?<strong>Chapter 973:</strong>


    Feeling a pang of guilt from Louise’s words, Edward knew he wasn’t in the wrong; he understood who he truly cared for. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and he said, “I’ve been swampedtely. I need a favor from you.”


    Louise lifted her chin proudly at the mention of Edward needing her help. “What do you need?”


    Edward replied earnestly, “I’m overwhelmed and can’t always look after Elyse. Since you have some free time, could you help take care of her when I’m not avable?”


    Fuming and feeling wronged, Louise struck Edward’s arm. “Have you lost your mind? You know how I feel about Elyse, and yet here you are, asking me to look after her. That’s really pushing it, Edward!”


    Keeping his cool, Edward cheekily suggested, “If it bothers you to see me with Elyse, perhaps you should take over. That way, I’m spared the effort.”


    “Leave now! I can’t stand to look at you!” Louise shouted, pushing Edward away and mming the door behind him, cutting off any chance for him to respond.


    Standing just outside, Edward touched his nose, embarrassed by the ordeal.


    At that moment, Elyse, alerted by the noise, cautiously opened her door and peered out, locking eyes with Edward.


    Seeing her, Edward’s mood lifted. He moved closer and asked, “Still up? Is your bed ufortable? Should I have the sheets changed?”


    Find your favorite stories at galnovels


    Elyse shook her head. “There’s no need. I just haven’t managed to fall asleep yet.”


    Edward confessed, “I owe you an apology. I had ns to entertain you at my ce, but I’ve been swamped.”


    Understanding as ever, Elyse assured him, “It’s alright. I don’t need any exnations. Just being here under your care is enough for me.”


    Her eptance stirred a sadness within Edward. He had envisioned fun outings, like a trip to the amusement park, to gradually win her affections and help her move on from Jayden, but circumstances hadplicated everything.


    Holding his chest theatrically, Edward implored, “Let’s not keep each other at arm’s length. We could grow closer.”


    However, Elyse abruptly closed the door on him, creating an ufortable silence between them.


    Edward felt a strange sensation wash over him and spun around, catching Louise sneakily peering through a tiny opening in her door, observing him with wide, inquisitive eyes. Irritated, he snapped, “What are you staring at? Go away!”


    With a defiant snort, Louise quickly mmed her door shut.


    Overwhelmed by frustration, Edward felt tormented by the constant disturbances from both women.


    .


    .


    .