Chapter 640:

The evening unfolded in a local bar, where Jayden, already nursing his second drink, awaited Peyton. Despite the casual setting, the atmosphere was anything but relaxed. Peyton, no longer confined by his cast but still using a wheelchair, cautiously wheeled into the bar.

Peyton approached Jayden and sat beside him, grabbing a bottle and opening it. “Why the sudden call? Missing company? You have Elyse, don’t you? Why drag us out?” he asked with a smile.

Jayden ignored the question, instead asking, “Where’s Clive? When’s he showing up?”

Peyton took a hearty gulp. “Caught up in a last-minute meeting, but he’ll swing by later,” he replied, pausing as he noticed Jayden’s troubled expression.

He leaned in, concern evident. “Everything alright, buddy? You and Elyse haven’t been fighting again, have you? It’s none of my business, but she’s still recovering. You shouldn’t be fighting.”

Jayden’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing. “It wasn’t me who started it. Elyse is the one stirring things up. No matter what I do, it’s never good enough for her. She’s always dissatisfied.”

Peyton, sipping his drink, retorted half-teasingly, “Maybe you’re just not doing enough, huh?”

Jayden struggled to tell if Peyton was joking. “Are you even hearing me? It doesn’t matter what I do; she’s never pleased.”

“Then hear me out,” Peyton said, looking at Jayden. “Elyse’s hardly ungrateful. If she says you’re not cutting it, then you’re probably not.”

Jayden’s expression darkened further, his voice edged with frustration. “Whose side are you on? Mine or hers? How can you even agree with her?”

Peyton chuckled lightly. “Hey, I’m on your side—really, I am. You might think you’re doing enough and that Elyse should be happy with what she’s getting, but maybe it’s not what she needs. Perhaps you’re missing what she’s truly after.”

Jayden went quiet, his features tightening. Peyton continued, a hint of seriousness underlying his casual tone. “Plus, we all know how much Elyse has put up with for you. She stood by you even when you pretended to be disabled, and lost a child amid the family chaos.”

Jayden took a slow sip, his response muted.

Peyton finished his beer and asked nonchalantly, “So, what did Elyse say you failed to do this time? And why can’t you do it?”

“Just about my past,” Jayden muttered, sighing wearily.

An understanding “Oh” escaped Peyton as he nodded, piecing things together. “Really, is it necessary to keep bringing up my past in a relationship?” Jayden argued, his tone challenging. “Why not focus on the future and leave the past behind?”

Peyton responded thoughtfully, “Your idea seems sensible at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and it starts to look questionable.”

Jayden raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re a surgeon? You sound more like a therapist.”

Peyton retorted with a smirk, “Isn’t it expected for a doctor to have a broad range of knowledge?” He opened another beer and took a deep gulp.

“People should look to the future. Perhaps Elyse feels she can’t connect with you emotionally, and that’s why she’s so intrigued by your past.”

Jayden’s gaze hardened. “Why do you have the impression that you’re here as Elyse’s advocate, trying to coax things out of me for her?”

Peyton laughed lightly. “I’m here for your own good, buddy. I get why you’re hesitant to open up. Your past is pretty grim, and you’re afraid of Elyse finding out.”

He paused, looking intently at Jayden. “You need to trust that Elyse is the kind of woman who would stick by you, not ditch you over some minor issue.”

Jayden remained silent for a while, then spoke, “Do you really think Elyse would stay if she knew everything? I’m not convinced. She’d bolt if she discovered my whole story.”

Peyton cut in sharply. “It’s not that you fear Elyse won’t believe you; you lack belief in yourself.”

Jayden frowned. “Why wouldn’t I believe in myself?”

“Don’t get too caught up in hiding the past,” Peyton shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve been in the dating game for a while now, encountering many women, some with traits similar to yours.”

“Screw off,” Jayden snapped. “You’re the one behaving like a woman!” … … …