Chapter: 136

At the mention of her name, a brief expression crossed Jonathan's usually composed face.

“You're different," he answered.

“It's because you're married, right?"

His brow furrowed, realizing that Nikolas must have informed Maddie about this.

"You don't need to blame Nikolas! After your car accident, Nikolas and I were so upset that we summoned Bethany. He mentioned it in the heat of the moment," Maddie explained, looking down. "Nikolas mentioned that you had registered for marriage, yet Bethany was still seeing another man."

Although Nikolas had pulled her away, she had overheard enough from a distance.

“I don't want to discuss this. Is there anything else you need to say?" Jonathan's tone grew colder, and the air around him tensed.

After a pause filled with silence, Maddie exhaled deeply. “Aren't you worried that your mother will find out and fall into depression again?"

What she really wanted to express was how he could have so easily married Bethany.

That position should have been hers.

Her name should have been on the marriage certificate.

She had always thought of Bethany as merely a symbol of Jonathan's adolescent infatuation. Yet, it turned out he had cherished her deeply for many years.

Jonathan and Bethany officially tied the knot, their marriage now legal and binding.

Maddie felt a pang of jealousy. She was once the favored one in Jonathan's parents’ eyes; now she was overshadowed by Bethany.

“Keep this from my mother for now," Jonathan demanded. He was mindful of his mother's fragile health, yet determined not to let Bethany leave him.

"Don't worry; your secret's safe with me," Maddie assured, stepping back. "Since you've got it covered, I'll leave you be. Get some rest."

With a nod, Jonathan quietly closed the door, omitting the customary goodnight.

Back in bed, his mind raced with thoughts of a conversation he had accidentally overheard during a recent video call.

“Bethany, may I come in?"

“You're welcome. You should still eat, even if you have to work late. If Aimee hadn't been out shopping, we could have returned earlier. I'll ask her to prepare some snacks at home, so you don't have to worry about meals if you're working late again."

Jonathan immediately recognized Jayson's voice-it was unmistakable.

Even though Aimee was there, Bethany seeing another man late at night stirred jealousy in Jonathan.

Frowning, Jonathan quickly texted Brody.

“Ensure that Bethany joins you when you fly to Canbidge to check out Creation Group," he ordered.