Chapter 1159:
Edward pouted slightly, his boyish enthusiasm undimmed. “We can’t just sit in silence. Let’s keep the conversation going a little longer?”
Elyse stifled a yawn, her exhaustion catching up to her. “We can continue next time. I need rest now.”
Disappointment flashed across Edward’s face, but he conceded, his voice carrying a touch of defeat. “Alright. You rest first.”
With a sigh of relief, Elyse leaned her head against the window, clutching a pillow close. The hum of the road lulled her into a quiet slumber, the night folding her in its embrace.
Jayden, his hands steady on the wheel, didn’t spare a glance at the backseat.
Unseen, Edward reached out, gently hooking Elyse’s finger with his thumb, reluctant to let the moment slip away.
He longed for more time with her, knowing that with the break of dawn, the chance would be gone.
Elyse slept deeply, and when she woke, they had already arrived back in the small town. Her first thought was of Carrie, but news quickly reached her—Carrie had been moved to another hospital.
While checking into the hotel, Elyse noticed Jayden hadn’t intended to stay. Puzzled, she asked, “Aren’t you going to rest? Don’t you need sleep?”
Jayden, juggling their luggage and phone, dismissed the concern with a cold air. “No need. I have things to do. You rest.”
There was a sharp edge to his tone, and Elyse could sense something was off. Was he still angry about what happened yesterday? Her frustration flared. “What’s with your attitude? Is it really so serious? Stop acting like a child and just get a room to rest.”
Jayden halted, his face clouded with a mixture of exhaustion and something else. “It’s dangerous to stay near me. Being with Edward is safer; he’ll protect you.”
His words cut deep. Elyse’s brow furrowed as she shot back, “You dragged me into danger before, but now, when things are rough, you won’t take me with you? Am I just a disposable piece to you? You can’t decide when to keep me and when to toss me aside!”
Her voice trembled with unshed tears. “Am I just something you pick up and drop whenever it suits you? If you wanted me with you before, why not now?”
Jayden’s brow furrowed, his frustration evident. “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I’m doing this for your sake.”
“For my sake?” Elyse’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Your idea of protecting me is pushing me away over and over again.”
Jayden sighed deeply, his words heavy with the burden of his own struggles. “I’m not pushing you away. I’m trying to keep you safe. Everything I do is for that.”
Elyse’s heart sank. This was not the relationship she had imagined. She longed for something more—something where Jayden wouldn’t always shield her behind walls she never asked for.
Seeing her silence, Jayden took it as a sign of reluctant agreement. Turning to Edward, he reminded him, “Don’t forget your promise. This time, don’t back out.”