Chapter 133:

Richie arrived home, removed his hat and sunglasses, and collapsed onto his bed. He pulled out his phone to review a video he'd recorded earlier. Elyse was the subject; deeply immersed in a violin performance, she captivated passersby who stopped to listen. She seemed a musical deity, enchanting her audience with a sacred and mysterious allure. After editing the video, Richie sent it to his musician friend, Cody Tucker, who was currently overseas.

Richie harbored a secret from Elyse. The "friend" in his stories wasn't a friend at all, but his uncle, Cody—a resolute, single man nearing fifty who dedicated his life to music. Richie texted Cody, "My new friend who played the violin very well and emotionally."

Expecting no immediate reply, Richie set his phone aside and closed his eyes. To his surprise, his phone rang. Puzzled, he checked the caller ID: Cody. Shocked, he answered.

"Uncle Cody, what's wrong?" Richie asked, his voice filled with confusion.

"What's this girl's name?" Cody asked quickly.

Still puzzled, Richie replied, "Is everything okay? You seem really excited. I only met her today."

Finding Richie's chatter excessive, Cody reverted to his usual reserve. "Never mind. I'll be back soon. Please introduce me to her."

Richie's confusion deepened. Why was Cody so interested in a young woman? Was it her violin skills? Feeling he'd stumbled upon something significant, he enthusiastically agreed and ended the call.

"You're lucky to be chosen, Elyse. Just wait and see," he murmured.

Meanwhile, Cody sat alone outside a log cabin, watching the sunrise. He wasn't initially interested in Richie's musical discoveries, knowing his nephew's limited musical understanding and possessing little patience with him. However, the video's thumbnail—a girl playing the violin—compelled him to watch. The girl's emotional depth captivated him, though he noted she could refine her technique.

After watching the video a second time, Cody sensed a familiarity in her expressive performance. She reminded him of someone. Intrigued, he played it again. As he stared at her face, he was struck by their resemblance. "Is this fate? There is someone who looks like you," he murmured.

Morning arrived at the villa. Elyse awoke feeling exhausted and fragile; Jayden slept soundly beside her. She noticed bite marks on his neck, her cheeks warming at the memory. Last night, despite her pleas, Jayden had been relentless. "He was driving me insane," she thought, explaining her random bites. Even then, he hadn't stopped; if anything, he'd become more passionate. Elyse wept, but her tears failed to move him.

Reflecting on this, Elyse's anger flared. Seeing him peacefully asleep irked her. Determined to retaliate, she bit him hard again. Jayden awoke with a start, feeling the pain, and caught her in the act. He grasped her chin firmly, bringing tears to her eyes.

"Are you blaming me for not satisfying you last night?" he asked. "Well then, I'll make it up to you. I can't bear to disappoint my wife."

Struggling to speak, Elyse's eyes widened. "I'm not dissatisfied," she managed.

"Really? I find that hard to believe," Jayden replied, covering her eyes and kissing her passionately. Elyse moaned softly as Jayden, unmoved by her discomfort, pressed on to satisfy her desires.

Meanwhile, Judy rose early, though she'd slept poorly. Despite this, she prepared for the day. Entering the dining room, she found breakfast nearly ready. Noticing Jayden's absence, she asked Driscoll, "Jayden hasn't come downstairs yet. Should I go upstairs to call him?"

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