Chapter 192
“I didn’t take the test very seriously, but I didn’t expect it to be quite straightforward, Jaden said with feigned modesty, while Ella sensed his pride bursting forth like fireworks
“Wasn’t it bought with money?” Ella was doubtful
“Certified by the International Association. Do you really think money can buy everything” Jaden refuted. He had prepared diligently, often staying up late to pore over books on nutritious meals. His prior experience in cooking helped him to quickly grasp the concepts. He even went the extra mile, setting work aside to take private lessons from top chefs. His learning ability was outstanding, he had a remarkable memory and rapidly grasped the core ideas. As a result, he learned quickly, but not without sustaining several burns on his arms. Fortunately, his efforts were fruitful. “You mentioned being busy and spent less time with me recently. This is what you were working on, wasn’t it?” she asked.
“Yes, being in charge of your daily three meals, it’s only natural that I prepare adequately
Three n
meals a
a day! You can’t be serious.”
“Yes, as long as I’m at home. I’ll cook for you. I’ll create a balanced diet plan for you that satisfies your nutritional needs while also delighting your taste buds.”
Ella was amazed by Jaden’s newfound accommodating nature, which had greatly surpassed her expectations, “How did you become so thoughtful all of a sudden?” she inquired curiously. In the past, he had taken pleasure in their arguments, stubbornness, and mutual hurt. Yet now, he appeared completely compromising. She wondered whether he had turned over a new leaf
T
longer wish to argue or engage in pettiness, Moving forward, I intend to treat you kindly every day. It doesn’t matter whether you love me or if the child is mine. What matters is having you by my side. Ella, perhaps you don’t need me someone else could take my place beside you. However, I genuinely need your I cannot live without you”
Jaden was well aware of the value of their shared moments. He understood that the reality of Devin’s passing would eventually come to light. Thus, he planned to delay disclosing this information for as long as possible. He also recognized that happiness would elude him if he persisted in tormenting himself with unforgiveness towards Ella and himself. Every second was priceless to him.
Ella felt a wave of sorrow wash over her at his words. Anger bubbled within her at his ignorance and inseritivity. She knew that Jaden was constantly anxious and formented by insecurities. Therefore, she yearned for him to recognize her deep affection for him and her intense need for his presence.
Ella cradled his face tenderly, exhaling a tremulous breath. “I thought of telling you the truth later. I thought of snapping you out of your blindness, but I realize it’s pointless. My wish is for you to know and embrace happiness as soon as possible. So, Jaden, listen closely, I’ll only say this once the child I’m bearing is yours.”
“Ella, stop lying to me. I’ve already told you that even if the child weren’t mine, I would still treat it as my own. Haven’t you learned to trust me by now?” Jaden’s eyes were filled with disappointment
Her annoyance surged at his words, leading her to pinch his cheeks sharply. “You idiot, how often must I repeat myselft Don’t you recall the party I attended with Chase, which you also went? Yes, you were drunk, but can’t you remember anything at all?”
“Say that again, Jaden demanded, his expression hardening instantly,
“Someone had gotten you drunk and was trying to take advantage of you. Despite our divorce, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing if you were in danger. So, I stepped in to help you out, but somehow, I got dragged into the mess too,” Ella replied weakly.
“So, it wasn’t a dream!”
“A dream”
I had always thought it was just a figment of my imagination. So, it all actually happened: Then why couldn’t I find anything about it?” After the initial shock subsided, Jaden calmed down as he realized someone must have altered the footage to stop him and Ella from reconciling.
“Then why didn’t you come find me afterward?” he inquired.
“In such a situation, shouldn’t you be the one to come looking for me? If you didn’t put in the effort, why should I rush to find you! I hadn’t expected a child to enter the equation. I intended to keep it a secret, so the child would be mine alone. Yet, you’ve increasingly misjudged me, thinking that I would be so willing to be with just any man. We were constantly at odds during that period. There were times I wanted to discuss things with you, but my emotions got the better of me and it will all escalate from there. But fortunately, it’s not too late, is it?”
“So, the child is mine! We’re having a baby?” Jaden was still reeling from the revelation that the child was indeed his Overwhelmed with the relief that he hadn’t proceeded with the abortion, he yearned to lift Ella in a celebratory twirl but restrained himself, cautious of her belly. He walked back and forth, a mix of eagerness and awe, his gaze shifting from her belly to her face, whispering to himself in sheer excitement. His joy was so profound that he even allowed her to go out and enjoy herself.
Ella was ecstatic. “Had I known your reaction, I would have brought it up earlier!” With that, she hurried off to change her clothes,
Chapter 192
Jaden struggled to steady his nerves, yet his fingers quivered without cease. It seemed surreal to him. Disbelief gripped him, even as he resorted to pinching himself. He continued until a bruise formed on his thigh, only then coming to terms with the truth. “The child is mine, Ella hasn’t betrayed me. I’m relieved I didn’t hurt the baby. Could it be a boy! Or perhaps a girl, taking after Ella beauty. I ought to have focused more on prenatal care. How could I be so foolish to doubt” He rambled on in solitude.
He messaged Hank, requesting a meticulous investigation of the events that night. However, he struggled with typing, repeatedly making errors and unintentionally erasing his messages. Subsequently, he made a phone call, but his speech was marked by stammering
“Mr. Watson, are you okay?” Hank asked.
“Hurry… Investigate everything and don’t leave anything out. Be thorough His words were disjointed as he was overwhelmed by an unprecedented loss of control in his life.
Roughly thirty minutes later, Hank stumbled upon some evidence. “Mr. Watson, the surveillance footage from that night has indeed been tampered with; it’s been obscured. If Fm not wrong, it was Ms. Reid who orchestrated it.”
“The complete footage!”
“I’ve sent it to your email.
Jaden’s hands trembled as he clicked on the video, catching a glimpse of Ella’s silhouette. In that moment, his heart steadied, and he realized the events of that night were indeed not a dream.
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