Chapter 40:

Lizzie was uncertain whether Elyse's husband truly belonged to the prominent Owen family. Perhaps it was a coincidence. Regardless, she doubted Elyse had married into the wealthy Owen family. She didn't believe Elyse deserved it.

"Stop joking," Lizzie mused, touching her chin skeptically. "Did you just make that up?"

"What would I gain by lying? I'm married to Jayden Owen. Your unawareness simply proves you're not in our league," Elyse retorted disdainfully.

Lizzie was taken aback. Despite Elyse's modest background, Lizzie's was even humbler, fueling envy since high school. Furthermore, Lizzie's fiancé, a businessman, lacked the wealth and influence of Elyse's husband. Elyse's words intensified Lizzie's long-standing resentment. "Well, if you're married, have your husband come here, then," she challenged.

"Why should he?" Elyse sneered.

"Then you're lying," Lizzie declared, convinced Elyse was boasting. "It's unnecessary. We were classmates. Stop it."

Elyse laughed, amused by Lizzie's reluctance to accept her improved circumstances. "If my husband shows up, you'll drink those three bottles of wine."

Lizzie snorted in disbelief. "Fine, five bottles."

They made their wager, and onlookers eagerly anticipated the outcome. "Are you really betting with her?" Freddy asked Elyse, concerned.

"Don't worry. He said he'd come," she reassured him confidently.

Elyse had faith in Jayden. Despite his wheelchair, he commanded respect. Freddy remained skeptical, knowing she'd recently broken up with Theo. How could she move on so quickly?

While waiting for Jayden, others joined Elyse for drinks. Becoming tipsy, she stood to leave.

"Where are you going? Trying to escape?" Lizzie called out.

"Are you coming to the bathroom, too?" Elyse asked, frustrated by Lizzie's suspicion.

Engrossed in a dice game, Lizzie dismissively replied, "Go on your own."

Elyse exited the private room, feeling unsteady. Pausing to compose herself, she bumped into someone.

"Sorry, I—" she began, then stopped, recognizing Theo.

He was surprised to see her. Noticing her flushed cheeks, he surmised she'd been drinking. Offering his hand, he said, "You're drunk. Haven't you learned your limits?"

Elyse quickly sidestepped his hand. Meeting his disbelieving gaze, she remained composed. "Thanks for your concern, but my drinking isn't your concern."

Theo frowned, unused to such dismissal. Sensing her affection had waned, he snapped, "Not your concern? Whose concern should it be—your wheelchair-bound husband?" His voice dripped with scorn.

Elyse frowned back, unhappy with his tone. "Don't talk about him that way. Jayden is the best husband anyone could ask for. I trust him fully, whether he's in a wheelchair or not."

Theo challenged her. "You've only known him a few days. Why are you so fiercely defending him? I've been in your life much longer, yet you've never defended me like that."

Elyse replied sharply, "That's because I know who truly cares about me."

"He's just a cripple. What can he possibly offer you?" Theo sneered. "Can he even—"

"Shut up!" Elyse snapped, raising her hand to slap him. He caught her wrist and pulled her close.

"Let go of me, or you'll regret it when Jayden gets here!" she struggled and yelled.

"You really like to pin your hopes on that cripple," Theo scoffed, lowering his head to kiss her. A sudden chill made him turn, revealing Jayden's strikingly handsome face.

...