Chapter: 19

Being in a strange environment, Bethany thought she wouldn't get any sleep, but to her surprise, she slept until seven the next morning.

She opened her sleepy eyes and stared up at the unfamiliar ceiling.

Suddenly, she sat bolt upright, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She turned and glanced at the sunken pillow next to her, confirming someone had indeed slept next to her last night.

Bethany quickly washed up and left the bedroom, deciding to explore Jonathan's house.

Located in one of the nicest communities in Odonset, the house boasted French windows on three sides, offering stunning views of the sea from every angle.

She had expected to see a Luxurious mansion Like those in TV series, with golden decor and opulent furnishings. To her surprise, the house was decorated rather simply in black, white, and gray hues.

The atmosphere felt cold and lonely, which made sense. After all, it was a perfect reflection of Jonathan's icy demeanor.

As she wandered through the house, a faint fragrance wafted from the dining room. Bethany assumed a maid was preparing breakfast, but when she approached, she found Jonathan standing in the kitchen, cooking.

He knew how to cook?

Hearing her footsteps padding on the marble floor, Jonathan turned to look at her. “The porridge is ready. Can you take it off the heat?" he asked, gesturing at the pot on the stove.

Bethany nodded in a daze.

"I don't like it when others invade my space, including servants,"

Jonathan explained, seeing the shock written all over her face.

With a slight cough, Bethany said awkwardly, "I didn't know you could cook."

Truth be told, what Bethany really wanted to say was that Jonathan didn't seem as difficult to approach as she had anticipated.

Bethany didn't forget her place. "I'll make breakfast tomorrow," she offered.

After all, how could she let Jonathan be the one to serve her?

But Jonathan just chuckled. Wearing a black apron over his black loungewear, he looked quite relaxed. After washing his hands, he walked over, pulled out the chair in front of the table, and sat down. "You don't have to be so formal, you know. Once we get the marriage license, we'll be husband and wife."

Because he spoke so frankly, Bethany felt emboldened to speak her mind. “Mr. Bates, how long will our marriage Last? How about we sign a contract first?"

At the end of the day, this so-called marriage was just a transaction between two consenting adults, and it would be wise to set a concrete deadline.

If Jonathan wanted the marriage to last for years, she would have to reconsider. A man's prime lasted much longer than a woman's. When Jonathan got the divorce certificate, he would still be a desirable golden bachelor, but she would be left in a difficult position-an older woman with a tarnished history and possibly a pregnancy, unwanted by anyone.

Jonathan fell silent, as if considering her concerns.

After a long pause, he nodded and said, “Okay, how about a year-long contract? I can ask my secretary to draw one up.”

“Sounds good."