Chapter 42:

Elyse wore a look of pride. Lizzie observed her for a long moment, realizing Elyse wasn't merely acting; she felt genuinely proud. This revelation shocked Lizzie. Then Lizzie remembered the rumor that Elyse had married a disabled man, and she laughed mockingly.

"Come on, everyone! Here comes Elyse's husband!" Lizzie called, flinging open the door and drawing everyone's attention. She was determined to witness their reactions.

Soon, Elyse and Jayden were surrounded. Seeing Jayden in his wheelchair, someone asked incredulously, "Elyse, he really is your husband? You're actually married to a disabled man?"

Without hesitation, Elyse nodded. "Yes, he is my husband. We've married."

The room fell silent. A blunt former classmate blurted out, "Are you joking? Even if Theo didn't want to marry you, marrying a disabled man seems extreme. Have you lost your mind?"

"Yes, when I heard the news, I thought it was fake. I never expected you'd actually go through with it. It seems so rash," another added.

The criticism overwhelmed Elyse. "That's enough! It's my decision. I've thought it through, and it's none of your business," she declared firmly.

Turning to Lizzie, she reminded her, "You lost the bet. You have to drink five bottles of wine. Keep your promise."

Lizzie, amused by Elyse's choice despite acknowledging Jayden's handsomeness, fixated on his disability. How could Elyse make such a foolish decision? she thought.

"Okay, I'll drink," Lizzie said gleefully, pleased to see Elyse seemingly distressed.

Not wanting Jayden to endure further criticism, Elyse started to push his wheelchair toward the exit. Unexpectedly, Jayden held her hand. "Since I just arrived, let's stay a bit longer," he suggested.

"But they—" Elyse began, worried about more harsh words.

"Do you think those words can break me?" Jayden asked.

After a pause, Elyse agreed. If Jayden wasn't bothered, why should she be? They were a couple, and that was all that mattered.

Back in the private room, Lizzie fulfilled her bet, quickly consuming the wine. By the fourth bottle, she was noticeably drunk.

"How does it feel to be married to a cripple?" she asked Elyse sharply. Elyse, visibly annoyed, replied, "Do you understand the concept of respect? Don't refer to him as a cripple. While your husband may be physically able, he didn't bother to show up, did he?"

Lizzie's face fell. "What does it matter if my husband didn't come? I live a better life than you. At least I'm not burdened with taking care of a cripple," she retorted spitefully.

Before Elyse could react, Jayden interjected, "We had a quick wedding and didn't invite many, but I'd like to make it up by treating everyone to dinner someday. You don't need to worry about wedding gifts."

This proposal seemed to warm the crowd. "We ought to give you wedding gifts, though," someone said.

Jayden politely declined. "Just your good wishes are enough. Let's enjoy a meal together."

"Where should we go for dinner?" someone asked.

Jayden suggested, "How about the Grandeur Hotel tomorrow?"

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by silence. Everyone present was local and, while not wealthy, knew the Grandeur Hotel. Known for its five-star luxury and expensive cuisine, last-minute reservations were impossible; bookings typically needed to be made three months in advance. Recently, the Brooks family had spent an extra million to secure the venue for a wedding.

Curiosity mounted. Who was Elyse's husband, really? Could he be a significant figure?

Jayden checked his phone. "Six o'clock tomorrow, let's meet there," he confirmed.

Jacob, skeptical, muttered sarcastically, "I hope we aren't turned away at the door."

Elyse, knowing Jayden owned the Grandeur Hotel, was confident. "We'll see tomorrow, won't we?" she said, hinting at the surprise awaiting them.

(The ellipses at the end are unnecessary unless more text follows.)