?<strong>Chapter 842:</strong>


    Darren responded with a knowing smile, “My happiness is something you wouldn’t quite understand, so I’ll keep it to myself.”


    Darren then hummed a melody and made his way briskly toward the exit.


    He kept to himself the fact that ever since meeting Elyse and discovering she was married, he had felt trapped in an emotional bind.


    He believed that if Elyse were not married, she would inevitably fall for him.


    Yet, he restrained himself from expressing his feelings, knowing it couldplicate things and impact their friendship.


    But today, Elyse had affirmed his qualities, suggesting anyone would be lucky to be with him.


    This acknowledgment made him feel liberated from the constraints of his unspoken affection. He felt free to engage with others without the weight of his feelings for Elyse.


    Fully resolved, Darren stepped outside the restaurant and gazed at the sunny sky, feeling a new beginning dawning. “Elyse, after thispetition, I think I’m ready to start exploring rtionships.”


    Elyse, basking in the sunlight herself, smiled gently and replied, “It’ll be interesting to see your journey unfold, almost like a storyline from a romantic drama.”


    Darren agreed earnestly, “Yes, and whoever ends up with me is going to find true happiness.”


    Elyse chuckled and bowed her head, but as she looked forward, she spotted Jayden in the distance.


    Darren also noticed Jayden and gently nudged Elyse, grinning. “How sweet, at the door waiting for you despite the argument. Go on, patch things up. You two together are like a live romance drama.” With that, Darren stepped away, leaving Elyse by herself in the brisk wind, her thoughts swirling.


    Jayden, noticing Elyse’s stillness, approached her with a soft sigh, lowering his gaze, “Have you eaten enough?”


    Elyse took a step back from him, her voice low. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Aarya? Whye after me?”


    Jayden exhaled heavily. “You shouldn’t have confronted Aarya like that. It’s put you in a precarious spot.”


    Elyse brushed her hair back, her smile strained, and questioned, “What exactly do you expect from me? Should I kneel and beg Aarya for mercy?”


    Jayden’s expression tightened slightly, his voice betraying a hint of unease he couldn’t ce. “That’s not my point. The Hudsons wield significant power here, and even I need to tread carefully.”


    Elyse halted him with a raised hand, her voice icy, “I’ve made myself clear—your dealings are irrelevant to me. Aarya and I share nothing but hatred. She’s endangered my life more than once, and I won’t forgive that.”


    Taking a deep breath, Jayden pleaded, “I understand, and I’m not excusing her actions. Could you possibly wait for me? I promise to exin everything once this is settled.”


    Elyse shook her head dismissively. “Save your exnations. I’ve lost all interest in whatever you have to say. Do as you please.”


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