Chapter: 138

"The doctor said your surgery has a very high success rate, and you should be home in about ten days to two weeks," Bethany reassured her, hoping to soothe some of Marie's anxiety.

“I know. The surgeon came to see me yesterday," Marie responded. As she needed to fast before the surgery, all she could do was lie in bed, minimizing even her water intake. "Don't worry about me. I'm actually more worried about you."

While Bethany was wiping her arms, she paused briefly and replied, "Why?"

"You just got your marriage certificate but haven't had the ceremony yet. Is that man deceiving you? What if he secretly sees another woman?" Marie expressed her biggest fear.

Having experienced such betrayal herself, she was particularly concerned that Bethany might endure the same.

"No, I don't think he's like that," Bethany responded, aware of Marie's distrust of men.

“I thought the same when I was your age."

Bethany fell silent.

"You're just like I was back then! I need to speak with him myself. His parents must also come and give their assurances," Marie insisted, reaching for her phone.

Bethany quickly interjected, "Do you know what time it is? What are you doing? They're probably asleep by now!"

“It's only seven o'clock! They're not asleep. And I need to call at an inconvenient time to test how sincere the Watson family really is,"

Marie declared, her logic always taking Bethany by surprise.

“If things keep going like this, my marriage will be troubled."

Luckily, Jayson was only a stand-in. Once Marie's surgery was over, Bethany wouldn't have to keep up the act. Really, which man could tolerate Marie's erratic behavior if this were a real marriage?

That was partly why Bethany had been disinterested in romance for so long.

She didn't want her complicated family life to negatively affect someone else.

“Are you blaming me again?" Marie sounded hurt. “Bethany, don't you see that I'm doing all this for you? I'm your mother. I don't want you to end up hurt like I was!"

Bethany exhaled slowly and said, "I know you mean well. Here's what we'll do. After your surgery, once I complete my company project and receive my bonus, I'll pay them back, and then divorce him."

She was, of course, referring to Jonathan.

"That's not acceptable!" Marie objected instantly. "You're a wonderful woman. How can you just become a divorcee like that?"

“Don't you think it's better to be single than to be in a relationship where we have to scheme against each other?"

Bethany was ostensibly speaking to Marie but she was also questioning her own feelings.

During this time, Jonathan had unexpectedly become a significant part of her life, causing her to grow accustomed to his presence. She often found herself caught up in the dynamics of his relationship with Maddie.

She felt utterly exhausted.