Bound by love: Marrying my Disabled Husband by Devocean

Chapter 197:

On the following morning, Elyse woke up feeling stiff and sore all over. Descending the stairs, she noticed Jayden was nowhere to be seen and inquired, “Is Jayden in the study?”

Driscoll shook his head and offered her a glass of water. “He left early this morning. Do you need him for something important?”

Pausing her hand from massaging her waist, Elyse gave an awkward smile and replied, “No, it was just a casual question.” She drank the water quickly and then moved to the dining room for breakfast. After eating, she grabbed her violin case and headed off to the rehearsal room.

Upon arriving, Elyse immediately felt a shift in the atmosphere. The other members seemed to regard her with unusual expressions, which left her puzzled. As she was tuning her violin, an object dropped from the stand beside her. She picked it up, handing it back to its owner, who snatched it quickly and retreated from her.

This strange behavior only deepened Elyse’s confusion. Why were they acting so distant and wary around her? When Freddy walked in, he immediately noticed the tension surrounding Elyse. With a serious demeanor, he approached her and said, “Come out for a moment. I have something to tell you.”

Elyse stood and followed him out of the room. Once outside, Freddy shared his concerns. “You’ve been targeted by Vicky. She sent a message in the group chat of our orchestra last night urging everyone to isolate you. Vicky is quite influential here, and nobody wants to cross her.” Freddy’s face was etched with worry.

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Darren approached them, breaking the

resignation and indifference. “I don’t mind as long as it

expression turned scornful. “I used to have respect for Vicky. She’s talented albeit a bit distant, and I thought she wasn’t a bad person. It seems I was mistaken.

machinations.

Abram’s office, Vicky paced restlessly, her phone pressed against her ear. “Even after everyone has isolated Elyse, she seems to be practicing on her own as if nothing is unusual,” someone said on the other end of the

frustration crossed Vicky’s face. “And what about her friends? Are they distancing

“The opposite, actually. They haven’t heeded your call at all. They’re

snapped the phone shut and began to chew on her fingernail, her mind racing as she paced back and forth. The previous evening’s request to Abram for the competition video replayed in her mind, a move driven by a sudden nagging doubt about her own superiority. It was the first time she had scrutinized her rival’s performance post-competition, and the realization that dawned was chilling: had Elyse not faltered, the first-place trophy might have been Elyse’s. This single thought muddled Vicky’s confidence, casting

virtuoso who had never known defeat, felt a crack in her armor. The specter of Elyse, an enigma wrapped in modesty, loomed large, unsettling her. That night, as shadows crept across her walls, Vicky wrestled with a gnawing unease that clung tighter than a second skin. Why wasn’t Elyse anxious or afraid? Did Elyse not see her as a worthy opponent? The thought rankled Vicky, fueling her determination to undermine Elyse’s composure. After all, she refused to feel the pressure

no matter what Vicky did, Elyse remained steadfast in her resolve. Just then, the door to the office swung open, and Darren strode in. Vicky

here. You can come back later,” she said

a child? What’s with this petty game of isolating Elyse? I

sneer was sharp as she eyed Darren. “Did Elyse send you? You seem quite concerned about her. Though I’ve heard she’s married. You

at the insinuation. “I’m just here to talk to you. You didn’t even