?<strong>Chapter 1226:</strong>


    “I don’t want to go with you, and I don’t need your help. Leave me alone,” Elyse retorted.


    With that, she tried to walk off.


    At that moment, Jayden’s desperation took over. He was terrified that she might leave for good, so he clenched her arm even tighter.


    Elyse red at him. “What now?”


    “Brook is still in custody,” Jayden exined quickly. “Let’s go and bring him out.”


    “Why should I go?” Elyse retorted, her voiceced with sarcasm. “You’ve been managing everything on your own. Why involve me now?”


    Her words clearly hurt Jayden. With a sigh, he pleaded with her again, “Juste with me.”


    “No!” Elyse refused, unmoved by his insistence.


    To her, Jayden had countless opportunities to include her in the past and had never done so. Now, when the situation had calmed down, he expected her to follow him without question. Why should she? She was done taking his lead. Jayden’s repeated pleas and desperate attempts had no effect on Elyse in the slightest. He simply couldn’t break her icyposure.


    Desperation gnawing at him, Jayden, in ast-ditch effort, disregarded Peyton’s advice and resorted to force. He wrapped his arms around her and swiftly lifted her into the car.


    The world spun for Elyse as she was hoisted into the vehicle. When her senses returned, she found herself already seated inside.


    Jayden gripped her chin firmly. “Don’t even think about leaving me again. You belong with me, wherever I go.”


    Elyse’s eyes zed with defiance. “I won’t follow yourmands. Who do you think you are?”


    Jayden’s teeth clenched in frustration. “Who am I? I’ll be your husband! The only one you’ll ever have—past, present, and future! I know you’re angry, but stop threatening to leave.”


    His words carried a vulnerable tone, exposing his real fear of losing her.


    Elyse, however, wasn’t interested in engaging with him at that moment. She closed her eyes, ignoring him.


    Upon reaching Brook’s detention center, Elyse refused to get out of the car, but Jayden forcibly pulled her out.


    “What’s the point of this?” sheined. “What am I proving by being here with you?”


    “It means a lot,” Jayden replied. “But only if you stay close.”


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