Chapter 89
I Have No Desire To Play The Violin
As Jayden lifted his cup for a sip, he casually remarked, "My uncle and aunt have a daughter who's currently abroad."
Upon hearing the introduction, Elyse hesitated briefly before rising to greet the two.
However, Seth and Julie remained unresponsive. Julie, in particular, eyed her with evident disdain as she sipped her tea.
Sensing their hostility, Elyse decided against engaging them further and resumed her seat after
the brief greeting.
Seth, checking the time on his phone, inquired pointedly. "Why haven't your parents arrived yet? Are they purposefully late?"
Jayden met Seth's disapproving gaze with a calm demeanor. "Their punctuality is their concern, not mine."
Turning his attention to Elyse, Seth ordered, "Surely you have their contact details. Give them a call and inquire about their whereabouts."
Elyse declined firmly, "Sorry, I don't have their phone numbers. Please be
patient.
Surprised, Seth questioned, "Haven't you met Jayden's parents?"
Elyse confirmed, "No, I haven't."
Seth remained silent, exchanging a meaningful glance with his wife before diverting his attention 'elsewhere, dropping the topic altogether.
Elyse understood their unspoken judgment. It was clear to her what was running through their minds. Jayden's diminished status within the family meant his parents had little inclination to invest time or effort in him. Their absence at his wedding spoke volumes: in their eyes, Jayden was nothing short of a failure.
Behind a facade of composure, Elyse masked her feelings with a sip of tea, her gaze piercing through the veneer of familial warmth to reveal their true sentiments.
Ten minutes later, Jayden's parents rushed in, accompanied by their younger son, Bryce Owen. Jayden greeted them emotionlessly.
Tess Owen, Jayden's mother, cast a critical eye over his legs before her gaze fell upon Elyse. Displeasure etched across her features as she questioned, "On your grandpa's birthday, why have you brought her here?"
Elyse could practically feel Tess's disdain directed towards her.
"She's my wife. If not her, then who?" Jayden responded evenly.
"I don't recognize her as my daughter-in-law," Tess retorted bluntly, her rejection of Elyse echoing
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through the room.
She spared neither Elyse nor Jayden a shred of dignity, humiliating them both in front of everyone.
It was evident from the amused glances exchanged by the onlookers that they relished the
spectacle. No one came to Jayden's defense or attempted to intervene.
Once the pride of the family, Jayden had now become its pariah, abandoned even by his ownUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
parents. It seemed that others took pleasure in witnessing his downfall. If not for their familial ties, they might have kicked him while he was down.
The realization only deepened Elyse's sympathy for Jayden. Since his accident, he had received no love or support from his family.
"Come now, let's remember where we are. Enough chatter!" Andrew Owen, Jayden's father, was a bit more astute, understanding the need to save face on such an occasion. Yet, he too refrained from defending Jayden, more concerned about his own reputation.
After enduring the spectacle, Brook intervened, signaling that it was time to proceed. "Let's not keep Grandpa Enzo waiting any longer. Allow our young men to escort him out," he declared, moving to assist Jayden.
"Would you mind if I push you?" he asked.
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05s.org for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading! "No," Jayden consented, casting a fleeting glance at Elyse. "I'll be back soon," he murmured softly.
'As he departed, Elyse remained seated, the atmosphere heavy with tension, feeling utterly alone amidst the frozen air.
While enjoying desserts and tea, Julie scrutinized her and inquired, "So, what do you do?"
"I studied violin in college and now I'm part of an orchestra," Elyse responded.
Upon hearing this, Tess chimed in, "You play the violin? Wonderful! Come and perform for us."O
Andrew agreed, "Yes, if you're talented, perhaps you could play for Father. He'd enjoy that." Tess nodded in approval, urging, "Yes, let's hear you play. Go find a violin and perform for us." The others then discussed with Jayden's parents what music would please their father Enzo, without considering whether Elyse was willing to perform.
Of course, Elyse had no desire to play. Before she could speak, they had already decided for her. She was Jayden's wife, not the Owen family's hired musician.
Maintaining a stoic expression, Elyse remained seated. Observing her reluctance, Tess frowned and reprimanded her, "Why are you still sitting there? Go fetch a violin and perform."
"I have no desire to play the violin," Elyse stated firmly, each word enunciated clearly.