer. “What’s the matter? I’m merely greeting you. Why the hostility?” Elyse’s expression soured further.


    Aarya cocked her head, musing aloud, “Is it because of the time I nearly drowned you? Or when I left you freezing outside? Or perhaps…” She paused, leaning forward with a wicked grin. “Is it because I was with your former husband?”


    Elyse snapped at Aarya’s unreasonable behavior. “What do you really want? Are you so eager to parade yourself in front of me?”


    Aarya’s delight grew with Elyse’s visible frustration. So what if Elyse had once been married to Jayden? Now Elyse was expected to be jealous and resentful towards her. Aarya had intentionallye to stir trouble, enjoying every moment of Elyse’s anger.


    Laughing heartily, Aarya eximed, “Your ex-husband, now my boyfriend, is a beast in bed. Despite my protests, he continues unabated. He even tells me to be more submissive.”


    With one hand propped under her chin, Aarya spoke in a toneced with feigned curiosity. “Why do you think he is untamed now? Could it be that he prefers mypany because he finds me more agreeable?”


    Elyse, struggling to keep herposure, responded coolly, “Your intimate details don’t interest me. If you’re so inclined to share, why not broadcast it online for everyone to see?”


    Aarya dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “That wouldn’t suit him. He’s too reserved. He’s never around when morninges.”


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