Chapter 641:

In the second half of the night, Clive finally arrived, just as Jayden was deep in conversation about his love life with his friends. They hadn't shared drinks in ages, so they celebrated heartily. By the time the party ended, it was dawn.

Jayden stumbled home, loosening his collar with one hand while fumbling for his bedroom door with the other. Elyse was there, wrapped in a gray blanket and wearing a white nightgown.

Jayden trudged over, concern etched on his face. “Why are you up so early? Waiting for me?”

Elyse tilted her head. “I called and texted you repeatedly. Where were you?”

Jayden grabbed his phone and saw the barrage of missed calls and messages. Elyse had been on edge since Enzo's last attack. Not hearing from Jayden all night had convinced her he'd been attacked by Enzo's men again.

Jayden hung his head. “Sorry. I was having a good time with my friends and didn’t check my phone.”

Elyse's eyes welled up. “I was worried about you, that’s why.”

Jayden softened. “My bad. I’ll keep you informed from now on.”

Elyse's eyes hardened. “When I was little, I longed for Lanny and Glenda's love. I did everything to win them over, but it was useless. No matter what, they didn’t care. Then I met Theo. He was my new hope; I adored him, hoping he’d love me and give me a home. But that didn’t work either. He wasn’t the answer. Then I met you. I didn’t love you at first; our start was rocky. But you were so good to me, that I gradually fell for you. Eventually, I fell in love with you.”

Elyse paused, a small smile playing on her lips. “I thought you were my final chance at happiness. You seemed perfect, and you protected me. But now I know, nothing’s perfect. You’ve always kept me at arm’s length. You never really trusted me. When I got upset about this, you just brushed me off.”

“I didn’t brush you off,” Jayden insisted, a defensive edge to his voice. “I meant what I said.”

Tears glistened in her eyes as Elyse smiled. “You said it, but deep down, you didn’t mean it, did you?”

Jayden sobered up instantly. “Maybe I messed up, but I love you more than anything.”

After a heavy silence, Elyse said, “I believe you. I believe I’m your top priority. But this isn’t what I want. Understand?”

She glanced around the room. “I thought this was home. Then I realized, I don’t have one. I need someone to be real with me, to give me a place to belong. But that’s a lie.”

Her voice was steady as she continued. “Jayden, get this: The only person who can give me a home is me.”

Jayden frowned, confusion clouding his mind. Was he hungover? Why couldn’t he understand what Elyse was saying?

“What do you mean? Haven’t I given you a home? If you need more, I’ll buy you a new house. Or ten. Just tell me where.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want houses. Jayden, I want… a divorce.”

Jayden froze. Shock rendered him speechless. When his breath returned, he stammered, “Divorce? Why? Has it been that bad?”

His jaw clenched. “Don’t even think about it,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re crazy to even suggest it.”

Her expression was serious. “Relationships take two people. I can’t do this anymore. Since we can’t make it work, divorce is best for both of us.”

Jayden gripped Elyse’s face. “What do you mean ‘we can’t make it work’? Don’t even think about a divorce.” . . .