Chapter 1099:
Post-meal, exhaustion enveloped them both. Selecting a hotel with extra caution, they checked in. Elyse, still haunted by memories of their last dismal motel stay, insisted that Jayden inspect every inch of the bathroom for hidden passages before she dared to shower.
After they had both freshened up, exhaustion won over, and they collapsed into a deep sleep until morning. Upon waking, Elyse massaged her temples and lamented, “Sleeping too much has given me a terrible headache.”
Already dressed, Jayden proposed, “Let’s head out for breakfast. I’m absolutely starving.” Elyse agreed and began to gather her clothes. As she picked up her outfit, she paused, feeling Jayden’s gaze on her.
Turning abruptly, she snapped, “Why are you staring? I’m trying to change. Turn around!”
Jayden, feigning confusion, retorted, “I’ve seen it all before. I’ve even bathed you. What’s the big deal now?”
“We’re divorced!” Elyse fired back, visibly annoyed.
Remaining in his chair, Jayden’s tone was teasing yet firm. “As I’ve said before, being divorced doesn’t change a thing. You’ll always be mine.”
Too exasperated to continue the argument, Elyse took her clothes and retreated to the bathroom. Since Jayden wasn’t moving, she decided to distance herself instead. After changing, she emerged and declared firmly, “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Jayden stood and deftly encircled Elyse’s waist with his arm. Clearly annoyed, Elyse snapped, “Can you treat me with some respect?”
Unyielding, Jayden countered, “Come on, I get uneasy if I’m not close to you. Deny me your closeness, and I’ll be plunged into misery.”
Unmoved by his dramatics, Elyse briskly removed his hand. “Well, you might just have to endure that misery.” Realizing her rejection of physical contact, Jayden felt a pang of helplessness. He regretted not having Peyton by his side, perhaps to serve as his tactical advisor.
Departing from the hotel, they stumbled upon a quaint café and settled in for breakfast. After their meal, they ventured out from the eatery. Pausing on the street, Elyse felt a wave of indecision. With numerous shops lining the street, she found herself at a loss for where to begin.
Observing her hesitation, Jayden queried, “You wanted to shop, right? What’s stopping you?”
Looking lost, Elyse admitted, “I’m not sure which shop to choose.”
“Just pick any that catches your eye; no need to overthink it,” Jayden encouraged.
Nodding, Elyse recognized the wisdom in his words, yet felt no urge to explore the shops they passed. After wandering for a while, she suggested, “Maybe you should head back. These shops don’t intrigue me. Why not go back to the hotel?”
Taking a leisurely sip of his coffee, Jayden questioned, “What makes you think I don’t enjoy just walking around with you?”noveldrama
Elyse, trying to be candid, replied, “Well, it’s common knowledge that most men aren’t fans of shopping.”
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