?Chapter 563:


    Ellie mused on how unusual it was for someone to present a lighter as a wedding gift.


    It was more typical of a girlfriend’s gift to her boyfriend.


    “I don’t like this gift,” Ellie stated tly, closing the lid of the box before Kaiden even had a chance to see it. “I want to return it to her.” She looked at him, uncertain of how he would react.


    Ellie’s stubbornness was no secret to Kaiden, yet he was puzzled by her reaction.


    “Why are you staring?” Kaiden chuckled, affectionately tousling Ellie’s hair. “Aren’t you managing all our gifts today, Mrs. Thorpe?”


    “Wait here for me!” With those words, Ellie hurried downstairs, clutching the gift box.


    Carole was still nearby.


    Hearing Ellie’s footsteps, Carole turned around. Her face shifted from anticipation to disappointment when she saw who it was.


    “Not happy to see me? You were moving so slow that I thought you were waiting for me,” Ellie said, forcing a smile.


    “It’s unusual for you to seek me out, Miss Gordon,” Carole remarked, her interest waning when she realized Kaiden wasn’t with Ellie.


    “It’s not that unusual. I’de to see you even if there was no specific reason,” Ellie replied, extending the gift box to Carole. “I’m returning this to you.”


    “But this is for Kaiden,” Carole objected, making no move to ept the box.


    “Really? But you said it was a wedding gift. I’m handling all of our wedding gifts,” Ellie countered.


    Carole was confused. Why would Ellie have an issue with a simple gift to Kaiden?


    As Carole’s frustration grew, she asserted, “I won’t take back a gift I’ve given. I don’t believe you’d dare to discard it!”


    Ellie smiled, her gaze sweeping the area until she spotted a trash can. She walked over, extended her hand, and dropped the gift box into the bin. Itnded with a dull thud at the bottom.


    Don’t miss out gα?ησν??ls?c?m


    “Ellie… How dare you!” Carole stared, shock and anger swirling in her eyes. Ellie simply shrugged, unconcerned by Carole’s reaction, and returned upstairs, feeling triumphant.


    Kaiden was waiting for her, which lifted her spirits even more.


    As she approached, he opened his arms in a weing gesture. Ellie, initially reluctant, decided to indulge him since he had initiated the embrace. She leaped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and standing on her toes to nt a kiss on his chin.


    “This is your reward because I’m feeling happy!” she dered, her eyes sparkling like stars, captivating enough to mesmerize him.


    “That’s it? Doesn’t seem heartfelt enough,” Kaiden remarked, yfully gesturing toward his lips.


    Ellie leaned in, her breath carrying her unique scent as she whispered teasingly near his ear, “I was going to kiss your Adam’s apple, but…” She shed a mischievous smile. “Kaiden, are you sure you can restrain yourself and avoid… you know?”


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