"Alright," Zayne replied with ease, calm and unbothered, as if this matter didn't concern him at all.
Braden was internally stunned. He hadn't expected Mylee to outright resign from the project, nor had she mentioned Tyree taking over.
His deep affection for his wife made Braden naturally opposed to the idea; as far as he was concerned, the farther Tyree stayed away, the better. But since they were still in a meeting, he couldn't let his emotions override his reason—he had to show respect to Zayne.
He quietly glanced at Elise. She looked somewhat troubled, though it didn't seem to be due to this issue.
"Thank you for understanding, Zayne. I'm just too overwhelmed," Mylee continued. "Since Zayne has no objections, we'll have Mr. Merritt from H Technology take my place in the next meeting."
"Fine, whatever you decide," Zayne affirmed firmly, showing no objection to Mylee's decision.
Jakob couldn't quite decipher what Zayne was up to.
Mylee didn't care what Zayne thought. She was only concerned with why Braden wasn't trying to persuade her to stay.
They had worked together for years and had such a good understanding. Now that she was making this decision, did he really not understand what she was thinking?
Seeing that Elise seemed to be all he cared about, Mylee's expression remained calm, but inside, she was already twisted with resentment. Naturally, no one here could notice.
Not to mention, it was Braden, the man she had always liked.
After the meeting, Elise practically stumbled out of the conference room like a ghost, pressing her hand against her chest, trying to calm her cZaynetic emotions. She told herself not to let the replacement of H Technology's screenwriter with Tyree unsettle her.
Especially now that she was pregnant, she had to keep it together.
After all, this was her only outfit left, and she couldn't afford to ruin it with vomit.
"What's wrong?" Braden walked over to her, gently grabbing her wrist, urging her to stop and listen to him.
Elise glanced at him, "Nothing, just feeling a little unwell."
His worry was so evident, and before she knew it, it slipped right into her heart. Her heavy mood felt instantly soothed, as if it had vanished in a flash, like magic.
Baden's concern deepened as he stroked her tired face. "Are you really okay? I remember you weren't wearing this outfit when you left this morning. Did something happen?"
"Well…" Elise hesitated endlessly, her mind racing through a hundred excuses, but she couldn't find the perfect one to cover it up.
"Hmm?" Braden waited patiently, still holding back, waiting for her answer.
"When Killian came to ask me something, he accidentally spilled his drink, so I changed into the extra clothes I had brought with me," Elise explained honestly. She hadn't lied to him.
Seeing how much he cared for her, she didn't have the heart to create a white lie. She didn't want anything to ruin the happiness they had only just rediscovered.
"A drink?" Baden's eyes widened in surprise as he turned her from side to side, scanning her up and down as if to check if she was okay, all while trying to look casual.
"It's fine, it was a cold drink, so I didn't get hurt. Don't worry about me," Elise laughed, his actions so endearing that her stomach ached from giggling.
"Still laughing? How could I not worry about you? Especially since you tend to keep things to yourself. If I don't keep an eye on you and something really happens, what am I supposed to do?" Braden rubbed her palm, trying to warm her hands.
"It's just that Tyree's situation has been stressing me out. But seeing how much you care makes me feel really happy and loved."
"I spoke with Zayne about it earlier. He said it was intentional, that there's a strategy behind it… so he tactfully declined my request. But he said he's on our side. He just can't reveal the details yet." Braden sighed, worry and reluctance growing in his gaze. "I'm just… worried about how it might affect you emotionally. Now that you're pregnant, your mood can swing more easily. If you ever feel upset or troubled, you have to tell me, don't keep it to yourself."
"I know you care about me, that's why I was honest with you about changing my clothes." Elise shifted the topic back. "So, Tyree is set to be the scriptwriter for H Technology? I mean, for the collaboration with H Corporation."
"Yeah…" Braden still felt guilty.
The issue with Tyree was definitely not an easy one to resolve.
"If that's the case, I guess it can't be helped. But Mylee just mentioned you know her really well, and that actually bothers me more than Tyree does~" she drawled, watching for his reaction.
"That's just her opinion. My heart is right here, with you, and nowhere else," Braden said, pulling her into his arms, not caring who might pass by in the hallway.
She was surprised, a bit shocked, but mostly shy. She knew he cherished her deeply.
She hadn't wanted much, just to hear how much he loved her.
"I'll accept that answer!" Elise hugged him back warmly, feeling as if his sweetness would melt her into a puddle.
Braden quickly responded, his voice full of affection, "You're the only one I love, just you."
Elise hesitated, a new worry crossing her mind. "But I keep thinking… since I'm pregnant, we should speed up the wedding plans and photos. Otherwise, my belly will just keep getting bigger…"
She was excited about the baby, but she also feared his feelings might change—a mix of emotions.
She realized then that she didn't have as much confidence as she'd thought.
"If we run out of time, we can always reschedule. I just want you to be happy. Your happiness makes me happy too, you know? Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You have me to lean on." Braden bent down, pressing his forehead against hers as he gazed at her tenderly. "I know things have been a little hard on you lately, but I love you—now and always. I'll treasure every day I have with you. So, stop overthinking, silly. Or else…I might just have to cry for you again."
Elise was stunned. "Why are you crying? And didn't you say you didn't want anyone to know how badly you've been crying?"
"That's really something only you know..." Braden tried to act casual, but he was sweating inside. She wouldn't tell Ruth, would she?
"Of course, I didn't say anything. It's not exactly something happy, and besides, I caused it. I wouldn't want to tell anyone…" Elise pouted, then asked softly, "So why would you want to cry in front of me again?"
"To show you how much I love you. There's no way you'd lose me; I should be the one worrying about losing you." He teased, trying to ease her worries.
"Seems like you really do love me…" She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his right cheek before pulling away from his chest. "But I love you too!"
"I wish I could stay with you, but it's about time I head back to the office. I'll pick you up after work, so wait for me, okay?" He stroked her head tenderly, reluctant to leave. If he could, he'd keep her by his side every hour of the day.
"Tonight, I'd like to visit my mom to ask about some pregnancy tips. Could we have dinner there?"
"If you want to stay overnight, we can."
"Alright, let's decide after work. Take care on your way back." She couldn't help but hold him for a few more seconds, savoring the feeling of him by her side.
"Alright, wait for me after work so I can bring you home." He kissed her forehead gently, equally unwilling to part from her.
