?Chapter 1828:


    Aileen nodded. “We talked about his love interest. It turns out his crush has already gotten married.”


    “Oh, so he’s set his sights on someone who’s off the market,” Peyton mused.


    Then, realization hit him. “Hold on, Clive has feelings for someone?”


    Peyton stood frozen in astonishment. “How is it possible that I remained unaware of Clive’s romantic interest?”


    Aileen exined matter-of-factly, “You never bothered to inquire, so naturally, he kept it to himself.”


    Peyton examined Aileen with newfound intensity, jealousy flickering across his features. “And what about your situation?”


    Aileen’s expression shifted to confusion. “My situation?”


    “Didn’t you harbor feelings for him? Weren’t you nning to pursue him?” Peyton pressed, his voice revealing his insecurity.


    Aileen acknowledged with a slight nod. “I contemted it some time ago, but those feelings have since dissipated.”


    Bewilderment crossed Peyton’s face. “Why did they dissipate?”


    “The initial intrigue simply evaporated,” Aileen responded, blinking innocently.


    Peyton fell silent, rendered speechless and unwilling to continue the exchange.


    “Besides…” Aileen cast a timid nce at him, her voice softening, “I already have a fiancé, don’t I?”


    Peyton seized the opportunity. “Does this mean you intend to direct your affections toward me henceforth?”


    His directness startled her. She averted her gaze, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “Don’t rush to conclusions. I’m still in the process of discovering who you truly are.”


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    A yful smile danced across Peyton’s lips. “Then any efforts during this evaluation period should count as additional merit.”


    Without warning, he encircled her waist with his arm, leaning his body deliberately toward hers.


    Aileen struggled to maintain her bnce, but his embrace effectively trapped her against him.


    Their bodies pressed together intimately, deepening the crimson hue of herplexion.<fn559d> Find the newest release on Find~Novel</fn559d>


    As they continued their flirtatious exchange, the ambient lighting in the hall subtly transformed. Elyse appeared center stage, violin poised elegantly in hand, bathed in the luminous glow of a solitary spotlight.


    “Good evening, everyone,” Elyse announced. “I’m Elyse Lloyd. Tonight, I’ll perform Peyton’s cherishedposition as a birthday tribute.”


    The first notes filled the air,manding everyone’s attention.


    Aileen found herself equally entranced by Elyse’s masterful performance. While immersed in the melodic journey, she inadvertently noticed Clive emerging from the assembled guests.


    He approached with deliberate slowness, each footstep ced with extraordinary care, as though fearing any sudden movement might disrupt the delicate musical atmosphere.


    Eventually, he positioned himself beside Elyse, regarding her with unmasked adoration and reverence. His eyes overflowed with unmistakable emotion.


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