Chapter: 317

Nikolas exhaled a weary sigh. “Are you playing with your life? Come to your senses! Are you really willing to risk everything for her?"

He couldn't fathom Jonathan's behavior right now.

Initially, he had reservations about Jonathan's parents meddling excessively in his marriage. It just didn't seem right. While he supported Jonathan and Maddie being a couple, believing familiarity bred contentment, he still disapproved of such heavy parental involvement.

Yet now, it appeared that Jonathan's parents had been correct all along.

With Jonathan's current attitude towards Bethany, wouldn't he end up giving her whatever she desired in the future? Maybe even control over Bates Group!

“Man, I never saw you as someone so blindly in love!"

Before Bethany entered the picture, Nikolas had even wondered if Jonathan had emotional issues. Despite his natural reserve, his detachment had always seemed excessive.

Perched in the CEO seat of Bates Group, Jonathan was a magnet for numerous women. Nikolas had witnessed first-hand those socialites and beauties eyeing Jonathan with longing during business gatherings. Yet, Jonathan consistently kept a respectful distance from all women.

It baffled Nikolas how a man like that could fall so hard for someone like Bethany.

True, she was attractive and well-shaped, but among the women vying for Jonathan's attention, there were those who were not only more striking but also more accomplished and of higher social standing.

"If you won't make the arrangements, I will," Jonathan declared, making an effort to rise.

Nikolas quickly lent him support. "Why are you rushing to leave the hospital? Brody's up to speed with the company affairs. He can handle any emergencies and visit here if needed. Don't push yourself."

“I have a meeting with the wedding planner. I need to be there in person."

"Wedding?" Nikolas was taken aback. "Whose wedding?"

"My wedding to Bethany," Jonathan replied, his voice raspy as he moistened his chapped lips. "The sooner we get it done, the sooner I can set her free."

That night, Jonathan had given his relationship with Bethany much thought.

If his presence caused Bethany such anguish, perhaps setting her free was the kindest choice.

Her life had been a series of uncontrollable events, and he had once believed his influence could alter her course, lifting her from the shadows of her past. Now, it appeared she was genuinely weary.

Jonathan sensed Bethany's exhaustion keenly over the past few days; it was palpable, not feigned in the slightest.

"A wedding? Why? Ending the marriage is what you need to do. Is a wedding really necessary?" Nikolas locked eyes with Jonathan's intense stare and sighed heavily. "Alright, I'll start the paperwork for your discharge.”

After leaving Jonathan's ward, Bethany didn't leave the hospital.

Instead, she sought solace in the hospital garden that her mother had frequented.

Since Marie had spent the latter part of her life in the hospital, the garden was the only place where Bethany could properly mourn her mother.

Bethany, weary from the day, found solace on a bench in the pavilion, observing the patients and their loved ones strolling along the path.