Chapter: 269

Jonathan's brow furrowed like a stormy sky. He crept closer and peered at the spreadsheets on her screen. “Are you given too much work?"

Bethany started, nearly jumping out of her skin. “When did you come? I didn't even hear you."

"You were buried in your work," Jonathan said, perching at the bed's edge. His worry was evident. "I'll have a word with Brody about reducing your workload."

"No, please don't! I asked for these tasks." Bethany's fingers didn't pause. "While I was on leave, he must have been so busy he couldn't even sleep. Now I can pitch in to help him out, so he can take a breather."

"But if you take on all that work, you'll end up working overtime every day."

“That won't last long, maybe just for a week at most." Bethany saved her work and closed the laptop with a click. "Don't worry about me. I'm an adult. I know when I'm tired."

Jonathan wasn't soothed by her assurances.

He knew she was striving to meet his expectations, but that was never his intention.

As he mulled over how to broach the subject of her workload, Bethany broke the silence first.

“By the way, I can't work overtime this Saturday. I'm visiting my mom and getting a checkup."

"Is something wrong?" Jonathan asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Nothing. It's just a routine checkup. Since I'm going to the hospital anyway, I figured I'd get it done," Bethany said, her cheeks reddening slightly. She couldn't admit she was worried because her period was late. On one hand, she was too bashful. On the other, they had always used birth control, so pregnancy was unlikely. But if she mentioned the delay, Jonathan might jump to conclusions and then be disappointed if it turned out to be nothing.

"Then I'll come with you. I'm free on Saturday," Jonathan offered.

“That's not necessary." Bethany was at a loss how to handle her mother. She dreaded potential friction if Jonathan joined her for a visit. Marie had made life difficult for Jayson, despite her fondness for him. Bethany feared a similar clash if Jonathan were to meet her mother.

Noticing Jonathan's silence, Bethany sidled up to him, latching onto his arm with uncharacteristic coyness.

“Are you upset?" she asked.

"Not at all," he replied, his tone neutral.

"Knowing you want to come is enough for me. Besides, I'm just going for a physical examination. If you really want to come with me, how about I visit my mother this Saturday and we go to a different hospital on Sunday?"

Jonathan sighed, relenting. "You don't have to feel uneasy around me. I'm simply considering how to make your mother accept me."

“Leave that to me. You've already got enough on your plate. This is my cross to carry."

Bethany knew reasoning with her mother was futile at the moment. It would take time for her to come around. Once her mother saw the longevity of their relationship, her acceptance would follow.

“Alright. Let's get some sleep."

Jonathan gently stroked Bethany's hair. Once her breathing evened out in slumber, he slipped out to the balcony with his phone.

A message from his father sent thirty minutes ago, glowed on the screen: