Chapter: 390
On one hand, he was relieved his friend was free from this woman who seemed devoid of compassion. On the other, he felt Jonathan deserved better.
Watching Bethany thrive in her career, enjoying her life, and marrying another man fanned the flames of his anger.
He was furious. His naive friend remained ensnared by Bethany's memory !
Despite Jonathan's fervent denials, Nikolas wasn't convinced for a second.
“My husband and I are deeply in love. If you have any doubts about our relationship, you can ask Ryan," Bethany declared with finality, eager to put this confrontation to bed. “Even if Jonathan were standing right here, I would still choose my husband.”
With that, she strode away, her high heels clicking a determined rhythm, leaving Nikolas rooted to the spot.
She knew she couldn't go through with the lunch, putting on a brave face as if nothing had happened. She'd have to beg Ryan's forgiveness later.
Behind her, Nikolas quietly pulled out his phone.
The screen displayed a call duration of 10:29.
“Did you hear all of that?"
“Yes, I did."
After ending the previous call, Nikolas dialed Jonathan again, keeping the phone discreetly hidden from Bethany's view. Jonathan remained on the Line, silent yet attentive, absorbing every instance of Bethany referring to her husband.
Nikolas suddenly felt a pang of regret for his impulsive action.
He shouldn't have made Jonathan listen to that, knowing each word was like a dagger to his friend's heart. "Jonathan, I-"
"It's okay. If she's happy, that's what matters." Jonathan's voice was steady, but Nikolas knew he was fighting to keep his emotions in check.
Jonathan hadn't cracked a smile in years, all because of Bethany.
"She's married, and everyone at her company is aware of it. Jonathan, she's incredibly ruthless! It's obvious. Why don't you just marry Maddie? Why would you want to upset your parents over her?"
"Nikolas, my love for her is my business." Whether she reciprocated those feelings was entirely her choice.
Jonathan didn't want to compel Bethany into doing anything.
Be it a few years ago or now, he never intended to.
Jonathan, with his abilities, could easily keep Bethany by his side forever if he wanted to. He wouldn't even need to do it himself; many people would be more than willing to do his bidding.
He wanted Bethany to always be happy. He couldn't bear to see her hurting and if her being happy did not include him, he'd simply walk away.
"But she's already caused you a lot of pain. And even I can't tolerate it. Just give me the go ahead, Jonathan. I'll find out who her husband is and teach him a lesson, so that he knows who he's dealing with. And if the plan doesn't work, I'll threaten her and make her come back to you!" Nikolas said.
"Don't," Jonathan finally replied with sadness in his voice. “I genuinely love her, but I know deep down that it's time for me to let go."