Chapter: 243

As Jonathan took a drag from his cigarette, his thoughts lingered on Bethany asleep in their bed. He quickly extinguished the cigarette, grabbed a wet wipe from the table, and cleaned his hands.

"She doesn't need money."

"So, you're choosing to defy your mother for Bethany? Jonathan, do you want me to beg you?"

Jonathan's expression darkened. "I'll find a way to make Mom accept Bethany."

"There's no way! Your mom is set on Maddie. Didn't you hear her at the hospital?" Godfrey retorted.

Jonathan cast a thoughtful look towards the bedroom. "There has to be a way."

It was just he hadn't found it yet.

Godfrey remained silent for a while before saying, “Maddie pulled me aside earlier and suggested you and she pretend to be a couple in front of your mother to stabilize her condition. I'm not keen on deceiving your mother, but if you won't end things with Bethany, this might be our only option to calm the waters. Think about it."

He then ended the call.

Jonathan stared at the phone screen, his brows furrowed.

He was acutely aware that his mother would not easily change her stance. A temporary facade might address the immediate issue, but it didn't sit right with him.

Exhausted from the previous night's discussions, Bethany slept soundly.

When she woke the next morning at East Shade Bay, it took her a moment to gather her bearings.

After freshening up, she walked out of the bedroom.

Jonathan, dressed in a white casual shirt, was concentrated on his laptop at the dining table, his expression focused as he dealt with business matters.

In the kitchen, breakfast was nearly ready, the aroma filling the air.

Life would be perfect if it could always be this peaceful.

Noticing her, Jonathan glanced up. “Please wait for a minute."

“Okay.” Bethany nodded and padded over in her slippers. “Need any help?"

"Just wait."

She sat down across the table, propping her chin in her hands, watching him work.

Jonathan was indeed very handsome. Back in school, Bethany had often overheard girls gushing about his good looks. She had overheard two girls arguing in the restroom because of him.

She distinctly remembered how they had fought and wagered on whose love letter he would accept.

In the end, he probably hadn't accepted any. From what she recalled, when they had been desk mates, he hadn't entertain any girls around him and maintained a cool distance, much like his reserved and dignified demeanor at the company now.