Chapter: 273

Bethany said, "This is too much. How can I eat all this?"

“Mr. Bates was concerned you might not like some of the dishes, so he had me bring everything." The assistant's attitude towards Bethany was now very respectful, unlike before.

He initially saw her and Jonathan as having a fleeting relationship, but now he recognized her importance to him.

His courteous demeanor made Bethany feel somewhat awkward.

"It's late. You should go get some rest."

“Thank you, Mrs. Bates."

"Just call me Bethany. I'm not used to that title." She felt like she didn't quite match that role.

The assistant hesitated but then agreed and said, “Alright, please rest well. If you need anything, you can call me."

He gave her a business card before leaving.

As she watched him vanish into the night, Bethany felt a mix of amusement and helplessness. She reached for her phone to call Jonathan. It rang once before she remembered he might be occupied, so she promptly ended the call.

Approximately five minutes later, Jonathan returned her call.

“What's up?"

"Did I disturb you?"

"No, I usually silence my phone during meetings. I'll adjust the settings so your calls always come through."

"There's no need for that!" Bethany said quickly. "Really, it's okay! I just wanted to let you know that the dinner arrived. There's too much food here; I can't eat it all by myself. It will just go to waste."

"I was concerned you might not enjoy anything else after getting used to my cooking."

"That's true." Bethany sat on the bed, stroking the blanket they had shared. "I'm really not used to being home alone without you."

After she finished speaking, Jonathan's silence made her feel a bit awkward.

After a brief silence, she asked, “Hello? Is something wrong?"

"I just wrapped up my last meeting. I'm on my way back now. I'll be home in about four hours."

Bethany said with surprise, “It's getting late! You should relax there. You still have work tomorrow."

“But you miss me," Jonathan said, his voice filled with barely contained joy. "So I have to come back."

“Jonathan."

"You don't have to wait for me. Go ahead and eat, then get some sleep."