Chapter 1191:

Amanda spun on her heel, storming off without a glance back at her untouched plate, her face clouded with anger. Hardy’s expression grew grim as he watched her leave. Something in his gut told him this was far from over, and that to win Jayden’s attention, Amanda might take things even further. Yet, for him, this opened a door. After a moment, he left the cafeteria as well. Jayden returned to his room, breakfast in hand, only to find Elyse seated by the window, her posture rigid and her gaze cold. He approached cautiously, setting the breakfast down before her. “Eat something, please. It’s not worth being so upset. It’s only hurting you.” Jayden’s gentle demeanor only seemed to fuel Elyse’s frustration. “Enough with this act! Who do you think you’re fooling?” she snapped. Jayden lowered his head, staying silent. Elyse’s voice grew sharper. “If you really cared, would you have dared to sleep next to me? Did you think I actually wanted to be held by you all night?” Jayden answered quietly, “I thought you did.” A bitter laugh escaped Elyse’s lips. “And where did you get that ridiculous idea?” Jayden replied, “When I held you, you snuggled closer.” At this, Elyse’s temper ignited, and she lunged forward, fuming. “Say one more word, and I swear I’ll tear that smug face of yours apart.” But rather than flinch, Jayden saw her as a tempest unleashed, an angry whirlwind trapped in his embrace. In one swift motion, he wrapped his arms around her waist, twisting and laying her down on the bed. Elyse was too startled to resist and found herself pinned, wrists held firm above her head. She struggled, trying to kick him off, but he sat on her legs, rendering her helpless. Through gritted teeth, Elyse demanded, “What do you want?” Jayden’s voice was calm, almost tender. “Haven’t you always known? I want to make out with you.” Elyse let out an incredulous laugh, half mocking, half defiant. “Who do you think you are? We’re nothing to each other! Get off me!” Jayden raised a brow, unfazed. “Nothing? You’re my wife. I’ve let you run wild long enough. It’s time for you to come back to me.” Elyse’s eyes flashed. “Wife? Did I ever agree to that? Stop this madness and get off me!” Jayden only shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “Nope. I’m quite comfortable right here. I kind of enjoy seeing you all riled up, helpless to stop me.” “You’re a pervert!” Elyse spat, fire in her eyes. Jayden met her gaze, steady and unflinching. “Throw that word around all you like, but do you even know what a real pervert looks like?” Elyse’s voice dripped with scorn. “Oh, I know one when I see one. You’re proof enough.” In response, Jayden chuckled softly, then leaned in, pressing a kiss to her lips that caught her completely off guard. After a heartbeat, he murmured, “That was me, in full clarity, kissing you. And later, we’ll make love—with both our eyes wide open.” Elyse looked up, stunned. “Do you even hear yourself? ‘Make love’? I never agreed to that.” Jayden smiled faintly. “Oh, but you did call me a pervert, didn’t you? Since when does a pervert care about anyone else’s terms? They do as they please.” With that, he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper by her ear. “And right now, what I want most is to have sex with you.”