Chapter: 263

Of course, as a mother, she still had a backup plan prepared for her daughter. That was Jayson.

Marie considered it important to keep him close; just in case Jonathan ditched Bethany, Jayson would still be by her side. She didn't want her daughter to have a life full of regrets like her.

But she wouldn't voice it out. She was well aware of her daughter's temperament.

Bethany changed the subject and chatted with her mother. She stayed by the ward until the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow through the window.

As Bethany stepped outside, she was surprised to see Jonathan's car already waiting by the curb.

She couldn't help but wonder how long he had been there. He never informed her of his arrival but simply waited patiently.

"How's your mom doing today?" Jonathan reached over to fasten her seatbelt.

“She seemed surprisingly happy. I tried asking what made her day, but she's keeping it a secret," Bethany replied, smiling at his concern.

She felt a quiet satisfaction settle in her chest, a small victory for having avoided another argument with her mother. It was a step forward in convincing her.

But when she glanced over at Jonathan, she noticed something unsettling. His brows were furrowed, and his lips were pressed into a thin, tight line. Was he displeased?

"Did something happen at work? Jonathan, if you're busy, you don't have to come pick me up. I can get home myself."

"It's not about work," he replied, his tone clipped and distant.

“Is it about your family?"

Jonathan's hands tightened on the steering wheel as he started the engine, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "No, it's not that either."

The drive home was cloaked in a heavy silence. Bethany's mind raced, trying to decipher what was bothering him. Despite her efforts to engage him, Jonathan remained enigmatic. Even after they returned to East Shade Bay, he went through the motions of their evening routine -changing clothes, cooking dinner, attending a video conference, showering-everything seemed normal, almost mechanical.

Bethany tried to brush off her unease, convincing herself she was overthinking. But as she was about to drift off to sleep, Jonathan suddenly pressed her down on the bed.

That night, sleep eluded Bethany. He held her close, not releasing his grip on her waist until the first light of dawn crept through the blinds.

By morning, Bethany was utterly exhausted, her arms too heavy to lift.

Jonathan, breathless and spent, finally let out a muffled groan. He leaned in close, his voice a rough whisper in her ear. "You're mine."

Bethany vaguely remembered, Jonathan kept gently brushing her hair until she completely fell asleep.

Because she was utterly exhausted, she slept very deeply.

When Jonathan left, he pulled the curtains closed tightly, ensuring no Light disturbed her, and she slept until noon.

She grabbed her phone and noticed missed calls from her mother and Brody.

What did he want?