?<strong>Chapter 1504:</strong>


    Pearce groaned, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Get a grip! Love’s like lightning—rare and unpredictable. Don’t waste your life chasing something so fleeting.”


    Elyse sat in the car, scrolling through her ylist until she found a tune that fit the mood, humming softly as she started fiddling with her phone.


    Behind the wheel, Jayden nced over, catching her cheerful vibe. With a teasing smirk, he asked, “Do you really love me that much?”


    Elyse looked up, eyebrows raised. “Huh?”


    “You said you loved me so much that you lost yourself. Was it real?” Jayden rified, his voice tinged with pride.


    Without missing a beat, she nodded. “Of course. I meant every word. Why do you ask?”


    A smug grin spread across his face. “Ha! I knew it. You’re crazy about me.”


    Elyse’sughter bubbled up at his expression. “Feeling a little full of yourself, huh? My love’s making you puff up like a rooster.”


    “Absolutely!” Jayden shot back, his tone dripping with bravado. “Every guy dreams of that kind of devotion. It’s like wearing a medal of honor. You get it, right?”


    Elyse shook her head, grinning. “Not even a little.”


    Jayden replied, tossing his head with pride, “Exining it to you would be like trying to teach a fish to climb. Not worth the effort.”


    Elyse tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Alright, Mr. Proud. If my love’s a medal of honor, what’s your love for me, then?”


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    Jayden quirked an eyebrow. “What do you think it should be?”


    “It’s my source of confidence,” Elyse said, her smile soft and warm, her gaze twinkling like the night sky.


    Jayden’s lips twitched, trying and failing to hide the smile spreading across his face.


    “You’re being sweeter than usual,” he said, his tone yful butced with his usual swagger. “Once we’re home, I’ll spoil you properly.”


    Her expression shifted, her amusement giving way to exasperation. “Oh, no, not again. I’ve got violin practice tonight, and you are not interrupting me.”


    Jayden leaned into her words with a sly grin. “Fine, fine. After you’re done practicing, then.”


    Elyse swatted him lightly on the arm. “Can’t you tone it down for once? Honestly, you’re like a dog with a bone.”


    “Hard to resist, babe,” Jayden said, his voice low and teasing. “You wouldn’t want me to suffer, would you?”


    Elyse huffed, her cheeks tinged pink. “You wear me out every time! You’re not exactly gentle, you know. I’m over it.”


    Jayden’s brow furrowed, and he leaned closer, his tone suddenly serious. “Why pretend? You always look like you’re enjoying yourself. If it didn’t make you happy, why would I even bother?”


    Elyse red at him, utterly flustered, before snapping her mouth shut. No matter how much Jayden teased her after that, she refused to say another word.


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