?<strong>Chapter 870:</strong>


    Thisment frustrated Elyse. After her breakup with Jayden, she wasn’t eager to dive into another rtionship so soon. She still aspired to travel the world, perform on her beloved stages, and follow in her father’s footsteps.


    Noticing Elyse’s silence, Edward continued, “You realize Jayden isn’t a good man, right? He has a new girlfriend but still interferes in your life. What a jerk!” He continued to persuade, “You’ve seen how that woman behaves. She’s not just jealous; she’s also dangerous. She’s tried to harm you multiple times, almost costing you your life.”


    Elyse massaged her temples, growing impatient, “Edward, I’m aware of all this. Can we not talk about it anymore? I have my own opinions, and I can make my own decisions.”


    Edward scoffed, “So you think you can make the right decisions? You’ve never truly considered leaving Jayden and starting fresh.”


    Elyse became irritated and retorted, “Are you suggesting that starting anew means jumping into a rtionship with you? Just because I’ve ended one rtionship and am wary of men doesn’t mean I can’t begin anew on my own.”


    Edward, momentarily lost for words, hurriedly tried to rify, saying, “That’s not what I was implying. Please, don’t be upset.”


    Elyse narrowed her eyes. Her look was one of fierce anger. “I am capable of being independent. I don’t need another man to secure my future.”


    Realizing his error, Edward quickly said, “I misspoke. I just meant you might consider a rtionship with someone else, like me.”


    Elyse looked at Edward for a prolonged period. After calming herself, she asked calmly, “Why are you so obsessed with me? You im to want a rtionship, but I don’t sense any genuine sincerity!”


    In response, Edward reached out to take her hand. “How can you question my sincerity? Feel my heartbeat. It speaks the truth!”


    Elyse withdrew her hand sharply, repelled. “Is this flirtatious approach really how you treat someone you care about?”


    Edward stubbornly said, “Why wouldn’t it be? This is how I’ve always treated those I care about.”


    Elyse was no longer the naive girl she once was. She could recognize genuine intentions. Her past challenging rtionships had taught her to be very cautious about love.


    Facing Edward, Elyse replied, “To be honest, I’ve never really felt that way about you. Your personality doesn’t match mine, and there’s no spark between us.”


    Edward’s expression faltered, but he managed a smile. “Isn’t that a bit harsh? You care nothing for my pride, right?”


    “Sorry, but if I were only worried about protecting your pride and not hurting you, it would send the wrong message, making you think I’m interested.”


    After a brief pause, she continued, “Rejecting you directly is actually the right choice to make.”


    Edward’s mouth twitched. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re particrly stubborn and rigid?”


    Elyse shook her head, “No, you’re the first.”


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