?Chapter 13:


    “Kaiden.” Ellie’s voice, both clear and soft, broke the silence.


    Pondering Kaiden’s recent actions, she voiced her confusion. “I’m trying to understand why you agreed to marry me if you don’t like me.”


    Kaiden, outwardly, appeared bound by his family’s expectations. However, Ellie had observed his assertiveness and influence.


    She knew the Thorpe family couldn’t control him against his will. Yet, he had still chosen to bring her into his family, seemingly against his own desires.


    The carpsed into silence. No response came.


    Kaiden leaned back, his eyes closed, appearing to rest. His profile was undeniably handsome, but it radiated a cold, detached air.


    Ellie let out a huff of frustration. After her triumph over Edwin earlier, she was in no mood to engage further with Kaiden. But then, her phone buzzed.


    It was a message from Baylee. “I’m home now!” Ellie responded with a simple, “Good.”


    Baylee then texted, “Kaiden doesn’t look too bad, definitely a step up from Erick. Hey… does his disability affect his… performance in bed?”


    Ellie remained silent after Baylee’s suggestive message.


    Feeling a twinge of guilt, she risked a quick nce at Kaiden, swiftly averting her eyes before he could catch her looking.


    Deep down, she wanted to reassure Baylee that Kaiden’s legs were just fine. And… his performance in bed might not be bad?


    Baylee’s message continued, “I just realized, I haven’t given you a wedding gift yet. How about I send you a box of… well, you know?” Baylee’s message had a yful edge. “We’re both adults here. You can enjoy your handsome husband, but remember, no babies, okay?” Enjoy Kaiden?


    Ellie, somewhat taken aback, responded, “Thanks, but I’ll pass! Sounds like you’re speaking from experience, hmm?” Baylee didn’t reply.


    In truth, she hadn’t reached that stage with Quincy Rollins; they’d be estranged before things could progress.


    Wrapping up the conversation with Baylee, Ellie’s gaze unintentionally drifted towards Kaiden’s…


    Well, it seemed that… his little buddy was quite…


    “What are you staring at?”


    Kaiden’s voice, icy and sharp, broke her train of thought.


    Ellie, startled, considered a quick lie, but her curiosity prevailed. After a brief hesitation, she blurted out, “I’ve heard that… Well, a man’s stature might corrte with other… parts… of his body. Is that true?”


    Bruce, who was driving the car, was visibly shocked, nearly hitting the brakes.


    Was Ellie aware he could hear her?


    Kaiden’s cold gaze met Ellie’s, and she realized her mistake. Perhaps herck of sleep was to me for her silly question.


    Quickly trying to recover, she added, “You don’t have to answer. It was just a passing thought. I’m not interested in you.”


    Kaiden’s response held a sneer. “Really? Then who are you interested in? Erick?”


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